Independent music powerhouse EMPIRE has solidified its partnership with breakout artist Shaboozey, announcing a new publishing deal that significantly deepens their existing relationship. This move follows a landmark year for the artist, whose genre-bending hits have captured national attention and critical acclaim. The agreement underscores EMPIRE’s commitment to fostering Shaboozey’s burgeoning career across all facets of the music industry.
The newly inked publishing deal represents a strategic expansion of the partnership that began in 2021 when Shaboozey first signed with the EMPIRE label. This latest agreement signifies a shared vision for the long-term development and exploitation of his creative works, extending beyond recorded music to encompass songwriting and intellectual property.
A Year of Unprecedented Success Fuels Publishing Expansion
Shaboozey, a Grammy-winning artist known for seamlessly blending country, hip-hop, and pop sensibilities, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. His collaboration with Jelly Roll, "Amen," recently secured the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026. This prestigious award capped off a period of remarkable commercial success for the artist.
Central to this success is Shaboozey’s infectious track "A Bar Song (Tipsy)." The song achieved a historic 19-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, tying a record for the longest-running number one single. Its immense popularity was further validated by its diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over 10 million units sold or streamed.
Beyond singles, Shaboozey’s 2024 album, "Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going," also made a significant chart impact, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200. This comprehensive success across singles, albums, and major awards demonstrates Shaboozey’s multifaceted appeal and the strength of his songwriting.
EMPIRE’s Strategic Vision for Shaboozey’s Songwriting Talent
The expansion into publishing is a clear indication of EMPIRE’s recognition of Shaboozey’s prowess as a songwriter. Vinny Kumar, President of EMPIRE Publishing, expressed enthusiasm for the new agreement. "We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Shaboozey in this publishing deal," Hurt stated. "As great of an artist as Shaboozey is, he’s equally as talented as a songwriter; constantly striving to write the most compelling, story-driven songs that reach a broad and diverse audience. EMPIRE looks forward to supporting the publishing interests of a global artist who knows it always has to start with great songs."
Kumar further emphasized the foundational role of Shaboozey’s writing. "The creative foundation of Shaboozey’s success is his writing, which sits at the center of one of the most significant chart achievements in recent memory," he added. "We’re proud to partner with him on the publishing side as he continues to make history." This sentiment highlights the belief that Shaboozey’s lyrical and melodic contributions are a cornerstone of his artistic identity and commercial viability.
Eric Hurt, Senior VP of A&R at EMPIRE Publishing, who initially signed Shaboozey to the label in 2021, played a pivotal role in securing this expanded publishing agreement. His foresight in recognizing Shaboozey’s potential as a recording artist has now translated into a strategic investment in his songwriting catalog.
The Journey to Chart Domination and Industry Recognition
Shaboozey’s journey with EMPIRE has been marked by a series of strategic moves and creative breakthroughs. Since signing with the label, he has consistently delivered music that resonates with a wide audience, pushing the boundaries of established genres. His ability to craft catchy hooks while delivering meaningful narratives has been a key factor in his widespread appeal.
The success of "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of years of dedicated work and artistic development. The song’s innovative blend of a classic drinking song trope with modern production and Shaboozey’s distinctive vocal delivery made it an instant anthem. Its enduring presence on the charts is a testament to its widespread appeal and its ability to connect with listeners on a visceral level.
The "Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going" album further solidified Shaboozey’s position as a formidable artist. The project showcased his versatility, exploring a range of themes and musical styles. The album’s strong debut on the Billboard 200 indicated a growing and dedicated fanbase eager for his full-length offerings.
A Collaborative Ecosystem: Shaboozey, EMPIRE, and American Dogwood
The publishing deal also arrives at a time when Shaboozey has been actively building his own creative infrastructure. He recently established his own imprint, American Dogwood, in partnership with EMPIRE. This venture allows him greater control over his artistic output and provides a platform for emerging artists.
The expanded edition of "Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going" included "Amen," the Grammy-winning collaboration with Jelly Roll. This track exemplifies Shaboozey’s ability to bridge musical divides and create compelling duets that appeal to diverse fan bases. The Grammy win for "Amen" not only boosted Shaboozey’s profile but also brought renewed attention to the country music landscape’s growing embrace of cross-genre collaborations.
