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Recording Academy Revokes Grammy Nods for J-Kwon and Writers of Interpolated Hit ‘Tipsy’
According to Grammy rules, the “publishers and songwriters of sampled or interpolated material” are only eligible to receive certificates, not awards.
The Recording Academy has rescinded the 2025 Grammy nominations for J-Kwon (Jerrell C. Jones), Joe Kent, and Mark Williams, the writers behind J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy.” Their work was interpolated in Shaboozey’s genre-defying smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which initially earned nods for Song of the Year and Best Country Song.
Announced on December 12 via the Academy’s Grammy Award Update Center, the decision clarifies that while the original “Tipsy” writers will still receive certificates if the song wins, they are no longer eligible for Grammy trophies. According to the Academy’s rules, only the songwriters of the new work are considered for Grammy awards in songwriting categories, whereas contributors of sampled or interpolated material are eligible for certificates only.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” borrows notable lines like “One, here comes the two to the three to the four” and “everybody at the bar gettin’ tipsy” from J-Kwon’s original. The song became a cultural phenomenon, dominating the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1, matching Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” feat. Billy Ray Cyrus.
Shaboozey even invited J-Kwon to join him for a live performance of the hit at the 2024 BET Awards. “Make some noise for Mr. Tipsy himself, all the way from St. Louis, J-Kwon,” Shaboozey announced to a hyped crowd.
J-Kwon, who was well-compensated for the interpolation, expressed pride in the collaboration during an April interview with Billboard.
“I got a crazy percentage… Let’s say it like this, we did that together, and I’m proud of him.”
The Academy’s decision aligns with its history of distinguishing between original contributions and interpolations. Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” for example, featured a sample of Nine Inch Nails’ “34 Ghosts IV” but did not credit its co-writers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross in the Grammy songwriting category, consistent with the same rules.
While the Grammy news might be a disappointment for J-Kwon and his collaborators, their cultural impact with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and its enduring legacy remains undeniable. Perhaps, as the song suggests, there’s always an open bar nearby to toast—or toast away—their feelings.
