The Breakfast Club Podcast Episode Summary
Title: INTERVIEW: 803 Fresh Talks 'Boots On The Ground', The Rise Of Southern Soul + More
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Host/Authors: DJ Envy, Just Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guests: 803 Fresh, Young Guy
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Just Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God sit down with the dynamic duo, 803 Fresh and Young Guy, to delve into the burgeoning genre of Southern Soul, their breakout single "Boots On The Ground," and the cultural movements surrounding their music. The conversation is vibrant, insightful, and packed with energy, providing listeners with a deep dive into the artists' journeys and the impact of their work.
Meet 803 Fresh and Young Guy
DJ Envy welcomes 803 Fresh and Young Guy to the show, extending congratulations on their successful record release. 803 Fresh shares his excitement about "Boots On The Ground," noting its release on December 24th as his Christmas gift to fans.
[02:00] 803 Fresh:
"When the song came out, it was like my Christmas gift to everybody."
[02:03] Charlamagne Tha God adds humorously about the song's playtime, highlighting the song's authenticity and connection to the line dance movement in the South.
Understanding Southern Soul
The conversation shifts to defining Southern Soul. 803 Fresh explains it as a blend of gospel, blues, and traditional soul music, creating a feel-good experience that fosters unity and community.
[04:36] 803 Fresh:
"Southern soul is a mixture of gospel, blues, soul—all mixed together. It's feel-good music that touches your bones."
Charlamagne Tha God emphasizes the genre's deep roots in Southern culture, noting its role in bringing people together through events like trail rides and line dances.
The Rise of "Boots On The Ground"
803 Fresh narrates the rapid ascent of "Boots On The Ground," highlighting its viral success on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He recounts waking up to thousands of videos featuring his song, signaling its widespread popularity.
[06:21] 803 Fresh:
"I woke up one morning, checked my TikTok, and saw the song had skyrocketed overnight. That’s when I knew we had something special."
The hosts discuss how the current political climate inadvertently boosted the song's popularity, as people sought unity and joy amidst chaos.
[02:56] Charlamagne Tha God:
"People started posting that Black folks are finding joy in line dancing despite the administration's actions."
Cultural Impact and Community Engagement
The duo highlights how "Boots On The Ground" transcends age groups and brings diverse communities together. From young kids to the elderly, the song fosters a sense of togetherness and celebration.
[03:12] 803 Fresh:
"It took everyone's mind away from the current issues and brought unity. Whether you're two or eighty-two, everyone can join in."
They also discuss the economic ripple effect of their song, noting how merchandise sales and social media engagement have inadvertently employed many without formal hiring.
[22:01] 803 Fresh:
"People are selling 'Boots on the Ground' shirts and fans. It’s something that nobody had tapped into, so everyone’s able to make money off of it."
Challenges in the Music Industry
Charlamagne Tha God probes into the difficulties of being an independent artist from South Carolina. 803 Fresh candidly shares the weight of promoting Southern Soul as a primary genre and the responsibility that comes with representing his community.
[18:47] 803 Fresh:
"I'm carrying the weight of Southern soul as a whole. I want to display it as a main genre and show our united front."
Young Guy adds his perspective on the hurdles faced in regions with limited resources compared to music hubs like Atlanta.
[10:42] Young Guy:
"Mississippi doesn't have the same resources as Atlanta. It's harder to network and get that big break."
Future Plans and Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, 803 Fresh and Young Guy express excitement about their future releases and the expansion of Southern Soul. They discuss plans to showcase their versatility beyond line dance tracks, aiming to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to their roots.
[18:25] 803 Fresh:
"I have so much music that's coming out. Versatility is coming. Stay tuned for more of what I have to offer."
Young Guy emphasizes their commitment to growing their presence and continuing to put South Carolina and Mississippi on the music map.
[26:48] Young Guy:
"We're aiming to finish out next year even bigger. We represent Mississippi and South Carolina, trying to put it all together."
Interactive Dance Segment
In a lighthearted and interactive segment, the hosts and guests attempt to learn and perform the "Boots On The Ground" dance. 803 Fresh demonstrates the steps, while Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and others humorously struggle to master the choreography. This segment underscores the communal and fun nature of their music.
[22:24] 803 Fresh:
"I’ll try something."
[26:03] 803 Fresh:
"You can follow me on all streaming platforms by typing in 803fresh."
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, 803 Fresh and Young Guy thank the hosts and listeners, reaffirming their dedication to Southern Soul and their communities. The hosts express their admiration and support, encouraging listeners to engage with the artists' music across various platforms.
[26:33] Charlamagne Tha God:
"Always love for the home team."
[26:48] Young Guy:
"Check me out on all music streaming platforms. We have a lot coming in 2025."
Key Quotes
-
803 Fresh on Southern Soul:
"Southern soul is a mixture of gospel, blues, soul—all mixed together. It's feel-good music that touches your bones."
[04:36] -
Charlamagne Tha God on Line Dance Popularity:
"Black folks are finding joy in line dancing despite the administration's actions."
[02:56] -
803 Fresh on Viral Success:
"I knew then that we had something special when 'Boots On The Ground' blew up on TikTok overnight."
[06:21] -
Young Guy on Industry Challenges:
"Mississippi doesn't have the same resources as Atlanta. It's harder to network and get that big break."
[10:42] -
803 Fresh on Future Plans:
"I have so much music that's coming out. Versatility is coming. Stay tuned for more of what I have to offer."
[18:25]
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Breakfast Club offers an in-depth look into 803 Fresh and Young Guy's contributions to Southern Soul, their innovative approach to music, and their dedication to fostering unity through their art. Their journey from small-town South Carolina to becoming influential voices in the music industry is both inspiring and testament to the power of authentic, community-driven music.
For more updates and to follow their musical journey, listeners can find 803 Fresh and Young Guy on all major streaming platforms by searching their names.