803Fresh, May 15, 2025
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This video includes the lyrics for this song.
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Statistics as of May 27, 2025 at 1:47 PM EST
total # of views - 3,810,778
total # of comments - 4,438
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Edited by Azizi Powell
Latest revision- April 9, 2026
This pancocojams post showcases the official YouTube music video for 803 Fresh's song "Boots On The Ground" (When Them Fans At?").
This post presents information about 803Fresh, the composer of that song and presents information about his megahit song "Boots On The Ground". In addition, this pancocojams post includes some of the comments from that YouTube video's discussion thread that answer the question "Why did "Boots On The Ground" ("Where Them Fans At?") become a Black American anthem?"
The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remains with their owners.
Thanks to 803Fresh (Douglas Furtick) for composing and singing "Boots On The Ground" and thanks to Trè Little (Jaterrious Trésean Little) for choreographing the dance that is associated with this song. Thanks also to all those who are associated with this song and this video. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
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INFORMATION ABOUT 803 FRESH
https://awesomedjproductions.com/artist/803-fresh/
"Douglas Furtick a.k.a. 803 Fresh was born in Augusta Georgia on February 19 1990. He grew up in Hollow Creek, a place in the Wagener-Salley area. At 8 years old, Douglas started singing publicly at the Union Hill Baptist church with the persuasion of his mother.. Upon his father’s passing at 14 , he joined a local community choir called The Cedar Brach Association Youth Choir, where he toured the most part of the east coast. Soul music was always present in his life so as time progressed, Douglas slowly started coming into his own."...
INFORMATION ABOUT THE "BOOTS ON THE GROUND" SONG & LINE DANCE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_on_the_Ground_(song)
" "Boots On the Ground: Where Them Fans At?" is a
dance song written and performed by Salley and Wagener, South Carolina native
Douglas Furtick (stage name 803Fresh) in 2024.
The song is strongly associated with the "Boots On the Ground" soul line dance, with Jaterrious Trésean Little, aka Trè Little of Newnan, Georgia credited with creating the dance steps.[1] [2] [3] The popularity of the song was enhanced by a TikTok challenge.[4]
On the week of April 26th, 2025, the song was ranked Number 1 on the Billboard R&B Digital Song Sales chart and has remained Number 1 for five weeks.[5]
The official video for the song, shot at South Carolina State University[6] featuring their Marching 101 band, debuted May 15, 2025 on the Sherri Shepherd Show. As of May 26, 2025, the video had 3.7 million views[7], and the song posted to the 803Fresh YouTube channel had 5.6 million views[8].
Celebrities and public figures filmed performing the dance to the viral song include news anchor Robin Roberts on Good Morning America[9] with dancers set to perform at the Library of Congress[10], former First Lady Michelle Obama[11], singer Beyonce on the Cowboy Carter Tour,[12], 2024 US Presidential candidate and former Vice President Kamala Harris[13], performers with UniverSoul Circus[14], and the Atlanta, Georgia police department[15]. Numerous 2025 high school, college and other graduations also featured the song in their ceremonies.[16] [17] [18]
Cultural experts and journalists have identified a love of
community and a need for connection[19] and resilience in a time of political
change and uncertainty as contributing factors in the popularity of the
"Boots on the Ground" dance and song.[20]
[21] [22] [23]"...
-snip-
"Miss.Shirley" is the name of the 4 year old girl dressed in pink who is dancing in the official YouTube video for "Boots On The Ground".
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WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORDS "BOOTS ON THE GROUND" AND"WHERE THEM FANS AT" IN THIS SOUL LINE DANCE?
The words "boots on the ground" refer to the cowboy boots that the [African American] trail ride dancers are wearing while they perform this four wall soul line dance.
The fans that are referred to by the words "Where them fans at?" are a certain type of hand held fan that makes a clacking sound when people holding them flick their wrist. In an interview that was reported online, 803 Fresh- the composer of this song- shared that he remembered line dancers (steppers) holding and flicking these fans at one trail ride he attended, but didn't see them at a later trail ride. Hence his question "Where them fans at?"
-snip-
Click https://genius.com/803fresh-boots-on-the-ground-lyrics for the complete lyrics for 803 Fresh's song "Boots On The Ground".
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INFORMATION ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN TRAIL RIDES
from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American_trail_rides [This is the complete write-up except for the references]
"African American trail rides, or Black
trail rides, are rural parade-like celebrations that commemorate the traditions
of Black cowboys and formerly enslaved Black Americans who were skilled in
caring for and training livestock.[1] The tradition is most prevalent in the
African American communities of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.
