Jeff Gordon’s influence in music has reached new heights, shaping the careers of artists like Shaboozey well beyond the world of stock car racing. In 2024, Shaboozey’s meteoric rise highlighted how a NASCAR legend can inspire chart-topping hits and groundbreaking cultural shifts.
The Early Days: Shaboozey Draws Inspiration from Jeff Gordon
Shaboozey, originally known as Collins Obinna Chibueze, emerged from Virginia’s music scene to become one of the industry’s brightest new stars. His career accelerated after he contributed vocals to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and landed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with his single A Bar Song (Tipsy). By the time the NFL asked him to perform at its headline autumn event, his story had taken on an almost mythical NASCAR flavor.
The roots of Shaboozey’s success trace directly to Jeff Gordon’s influence. It all began in 2014, when a young Chibueze debuted with a single named after Gordon. Growing up, Shaboozey absorbed sounds from artists as varied as Fela Kuti, Lil Wayne, Clipse, Roger Waters, and the Grateful Dead. This blend shaped a signature style that defied easy classification, fusing elements from different genres into a sound both original and unpredictable.
Rapping about NASCAR marked the start of Shaboozey’s journey from local novelty to a global phenomenon. Over the next decade, he climbed the charts and eventually shared the stage with Gordon himself, honoring the driver as the catalyst for his breakout moment.
“And I want to say a quick shoutout, you’re (Gordon) the reason I make country music. The first song I ever made that got me any sort of notoriety was named after this guy, and inspired by this guy,”
— Shaboozey, Artist
The connection between artist and driver went beyond casual admiration. In conversation, Shaboozey recalled how deeply he studied Gordon’s career and the impact the racing legend had on his creative development. When Gordon expressed surprise at his ongoing relevance, Shaboozey reflected on his humble beginnings:
“I started watching all your races just like learning the history.”
— Shaboozey, Artist
“They don’t even know that side of me. But like anyone back home is going to watch that and be like, they’d probably shed tears. Because they know we were in basements performing for like 10 people. So, thank you so much, brother.”
— Shaboozey, Artist
Shaboozey’s remarkable progression, from the modest days of underground shows in Virginia to international acclaim, underscores the deep influence Jeff Gordon has wielded outside of the racing world.
Shaboozey’s Rising Stardom and Career Highlights
After releasing his debut single honoring Gordon, Shaboozey signed a major deal with Republic Records in 2017, marking a milestone with his first album, Lady Wrangler. His next project, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, secured his standing in the alt-country genre, while his third album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, opened doors on a global scale.
With A Bar Song (Tipsy) spending 18 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, Shaboozey set a new record for staying power on the charts this year. At just 29, he joined the ranks of Grammy nominees, earning nods for Song of the Year, Best Country Solo Performance, and Best New Artist, signaling his place among modern music’s elite. His growing collection of awards and nominations points to a future filled with even greater achievements, as audiences connect to his genre-blurring sound and authentic story.
Jeff Gordon’s Enduring Legacy in Music and Beyond
The reach of Jeff Gordon’s cultural influence extends far past Shaboozey’s own creative path. As the most frequently referenced NASCAR driver in rap, Gordon’s name serves as shorthand for speed, excellence, and charisma in countless songs. Tracks like “One Day” featuring YFN Lucci and Trouble, “Right on Time” by Little Brother, and “Believe” with Quavo, A-Trak, and Lil Yachty keep the driver’s legacy alive in new musical landscapes. The Grateful Dead, Roger Waters, and other artists from across genres have all inspired Shaboozey’s blend of styles, but it is Jeff Gordon who remains the anchor to his origin story.
One especially impactful nod to Gordon appears in Nelly’s hit “E.I.,” where the rapper proclaims,
“I drive fastly, call me Jeff Gordon/ in a black SS with the navigation,”
— Nelly, Rapper — a lyric that has cemented the NASCAR icon’s status in hip-hop folklore.
Other artists, from Method Man and Raekwon to A$AP Nast, A$AP Rocky, and Playboi Carti, have woven Gordon’s name into their lyrics, underscoring the versatile reach of his reputation. This phenomenon proves that the lines between sports legends and music icons are more porous—and more powerful—than ever before.
Looking Forward: The Lasting Impact of Jeff Gordon’s Musical Influence
Jeff Gordon’s influence in music continues to spark creativity and ambition far outside NASCAR’s boundaries. The path Shaboozey carved, starting with his admiration of Gordon and culminating in global recognition, highlights a new model where inspiration flows freely between seemingly disparate worlds. As Shaboozey’s career soars, he credits that foundational spark—his debut single, his grit in Virginia basements, and the encouragement from a racing great—for fueling his artistic journey.
For aspiring musicians and racing fans alike, the coexistence of figures like Jeff Gordon and Shaboozey signals a modern era where pop culture’s boundaries are dissolving. Artists now draw inspiration from unexpected heroes, and in turn, carry those influences into new generations—and new genres—across the world.
Shaboozey went from rapping about NASCAR to ruling the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 straight weeks. 🏁
A decade after dropping his first single Jeff Gordon, he shared the stage with the legend himself. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/615x2b6HbF
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) September 19, 2025
