J-Kwon’s Grammy Nominations Withdrawn: A Closer Look
Hey everyone, it’s Ryan here, for those who might not be in the loop, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has been a massive hit, blending country and hip-hop in a way that’s captivated audiences. The song, which features an interpolation of J-Kwon’s 2004 classic “Tipsy,” was initially nominated for Song of the Year and Best Country Song at the 2025 Grammys1.
However, the Recording Academy recently announced that J-Kwon, along with the original writers Joe Kent and Mark Williams, will no longer be eligible for Grammy trophies. Instead, they’ll receive certificates if the song wins. This decision stems from Grammy rules that distinguish between songwriters of new songs and those of sampled or interpolated material1.
Despite this setback, J-Kwon’s influence on the track is undeniable. His iconic lines, “One, here comes the two to the three to the four” and “everybody at the bar gettin’ tipsy,” have helped propel “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” to the top of the charts, tying the record for the longest run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 1001.
While it’s disappointing for J-Kwon and his fans, it’s important to recognize the impact of his work and the continued relevance of “Tipsy” in today’s music scene.
Cheers, Ryan