803 Fresh Unveils Official Music Video for “Boots On The Ground” the Viral Southern Soul SMASH
Southern Soul breakout artist 803 Fresh ignites the charts and the culture with his BET Soul video debut of “Boots On The Ground,” a bold Carolina anthem.
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Editorial Dept.
Today, breakout Southern Soul artist 803 Fresh releases the official music video for his viral debut single, “Boots On The Ground,” premiering exclusively on BET Soul. The single, currently #3 on the R&B US radio chart, was written by 803 Fresh and produced by T DA Wizard for Snake Eyez Music Group. The video was directed by Emmy® Award winner Chris O’Conner with creative direction by Corey Calder of Artist Publishing Group (APG).
Watch “Boots On The Ground” HERE!!!
Shot over two days in 803 Fresh’s hometown in South Carolina, and on the historic campus of South Carolina State University, the video serves as a powerful love letter to his roots. Featuring a standout performance by the South Carolina State marching band, the production captures the vibrant spirit of the South while showcasing its deep musical legacy. The visual also includes special guest cameos by King George, Anthony Hamilton, Nova Wav, LaR’iyah Jesiree’ aka Ms. Shirley, DJ Trucker, and others.
For 803 Fresh, the video is more than a milestone—it’s a homecoming. “I wanted this video to be something my hometown and my state could be proud of,” he shared. “This is Carolina Soul. This is for the people who’ve been riding with me from day one. It’s also about showing the world just how powerful and beautiful Southern Soul music really is.”
In the buildup to the release and on the May 14 episode of The Sherri Show, 803 Fresh joined host Sherri Shepherd to celebrate the meteoric rise of “Boots on the Ground.” What started as a grassroots favorite quickly hit the national stage when Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, and Sam Champion danced to the track live on Good Morning America. The song’s momentum has since gone global, boosted by a high-profile mash-up with Beyoncé’s “Heated”featured in her Cowboy Carter Tour setlist.
During the interview, 803 Fresh reflected on the song’s powerful journey—from local anthem to cultural force—with fans and support pouring in from names like Michelle Obama, Ms. Tina Knowles, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Celebrity fans including Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, Ciara, Shaquille O’Neal, and Niecy Nash have all embraced the song’s infectious rhythm and undeniable impact. The show also featured an exclusive sneak peek of the music video, prompting an impromptu dance party in the studio.
Born Douglas Furtick in Hollow Creek, South Carolina, 803 Fresh blends gospel roots and R&B smoothness into his self-styled genre, “Carolina Soul.” Inspired by his father, a local gospel singer, 803 began performing at just eight years old. With hits like “Boots on the Ground” and “All Night Long,” he’s now approaching 30 million combined streams and views across YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify, cementing his status as a rising force in the New Soul movement.
Experience 803 FRESH’s “Boots on the Ground” on YouTube:
About 803 FRESH
Southern soul artist 803 Fresh blends his gospel roots and r&b smoothness into a signature style dubbed “Carolina Soul.” Raised in Hollow Creek, South Carolina, and inspired by his father, a local gospel singer, he began performing at just eight years old. Today, with tracks like “Boots On The Ground” and “All Night Long,” he’s quickly approaching 30 million combined streams and views across Youtube, Apple Music, and Spotify — solidifying his place as a powerful voice in the ‘new soul’ movement.
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