Yep, Riley definitely saw this moment on social media. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: July 8, 2025
Nearly a week after Parker McCollum released his self-titled fifth studio album, he took to social media to reflect on what he’s calling an “overwhelming” response from fans, peers, and the entire country music community.
“Record’s been out for six days and the response that I’ve gotten has been crazy overwhelming. That’s the only word I can use to describe it,” he said in the heartfelt message.
He explained that he has been feeling the love from the massive number of friends, family, fellow artists, both rising acts and well-established stars, who have been reaching out since release day to praise the project.
“Everybody that I can possibly think of that I’ve known in my life has reached out at some point or another in the past six days and told me how blown away they were by this record. And I will tell you all that is the most humbling and flattering and gratifying feeling to know how many people really gave their time to this record, to listen to it top to bottom, because that’s exactly how it was put together,” he shared. “That’s how it was thought of.”
Returning To Social Media
McCollum then revealed that up until the album’s release, he hadn’t been active on social media for nearly nine months. However, he says promised his team that he’d get back online and engage with his fans as part of the rollout plan. What he found was an outpouring of support that appears to have caught him off guard in the best way.
“It’s been, like I said, overwhelming, watching all the love the record’s gotten. And all I can say is thank you for actually listening to it. And I knew when we left New York last October that this was the best record I had ever made. I knew it was special. I did not know people would respond to it like this. It’s really been absolutely incredible to witness the impact that it’s had so far, so quickly,” he shared honestly.
Even with all the buzz that the album has caused, McCollum made it clear that he won’t be relying on social media tactics to push the album forward.
“I’m not going to have my team post a thousand videos a day of one song or another hoping that it goes viral or hoping that it falls into some algorithm or something like that’s not what this record is. I’ve never done that with my music. I’m not going to do that with this record either,” he stated.
Putting His Trust In The ‘Slow Burn’ Approach
So instead of chasing viral moments, he’s leaning into a slower, more organic approach and trusting that the power of word of mouth will continue to carry the album forward.
“This record is not meant to be a flash in the pan or be an overnight anything. I’d really like a slow burn is the best way I can describe what I think this record is supposed to, the kind of life it’s supposed to have. And so word of mouth and y’all talking about it and sharing it and telling people about it is the only way it’s going to be heard. And y’all have done that. It’s apparent. The response has been crazy.”
Parker McCollum reiterated just how truly grateful he is to everyone who has taken the time to listen to a record that he is so proud of. This reflective body of work was born from hunkering down in New York city’s legendary Power Station for seven days with Grammy-winning producer Frank Liddell and his band.
The result of their dedicated studio time is a 14 song collection that mark the Texas native’s most personal and creatively freeing collection to date. To thank fans for their support, he has promised to share a slew of behind-the-scenes photos from the recording process in New York over the coming weeks.
Feeling Joy And Living In The Moment
McCollum also noted that he may not know what his next musical chapter will look like, but he’s also not worried about what the future will hold because he is enjoying being present in this moment.
“My cup has never been fuller and I’ve never been happier in this business as a songwriter, as an artist, as a singer, than I am right now. And I have all of you to thank for that, for believing with me, for sticking with me for so long, and allow me to get to a place where I can make a record like this. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. It has been absolutely incredible watching how big of an impact this thing has had so quickly.”
He capped off the video message by saying, “sorry this video is so long, but it’d take me a lifetime to say thank you in a proper way. So hopefully four minutes isn’t too bad and I’ll see y’all on the road. Peace.”
As the album continues to resonate with fans, Parker McCollum is bringing these songs, alongside his fan-favorite hits, to life on stage during his ongoing headline tour, with stops scheduled across the U.S. throughout the year.
The post Parker McCollum Gets Candid About ‘Overwhelming’ Response To New Album appeared first on Country Now.
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Riley Green recalls how a day of fishing with Luke Bryan led to a collaboration on his latest album.
Green’s 2024 release, Don’t Mind If I Do, includes two duets, one being the title track with Ella Langley and the other, a playful ode to fishing titled “Reel Problems,” featuring Luke Bryan.
