Exciting things are happening in the world of country music. For example, Shaboozey had his first big hit with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” a country track that heavily samples J-Known’s “Tispy.” Few would expect a crunk anthem like “Tipsy” to become the template for a backwoods hit! However, Shaboozey’s song is better than J-Kwon’s in every way.
J-Kwon’s ‘Tipsy’ and Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ are iconic but only 1 is poignant J-Kwon’s song encapsulated an era. Between its lyrics about alcohol, its stomping beat, and its undeniable chorus, it embodied the crunk movement. It’ll show up on 2000s R&B playlists for decades to come.
However, it doesn’t have much emotional resonance or a melody. Meanwhile, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is the rare drinking song that speaks to the soul. J-Kwon is drinking for fun, but Shaboozey is drinking out of desperation.
In a tip of the hat to another famous country song, Shaboozey says he’s sick of working from 9 to 5 , so he attempts to drown out his sorrows. His music has sparse, minimal production which makes the track more poignant and sad. J-Kwon’s ‘Tipsy’ doesn’t have the greatest hook On top of all that, Shaboozey has a better hook.
That simple, repeated call of “Oh Lord” works so well. On one level, the line is a callback to country music’s long history of religiosity. On another level, it’s a subtle cry for help.
J-Kwon’s approach to hooks is a lot more blunt. “Tipsy” is the sort o.