In addition to these major releases, Shaboozey has continued to release a string of impactful singles, further demonstrating his prolificacy and creative drive. "Let ‘Em Know" served as the opening track for Prime Sports’ Thursday Night Football broadcasts, showcasing his ability to create music that complements major cultural events. His collaboration with Stephen Wilson Jr. on "Took a Walk" was featured in the Lionsgate film "The Long Walk," highlighting his songwriting’s cinematic potential. Furthermore, his partnership with Kevin Powers, who signed with American Dogwood in September, indicates a commitment to nurturing new talent within his own creative sphere.
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
The news of Shaboozey’s publishing deal has been met with positive reactions from industry professionals and collaborators. Jared Cotter, Shaboozey’s manager at Range Media, expressed his satisfaction with the deepened relationship. "We couldn’t be happier to double down on the mutual commitment between Shaboozey and EMPIRE," Cotter stated. "They have been integral partners in Shaboozey’s success on the record side and I have no doubt we will say the same in the publishing business as well."
This sentiment suggests a strong level of trust and mutual respect between Shaboozey, his management, and EMPIRE. The publishing arm of EMPIRE is recognized for its role in supporting artists’ long-term careers, making this a strategic move for Shaboozey’s future endeavors.
The expansion into publishing is a significant step for any artist, as it involves the rights and royalties associated with their written works. For a songwriter of Shaboozey’s caliber, this represents a crucial avenue for sustained income and creative control. It also signals his intent to remain a dominant force in the music industry for years to come, leveraging his songwriting talent as a core asset.
The Evolving Landscape of Music Publishing
The music publishing industry plays a vital role in the ecosystem of music creation and distribution. Publishers administer copyrights, license songs for use in various media, and ensure songwriters are compensated for their work. As music consumption continues to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on streaming and digital platforms, the strategic management of publishing rights has become more critical than ever.
Shaboozey’s publishing deal with EMPIRE positions him to benefit from the growing global demand for music. His ability to craft songs that transcend genre boundaries makes his catalog particularly valuable, with potential for synchronization licenses in film, television, advertising, and video games. The international reach of EMPIRE further amplifies these opportunities.
This agreement also reflects a broader trend in the music industry, where artists are increasingly seeking to own and control their entire creative output. By securing a comprehensive deal with EMPIRE that encompasses both label services and publishing, Shaboozey is building a robust and integrated career foundation. This allows him to focus on creating music while ensuring that his intellectual property is managed effectively.
Shaboozey’s Impact on Contemporary Music
Shaboozey’s success is a testament to the evolving nature of popular music and the increasing willingness of audiences to embrace artists who defy categorization. His ability to blend elements of country storytelling with hip-hop’s rhythmic energy and pop’s infectious melodies has created a unique sonic identity. This approach not only resonates with his existing fanbase but also attracts new listeners who are looking for fresh and innovative sounds.
The artist’s recent Grammy win for "Amen" is particularly significant. It highlights a growing recognition of the artistic merit and commercial viability of country music collaborations that incorporate elements from other genres. This award is a victory not only for Shaboozey and Jelly Roll but also for the broader movement towards genre fluidity in popular music.
Furthermore, Shaboozey’s commitment to crafting "story-driven songs" aligns with a renewed appreciation for lyrical depth and narrative substance in music. In an era often characterized by fleeting trends, his focus on compelling storytelling offers a grounding element that fosters deeper listener engagement. This approach is likely to influence a new generation of songwriters who are inspired by his success.
The Road Ahead: Continued Growth and Creative Exploration
With this expanded relationship, Shaboozey is poised for continued success. The publishing deal provides a stable framework for the monetization and management of his songwriting catalog, allowing him to focus on his creative output. His established partnership with EMPIRE, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit in launching American Dogwood, suggests a long-term vision for his career.
As Shaboozey continues to release new music and explore new creative avenues, his publishing rights will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his sustained artistic and commercial growth. The strategic alignment with EMPIRE Publishing ensures that his prolific songwriting talent will be supported and amplified on a global scale. This development marks another significant milestone in the career of one of contemporary music’s most dynamic and compelling artists.