During a conversation with his record label, Green reflected on how a fishing trip with Bryan led to the collaboration.
“That was one of the first things we did together was go fishing in his lake, you know, down south in Nashville,” Green revealed. We had a great time. He’s such an easy dude to hang out with, you know, and him growing up in Georgia, I mean, we grew up the same way, so we immediately hit it off.”
Written by Green alongside Erik Dylan and Wyatt McCubbin, “Reel Problems” is a clever play on words, swapping “real” for “reel,” and finds the pair singing about one of their favorite pastimes.
“When you have a song like ‘Reel Problems,’ the title, you think how hasn’t it already been a song. I had the title written down in my phone, knew exactly what the song was,” Green previously admitted.. “It was just such an easy song to write. It’s a fun song. You know, I write a lot of songs that are a little more serious and try to draw emotions and this is just one that was a lighthearted idea. The play on ‘real’ for ‘rod and reel’ was pretty easy for me.”
Reflecting on how Bryan ended up on the track, Green added, “And probably that fishing trip is why he was the first person I sent this song to when I wrote it, knowin’ his passion for that and also the type of music that he likes, and touring with him. Those relationships are how these things happen. It’s always really organic and just through friendships.”
Instead of going through traditional industry channels, Green said he went directly to the source, texting Bryan himself with his request.
“I sent him a text and features like that are probably supposed to go through labels and management, but I just texted him and it worked out,” Green stated.
While there aren’t any official plans to release “Reed Problems” as a single just yet, Green said he already had a few ideas in mind for a potential music video.
The track is just one of 18 standout songs on Don’t Mind If I Do, including fan-favorite “Jesus Saves,” the chart-topping “Worst Way,” and the title track with Ella Langley, which heads to country radio on July 21.
Riley Green is showing no signs of slowing down. His Damn Country Music Tour continues through mid-December.
The post Riley Green Reveals How a Fishing Trip With Luke Bryan Led to Their Duet, ‘Reel Problems’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Brett Young and his wife, Taylor, are in the thick of raising their two young daughters Presley, 5, and Rowan, who turns 4 this month. Like many parents, they’ve learned that staying connected with each other amid the chaos is the key to maintaining a happy and healthy relationship.
“Where we’re at in our relationship and in our life with young kiddos and stuff, I think the one thing that kind of takes a back seat is checkin’ in with each other and talking. Something that you just don’t make time for because once the kids go to bed, you’re ready to sleep,” he explained.
Between Young’s time on the road and the demands of parenting back home, their schedules are filled with long days and late nights. As a result, he acknowledges that it would be easier to their keep thoughts and emotions bottled up, simply because there’s often not enough time in the day. Still, the country act believes it’s crucial to carve out space for just him and his wife to reconnect.
“As a young parent, you have an inner monologue all the time of, whether it’s things that you’re enjoying about having these beautiful young children or if it’s things that you’re frustrated about, or whatever you’re going through. You kind of keep it to yourself, not because you’re not willing to talk about it, but just because you’re going 100 miles an hour,” he said. “And so, I think it’s important to check in and kind of pull off the band-aid for a second and be vulnerable with each other. And I think it’s important to know how each other’s feeling.”
So when it comes to date nights, he encourages couples to be intentional about their plans, opting for places that allow them to truly check in with each other. In doing so, Young has learned that love grows stronger when you make time to listen to each other.
“Don’t go to a noisy restaurant, don’t go to a movie, go somewhere where you can sit and reconnect and check in with each other and you’re able to have good conversation,” he suggested.
This moment of reflection comes hot on the heels of the release of Brett Young’s new project, 2.0. These songs capture the same sentiment of his recent statement, as he gives fans a personal look into his current chapter of life as country singer, husband and a father.
“I just started thinking through where I’m at in my life and what the last year and a half has been like, what’s been significantly different or seemed significant in general. And the thing that really stuck out is health and wellness and the perspective shift of focusing on being healthy and being around for my family. And so ‘2.0,’ not only being the new version of ‘In Case You Didn’t know’ that we have on the record, but also kind of 2.0 being Brett 2.0, the chapter of life that I’m in,” he previously explained to Country Now.
