Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter Shaboozey has signed a publishing deal with EMPIRE Publishing, extending his relationship with the independent company beyond its recorded music business.
The deal follows the commercial breakthrough of Shaboozey’s RIAA Diamond-certified single A Bar Song (Tipsy) and his RIAA Gold-certified album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.
According to EMPIRE, the single holds the record for the longest-leading No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. It also has accumulated over a billion streams across DSPs and made history, making Shaboozey the first Black male artist to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts.
Shaboozey originally signed to EMPIRE’s label division in 2021. The publishing agreement was led by Vinny Kumar, recently appointed President of EMPIRE Publishing, alongside Eric Hurt, SVP of A&R at EMPIRE, who signed the artist to the label.
In September 2025, the artist and EMPIRE teamed up to launch the independent imprint American Dogwood, described as being inspired by the culture and traditions of Virginia and the greater Mid-Atlantic.
“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.”
Eric Hurt, EMPIRE
In a statement, Hurt said: “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Shaboozey in this publishing deal.
“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 added: “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. We’re proud to partner with him on the publishing side as he continues to make history.”
Shaboozey’s co-manager, Jared Cotter of Range Media Partners, said the publishing deal deepens the relationship between the parties following their work together on the recorded music side.
“We couldn’t be happier to double down on the mutual commitment between Shaboozey and EMPIRE. 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.”
“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.”
Vinny Kumar, EMPIRE Publishing
Before introducing his own record imprint, American Dogwood, in partnership with EMPIRE, Shaboozey also released the expanded edition of WIFIWIG, which included new songs featuring Jelly Roll on “Amen,” which is now Top 10 at Country Radio and a 2026 Grammy-winning record; Myles Smith on “Blink Twice”; Sierra Ferrell on “Hail Mary”; and most prominently “Good News,” which became his second single to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
He has also released a slew of singles throughout the last few months, including the official opening track for Prime Sport’s Thursday Night Football entitled “Let ‘Em Know,” his Stephen Wilson Jr. collaboration “Took a Walk,” written for the end titles of Lionsgate’s motion picture The Long Walk, and “Move On” with his artist Kevin Powers.
Elsewhere at EMPIRE, the company has continued its international expansion.
In July 2025, it launched operations in the Nordic region under the leadership of Iman Hazheer, and in April announced a multi-year partnership with Cambodian music company Baramey Production aimed at supporting artists in Southeast Asia.
Founded in 2010 by Ghazi, EMPIRE operates across label services, distribution, and publishing, claiming to be one of the largest privately held record companies in the United States.Music Business Worldwide