Creole trail rides in Louisiana and Texas typically feature a "procession, zydeco music, dancing and feasting."[2] The annual Step-N-Strut trail ride in St. Landry Parish has been described as "the Creole Woodstock."[2] Trail rides are increasingly popular in Mississippi.[3]
These trail rides can include hundreds or thousands of riders, often organized by trail riding clubs.[4]"
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DEFINITION OF "ANTHEM"
From https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/anthem
"a song that has special importance for a particular group of people, an organization, or a country, often sung on a special occasion"
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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD
All of these comments were published from May 15 through May 27, 2025
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQxQZV66Bl8
Pinned by 803Fresh
1. @803Fresh1
"To Everyone Who’s Been Rocking With Boots On The Ground…
It came from trail rides, from backyards, from real life
moments , not marketing.
It’s spreading because of the joy it gives people.
As it grows, I just want to say: thank you.
For dancing. For sharing. For seeing yourself in it.
We know how this goes.
When something from our world gets big, people try to take
it, flip it, water it down.
But not this time.
Because this moment , this joy, this win, belongs to US .
And we’re going to protect it.
This is for the aunties, the steppers, the kids, the OGs.
This is for anybody who’s ever been told we don’t have
nothing.
Boots On The Ground is proof we’ve always had something, and
now the world sees it too.
Keep moving.
Keep loving.
Keep showing up.
– 803Fresh"
**
Reply
2. @OpinionatedOG184
"Hey Fresh, this song is way more than a song. Your extremely
popular and powerful song is now a movement. It’s us moving back to that place
of togetherness, loving each other and relearning collective respect and
appreciation for each other. No more sharing our things, gifts and talents with
those who may not desire to just share only. Our culture is ours! It belongs to
us. While others may appreciate it, the movement is us not selling our stuff to
be claimed by those who mean us no good. We’re back to fully and completely
being TOGETHER AND UNIFIED. And Fresh, you can proudly take some credit for
being a unifier with your artistry. Nobody could have done this but you! You
and your song did this! And that’s why it worked! We needed you. You stepped
up. And you understood the assignment! Thank you 803 Fresh. You delivered!"
Reply
3.
"Love this!!❤. Thank you for bringing us so
much joy with song!!!😍😍😊. Lord
knows….. we need it now more than ever!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾"
**
Reply
4. @natashabra
"Perfectly stated! We have nothing but love and support for
you. Thanks for letting people know SC has always had great talent too!
Congrats on the success and continued blessings! 🎊👏🏾❤❤
#columbiasc"
Reply
5.
"I am so proud to see my hometown get recognition for
something good. Orangeburg SC home of South Carolina State University Bulldogs.
Born raised and still live in Bulldog country."
**
Reply
6. @GoddessYemaya
"ASÉ & Thank You we love & support you & we
riding with our boots 👢on the ground all the
way to the TOP as a BLACK PEOPLE as a COMMUNITY & as a VILLAGE AS ONE/
TOGETHERNESS 👌🏾💯🔥💯🔥💯🔥💯🔥🖤✊🏿❗❗❗"
**
Reply
7. @Carolyn-vh4nz
"This is for anybody who’s ever been told we don’t have
nothing.".....and the ones saying we have no culture!!"
**
Reply
8. @maatembracing
"This!!!💯‼️💯‼️💯‼️💯
yessssssss!!! I declare and decree the narrative is now set for us to go forth
in Unity with Peace, Love, Light, Happiness, and Abundance!!! This is OUR
TIME!!! OUR BOOTS ARE NOW ON THE GROUND!!💃🏾🕺🏾💃🏾💃🏾🕺🏾🥾👢🥾👢🥾👢🥾👢"
**
Reply
9. @nenee5243
"I love your spirit…thank you for giving us something to
groove to forever! Love from ATL 💙🥂"
**
Reply
10. @Cnspeace777
"Video was dope ! You represented !"
**
Reply
11. @xtrextrex
"Feels good that this global moment came
right out of SC! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"
**
Reply
12. @SFE25ive2
"This a banger though country Vibes for
sure"
**
Reply
13. @tita8202
"Let's not forget to give Tre Little from Georgia a shout out
for coming up with the steps for the song/dance.."
**
Reply
14. @Neferditie23
"Inspirationally and beautifully well said! Thank you for
your contribution to our culture and our music.❤❤❤"
**
Reply
15. @ms.collosal9086
"👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
South Carolina stand up!!!!!"
**
Reply
16. @ranib3678
"❤❤❤❤ We thank you!! Thank you
for the POSITIVE IMAGE OF US! Amen protect this brother!