The album, out now, was co-written entirely by Young and features collaborations with Lady A, George Birge and Hannah McFarland as well as his current single, “Drink With You.”
Brett Young recently enjoyed some much-needed time off with the famly in celebration of the fourth of July. He posted a series of photos recapping their trip to Sun Valley, Idaho.
“Happy 4th of July from the Youngs,” he wrote in the caption.
The California native will return to the road on July 19 for a performance at Cheyenne Frontier Das 2025, followed by more dates of his Back to Basics World Tour 2025. He’s set to make stops across Virginia, Ohio, California, and back to Ontario, Canada before heading overseas for shows in Sweden, Denmark, the UK, and more through November.
The post Brett Young Gets Real On The Importance Of Making Time For Conversations That Matter With Wife Taylor appeared first on Country Now.
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Nate Smith’s vocal struggles continue to sideline the rising country star, forcing him to cancel several more shows as he recovers.
In an emotional message shared with fans late Monday afternoon (July 8), Smith revealed that his vocal rest has been extended and that he’s unable to perform at several upcoming concerts.
“As you know, I’ve been laying low over the past month on strict vocal rest. I truly thought I could hit the ground running, but after the first show back in Rushville Illinois (y’all were amazing by the way), the reality is, I’m not 100% yet and need more time to stay on the road to recovery,” he wrote.
Smith apologized to fans for missing his scheduled performance at Summerfest and announced the cancellation of four more shows: Québec, QC (July 8), Craven, SK (July 10), West Salem, WI (July 12), and Rhinelander, WI (July 13).
“I am so sorry that I couldn’t perform at Summerfest (it actually broke my heart) and sad to say that I will need to cancel my next four shows (Canada fam I love you and will I’ll be back soon),” he promised.
The chart-topping singer went on to thank fans for their support and patience during this challenging time.
“To everyone, thank you so much for your support and patience and I promise we will get this thing dialed in asap!!! Love, Nate,” he wrote in closing.
This news comes after Nate Smith’s June 4 message to fans where he revealed that he was going to have to cancel all shows and appearances planned through the end of June. This included his shows on his “dream tour” with Jason Aldean.
“We’ve all come to the decision that the best way to get my voice fully back is to rest it for the first time in almost five years,” he said at the time.
“…it breaks my heart knowing that I won’t be there to see all of you!” Smith added. “My commitment to everyone is to truly rest so I can get back out to do what I love more than anything.
If all goes according to plan, Smith is expected to return to the road on July 17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a show with Jason Aldean.
The California native is currently climbing the charts at country radio with his latest hit single, “Fix What You Didn’t Break.”
The post Nate Smith Cancels More Shows As Vocal Struggles Continue: ‘I’m Not 100% Yet’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Sam Hunt is officially a father of three! The country star and his wife Hannah Lee Fowler officially welcomed their third child, a baby boy named Weyman Allen Hunt, on May 21, 2025.
The news was first shared by Cedartown First Methodist Church in Cedartown, Georgia in a post that revealed baby Weyman weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 20 ½ inches at birth. So far, the couple has not shared the announcement on their personal social media accounts.
The caption read, “It’s a Boy! Hannah & Sam Hunt announce the birth of their son, Weyman Allen Hunt, born May 21st, weighing 8lbs & 6oz, and 20 1/2 in. long. The proud grandparents are Joan & Allen Hunt. Congratulations to the entire Hunt Family!”
Hunt first shared that Hannah was expecting again during an interview with iHeartCountry ahead of the 58th CMA Awards in November of 2024. At the time, he admitted that news of baby No. 3 led to an unexpected shift in his fall hunting plans.
“Well, I did in the heat of the touring season, I started booking a bunch of these hunting trips, this fall, bird hunting trips, and I found out about two months ago that we’ve got a baby on the way. So Hannah started feeling really sick, and so I was gone for three or four days at a time. She’s at home with two kids, sick, so I’m having to rearrange some of my plans, but she’s still going to let me..not let me. I’m still going to get out and do a couple abbreviated versions of them,” he said.
Regardless, the country star was more than happy to step up and adjust. He also admitted to being “obsessed” with dad life.
