Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Shaboozey Face Off for Grammy Song of the Year: A Look at Their Biggest Hits This Year

The Recording Academy unveiled the 2025 Grammy Nominations, and as expected, there were plenty of snubs and acknowledgments to go around.  However, one category will be especially interesting to observe during the ceremony, as it puts Kendrick Lamar head-to-head with longtime collaborator Beyoncé and newcomer Shaboozey. 

It was no secret that Lamar earned a nod in the Song of the Year category for his megahit, “Not Like Us.” Among Bey’s 11 nominations, she was recognized in the same class for her country tune, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Shaboozey, who landed a spot on Bey’s “Cowboy Carter” project on the tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckin.” Now, Shaboozey is having his biggest moment, with his breakout single, “A Bar Song,” going against his collaborator.

Each of these tracks is worthy of the trophy for their own unique reasons.  Let’s take a look at how Lamar, Bey, and Shaboozey’s hit singles fared this year. 

Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us” (released May 4th, 2024)

“Not Like Us” spent two non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  It is the longest-running number-one song on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart, spending a jaw-dropping 21 weeks at the top.  It is not six times platinum in the United States and is arguably the record that earned him a spot as the Super Bowl LIX Halftime performer. The music video has amassed over 160 million views. 

Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em” (released February 11th, 2024)

Serving as the lead single from her “Cowboy Carter” album, “Texas Hold ‘Em” became an instant success.  The record debuted at number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, making Queen Bey the first Black woman to achieve this feat.  The song remained in this spot for ten weeks until Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” dethroned it in April 2024.  Additionally, “Texas Hold ‘Em” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  The catchy tune is now platinum in the United States.

Shaboozey – “A Bar Song – Tipsy” (released April 12th, 2024)

Shaboozey struck gold with this down south spin on J-Kwon’s 2004 single, “Tipsy.” The song became a viral sensation, quickly thrusting Shaboozey into the national spotlight, though he’d released multiple projects up until that point.  “A Bar Song” spent 16 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and 19 weeks at number one on the Hot Country Songs chart. The visual attracted over 140 million views.