Reply
17.
"A mic drop moment. As
a native South Carolinian and two-time graduate of my beloved SCSU, I’m
extremely proud of you!!! This song and
the choreography that accompanies it is a movement! You have provided something that expands
across generations. WE support you 💯!!!
SALUTE! ❤💙"
**
Reply
18. @charlesrodgers2862
"You did the damn thing.
Sho nuff cookout, family
reunion, backyard party 🎉🎉🎉🎉"
**
Reply
19. @sheshowoutmedia
"Keep this soulful music going. God is blessing me with visions of my mom
dancing 💃🏾 in heaven to Boots on the Ground."
**
Reply
20. @b.hopetoday
"Love you and we support you. It brings people together with joy."
**
Reply
21. @carefuld9779
"I am dancing in my kitchen in Canada 🇨🇦
💃🏽Congratulations,
on the success of the song and uniting us as one. ❤❤"
**
Reply
22. @bbutler7158
"❤❤❤ we going global! 👌🏽
This song can only spread love. 🤩"
**
Reply
23. @AndreaCallahan
"You gave it to us at a time when we
needed it most. Thank you 803✊🏽🫶🏽💪🏽"
**
Reply
24. @ladyhawk9126
"Thank you for this reminder and
statement!! Thank you for everything you are doing to spread joy and encourage
loving ourselves and each other for what we bring 💖💖💖🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽"
**
Reply
25. @oneofone9552
"This song, the video, the movement!
Thank you for keeping us lifted AND rooted! No matter where we hear it, we
unite and celebrate each other in the moment, that is powerful. In uncertain
times, you gave us an anthem that we will never forget and a video that just
shows who we are, Black Joy is all of us and nothing can take it away. Boots on
the Ground, kicking up some dust in Florida ❤"
**
Reply
26. @Moshechild
"Certified us…can’t be gentrified!!!"
**
Reply
27. @lamontwhite7752
"We love that you gave us something so
enjoyable and it's allowing people to create good memories please continue to bless us as the Lord blesses you"
**
Reply
28. @justisiempre4105
"Bless you! You have said and done it all! Just folks being real, dancing, and having
fun! Sharing love and their joy every
time folks "put their boots on the ground" is tremendous! Thank you!
We're loving this "cookout"!
Peace and blessings! 💙💙☮☮☮"
**
Reply
29. @brentduanefoster
"@803Fresh1
Checkin' in from San Diego, CA!
You gave us an ANTHEM, Fresh!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"
**
Reply
30. @dympiece
"This song gather our culture together
so quickly lol. Nothing but great vibes! This easily the top song at trail
rides now"
**
Reply
31. @heyg0ld
"Seriously, thank you so much for this
medicine I didn’t even know I needed. Success and blessings to you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼"
**
Reply
32. @blessedhighlyfavored2132
"I'm enjoying this coming togetherness ❤ and everyone having a ball dancing ,grilling, with their boots 👢 and fans hand and hand in Anderson SC."
**
Reply
33. @iamNell
"Proud to say I've been supporting from
Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹 so happy to see how far this has reach.
All the best to ya"
**
Reply
34. @prometheous318
"Its the black anthem!!! I love it❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉"
**
Reply
35. @L810aveKD
"The ancestors are smiling on you my
brother ✊🏿🫡"
**
Reply
36. @latashafarmer1609
"Thank you for this video!! I just love the celebration of us
and our culture. We are such a beautiful and resilient people. I wish every
last of us understood that we should always look at ourselves with pride. We
don’t just survive. We flourish!!"
**
Reply
37. @AhmariSloan-w6p
"We are doing this dance for one of are family members that
passed"
**
38. @jeremiahgilmore32
"He kept this so black, South Carolina, and just positive.
Thanks for giving this song to the world. Congratulations"
**
Reply
39. @jaybee4307
"True, but this song is crossing all color lines and unifying
everyone. It's lovely."
**
40. @DrBeauHightower
"Bro just casually made a generational classic in 2024"
**
Reply
41. @Vivaciouslight730
"For sure, I saw the attendees grooving at this at the VSU
commencement May 2025, shout out to all of those future Engineers, Teachers,
Doctors, Nurses, Scientists! Glory be to your God🫡!"
**
42. @Blakeness-x3t
"Love this! No cursing, no over sexualizing black women, no
criminal talk, no drug talk, just good ole fashion fun like we used to have."