“I just feel very blessed to have another one on the way,” he added.
The couple are also parents to Lucy Louise, born in May 2022, and Lowry Lee, who arrived in October 2023. As a father of three, Hunt has started to open up more in recent years about family life, something he used to stay more private about in the past.
He recently gave fans an inside look at his world with the release of the music video for “Country House,” which features appearances by his wife, kids, parents, brothers, and nieces and nephews. Much like the track itself, the video showcases a softer side of Hunt and reflects his evolving priorities.
“Country House” is one of the tracks off his four-song Locked Up EP and is currently sitting in the Top 5 at country radio.
While Sam Hunt might still be adjusting to life at home with a newborn alongside their two kids, he still has a slew of tour dates booked throughout the summer. Coming up next, he will perform at the Lallycooler Music Festival in Sioux Falls, SD on July 11 followed by an appearance at the ND Country Fest in New Salem, ND on July 12.
The post Sam Hunt Welcomes Third Child With Wife, Hannah Lee Fowler appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
6ix9ine was removed from a nightclub in Hialeah and briefly detained by police after a heated confrontation with another patron on July 6, adding to his growing list of public incidents.
Officers responded to a disturbance at Playpen 2 around 4 a.m., where the rapper was involved in a dispute with another individual. Both men were escorted out by police.
Video captured outside the venue showed 6ix9ine in handcuffs, though he was released shortly after. He can be seen in the footage raging at at least a dozen cops.
No one was arrested due to what authorities described as a lack of cooperation from those involved.
The incident comes just weeks before 6ix9ine is scheduled to appear in court for violating the terms of his supervised release.
In March, law enforcement raided his Florida home after receiving a tip from a confidential informant about drugs and firearms on the property.
During the search, officers found three MDMA pills and a bag containing cocaine residue. A Glock 9mm handgun, fentanyl, marijuana and other controlled substances were also seized.
6ix9ine was detained for six hours while the property was searched.
The plea deal is expected to help him avoid a full evidentiary hearing originally set for July.
6ix9ine is currently serving a five-year term of supervised release stemming from his 2019 federal conviction. That case involved racketeering, firearms offenses and violent crimes linked to his role in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.
He cooperated with federal prosecutors by testifying against several gang members, which earned him a reduced sentence of two years in prison and 1,000 hours of community service.
The nightclub scuffle is the latest in a string of public incidents that have followed Hernandez since his release. His legal team has not commented on whether the Hialeah altercation could impact his probation status.
AllHipHop
Joyner Lucas didn’t hesitate when Skepta called for a lyrical face-off between UK and US rappers, jumping in with a tweet offering himself up for the showdown: “The moment I’ve been waiting for… say the word, Joyner Lucas vs Skepta.”
But Skepta wasn’t exactly impressed.
The British MC dismissed Lucas’s enthusiasm, sarcastically calling him a “brave man” and repeatedly misnaming him “Jonah” in a video response.
1st
you’re a brave man Jonah.
How long you been waiting for this moment though? https://t.co/6P6euSNtME— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) July 6, 2025
Skepta said he respected Lucas for stepping up but made it clear he wasn’t planning to waste much energy on him.
“I didn’t do all the work I did just for Joyner Lucas to be saying my name,” he said. “I got diss tracks on YouTube with 30 million views.”
Instead, Skepta said he’d only give Lucas “two bars” in a diss track primarily aimed at A$AP Rocky and would let one of the “Young Gs” handle the rest.
SKEPTA RESPONDS
https://t.co/usGh3wlJUZ pic.twitter.com/KME5yddN3M
—
TMC Music Connoisseur (@MusicConnoisseu) July 6, 2025
Lucas wasn’t having it. He reposted Skepta’s video with the caption, “I want whatever drugs he’s on,” and followed it up with a clip of comedian Aries Spears poking fun at British rappers.
@Skepta https://t.co/wPVw3hG00c pic.twitter.com/QHkcX1OXjE
— Joyner Lucas (@JoynerLucas) July 6, 2025
Skepta clapped back, “I was wondering who’s perspective you were gonna diss me from, never would have guessed Aaron Spears.”