**
43. @ChrisOConner
"So honored that I was chosen to Direct this music video. I
love reading the comments, and I’m proud that everyone loves it. I LOVE seeing
my people have a great time together, and I’m proud to have been able to
capture it on camera. What an honor. 2 Millions and counting!! 🚀🚀💪🏾💪🏾"
**
Reply
44. @mrsmusic6985
"You did a beautiful job! This video embodies the authentic
black southern experience."
Reply
45.
" @mrsmusic6985 Thank you!! I’m a southern boy myself, so I
had to make sure we got it right! Lol🙏🏾"
**
Reply
46. @TheRonnieaj
"I get so much joy watching this. Thank you for capturing
Black joy in its purest form. 🙏🏽🙏🏽"
**
47. @OhDatsJaVion
"Love how he’s displaying the BLACK BELT
REGION OF SC (majority black American rural counties, which is most of South
Carolina ) from the original cowboy life (black cowboys) to HBCU’s,D9, fish
fry, black Americans owning LARGE amounts land/summer soul food kick off’s etc
! It’s just a beautiful to see"
**
Reply
48. @johnwebb2442
"Facts"
**
Reply
49. @KendyK_All_Day
"Periodt. ❤❤❤❤❤"
**
50. @juswolf22
"I ain’t seen generations of black people in sync like this
over music in a long time."
**
Reply
51. @his1day
"Sooo true! I hadn’t even thought about it like that. From
the young to the old. The saints to the aints 😂👢"
**
Reply
52. @donneiacaprice
"That's the best part about it!!💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾"
**
Reply
53. @thebestdanaever3396
"Since the electric slide😆🤣"
**
Reply
54. @8tre-z
"I’m talking I ain’t seen it since the
Cupid shuffle 😂😂💯"
**
Reply
55. @fillgap9694
"Really, every line dance in America, you gun see that"
**
56. @Leogirl1-q8d
"I love it!! Congrats to 803 Fresh!! No supermodels...no fly
dudes...its just normal beautiful people and black culture enjoying
themselves!!!"
**
57. @johnwebb2442
"The Summer Anthem for Black Family Reunions and Cookouts."
**
Reply
58. @madisonpyles774
"This is one of them, timeless songs that we gonna carry on.
I’m a play it when I’m old. I’m like you don’t know nothing about this."
**
Reply
59. @feliciaglover8521
"Classic this song is going to be right up there with the bus
stop and the electric slide every cook out and wedding lol"
**
Reply
60. @teeharrison2928
"U know it."
**
Reply
61. @mribbon89
"This will be played at cookouts for the next 30 years and
beyond. Instant classic."
**
62. @EastwoodEdgewood
"SAY IT LOUD..I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD!!!!!❤💃🏾🕺🏿❤🙌🏾💯"
**
Reply
63. @srvgjohnson
"James Brown- native South Carolinian!"
**
Reply
64. @TamaraGarrettAlpha
"❤️🖤💚💫👑"
**
65. @Ms1001k
"This song is a reminder that no matter what “they” say or do , Black folks have the gift of joy!!"
**
Reply
66. @bribri8042
"Amen! No one taking that away."
**
Reply
67. @cherietillman
"❤❤❤❤you are absolutely right ❤❤❤"
**
Reply
69. @lucillestoudemire387
"Yes put the right song on and all tension leaves the area
and the body gets to moving!!"
**
Reply
70. @marybrewer782
"Nothing can keep us down❤❤❤"
**
71. @nessiezee8887
"Is it weird that I cried?
I so love this. We got our frats, educational institutions, sororities,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, celebs, and real people and we
in the south!!! I love this so much!
What a great video!!! And the vintage car on top of all that."
**
72. @Motivational-Paradise1
" "Boots On The Ground" is like that first shovel
breaking dirt on a new foundation – it's all about the raw effort, the
groundwork, and the relentless belief that if you put in the work, the crowd
will eventually find you. It's the sound of the ambition before the applause,
asking "Where Them Fans At?" because the hustle is already happening.
#motivationalparadise1
73.
"This song is so uplifting!! Thanks to all involved in the
making ....along with the dance 🙌🏿💪🏿🙏🏿"
74.
"Congratulations 803 Fresh
I love this dance and watching everyone smiling and having
fun! We have so much talent to share, this is our summer fun anthem!
"Boots on the ground summer! Thank you 803 Fresh, you will make the
difference for all the summer parties! Dance for all ages!"
75.
"I’ve genuinely never been so happy for a stranger ! This man
is putting southern soul on the map. The whole south reaping the benefits of
this hit. Southern soul has never gain this much attention. BB king once said “
The blues don’t die, it just gets better & better” I LOVE MY BLACK PEOPLE 😍🥹"
****
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