Joyner Lucas Claims Skepta “Not Built Like That”
Despite all the online back-and-forth, Lucas seemed to backpedal in a now-deleted tweet.
He recalled a conversation with his manager who allegedly told him Skepta wouldn’t “Single you out and make a whole record about you” because “he’s not built like that.”
Lucas added, “I hope he don’t do no sucka s### like that becuz I might not even respond. I’m tryna really trash this n#### and settle this debate.”
So far, the war of words has stayed confined to social media. No official diss tracks have dropped.
Skepta originally pitched the idea as a lyrical sparring match, not a personal feud.
“It’s not beef, Rocky is my family,” he said when asked if he had issues with his former collaborator. “Rap is a sport, same way we have dissing matches on the block we can do it on record.”
AllHipHop
Russell Wilson marked his ninth wedding anniversary with Ciara on Sunday (July 6) by doubling down on his lighthearted campaign for a fifth child—this time with a playful plea: “Give me Cinco.”
The New York Giants quarterback shared a sentimental video montage on Instagram, filled with throwback moments from their relationship, along with a heartfelt message to his wife.
“]Happy Anniversary, my queen @ciara,” he wrote in part. “You light up my life in ways words can’t explain. Here’s to the journey we’ve walked…and the one we’re still writing together. I love you, endlessly.”
Ciara replied in the comments, “I love you so much, baby! I’m so thankful that we get to do life together! It feels like the beginning all over again.”
She also posted her own tribute, pairing a romantic highlight reel with Nicki Minaj’s “Your Love.”
In one clip, the singer wished Wilson a happy anniversary, prompting him to respond with a cheeky “Give me cinco.”
Ciara burst into laughter as Wilson added, “You’re breaking my heart.”
Her caption read, “Baby, thank you for loving me the way you do. In your arms is my truest and safest place! There is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for you! I’m so excited to keep loving you more each day! Happy Anniversary @dangerusswilson here’s to forever more! I love you so much!”
Wilson’s playful push for baby number five—nicknamed “Cinco”—has been a running theme since last year when he began dropping hints on Ciara’s Instagram.
On Mother’s Day 2025, he posted, “You’re so good at this Mom thing—let’s have another… Cheers to the idea of Cinco!”
The couple met in March 2015 at a basketball game in Wisconsin and tied the knot on July 6, 2016.
They share three children—Sienna, Win and Amora—along with Ciara’s son, Future Zahir, from a previous relationship with rapper Future.
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Young Noble, the final artist handpicked by Tupac Shakur to join the Outlawz, died by suicide on July 4 in Atlanta, prompting his family to launch a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and related expenses.
The 47-year-old rapper, born Rufus Lee Cooper III, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to multiple sources. His death was confirmed by fellow Outlawz member E.D.I. Mean in a social media post.
The fundraiser, organized by Jacqueline Lesane on behalf of the Cooper family, aims to raise $22,000. As of press time, the campaign has collected almost than $7,000.
Noble’s family is leaning on the Hip-Hop community and longtime supporters to help them navigate the aftermath of his sudden passing.
The campaign highlights his influence on those close to him and his lasting impact on the culture.
Young Noble joined the Outlawz in 1996, shortly before Shakur’s death. He featured prominently on the posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, appearing on numerous tracks, including the timeless classic “Hail Mary.”
The Outlawz, formed by Tupac Shakur in the mid-1990s, were known for their raw lyrics and loyalty to the late rapper’s vision. Young Noble remained active in music and continued to release solo projects and collaborations in the years following Shakur’s death.
The GoFundMe campaign also serves as a space for supporters to share memories and condolences. Tributes flooded in after news of his death broke.
“I’m am processing this as well. I wish him peace and comfort. Condolences to you and all of the families involved. Tragedy,” Xzibit said.
“Damn cuz. Sending prayers to the family,” Snoop Dogg said, while DJ Premier added, “This is so sad to get this news Edi. Damn I’m speechless right now. My dude Noble.”
Many have left messages honoring Noble’s contributions to Hip-Hop and his role in preserving Tupac Shakur’s legacy.
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