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The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
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The War Of 1812 was in its final months when lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key boarded a British ship to negotiate the release of several American prisoners. While there, he became privy to strategic battle plans and was held captive for the night, where he helplessly witnessed the Battle Of Baltimore. Upon his release, during the early hours of September 14, 1814, Key was heartened to see that the American flag (also referred to as the “Star-Spangled Banner”) was still flying – marking a victorious fight by his country.
Inspired, he wrote a poem, entitled “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which was soon published in a daily newspaper and, not long after, adapted into a song. With a melody borrowed from ‘To Anacreon In Heaven’, a popular tune at the time, the song was christened ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was recognized for use by the US Navy in 1889 and was established as the US national anthem in 1931, under President Herbert Hoover.
With its wide range of notes, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is considered to be one of the most challenging songs to sing. Performed regularly at sports games and ceremonial events, a handful of singers and musicians have the chance to perform the song live each year, as audiences listen with bated breath. Over the decades, many of the country’s biggest stars have tackled the song (some better than others), making their mark on the hallowed tune. Here’s a look back at 15 of the best “Star-Spangled Banner” performances – from soulful balladry to all-out guitar shreds – proving that “traditional” doesn’t always need to be dull.
15: KISS (Alive III, 1993)
This epic, instrumental rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was captured during KISS’ 1992 Revenge Tour and closes out their Alive III album. Playing to thousands of die-hard fans in Cleveland during the band’s “unmasked” era, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick shows off his chops in this impressive encore. Naturally, the song climaxes with classic KISS pyrotechnics (which make every show look like the 4th of July celebrations).
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14: Duke Ellington (The Duke Ellington Carnegie Hall Concerts: January 1943, 1943)
Charismatic composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington would occasionally open his live shows with “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With its driving brass section and cheery percussion, his jazz orchestra’s uptempo version harkens back to the home-front patriotism of the 40s. Ellington, who was awarded a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to art and culture, was incredibly innovative, and his take on the national anthem – which feels classic, yet refreshing – doesn’t disappoint.
13: Luke Bryan (Super Bowl LI, 2017)
Country star Luke Bryan gave the national anthem a Nashville twist at the 2017 Super Bowl. As the Georgia native geared up to cheer on his home team – the Atlanta Falcons, who were up against the New England Patriots – the American Idol judge and acclaimed songwriter sounded as smooth as can be, singing a cappella and making the song his own with a bit of country twang. Even Tom Brady seemed impressed!
12: Demi Lovato (MLB Playoffs, 2015)
Singer-songwriter, actress, and former Disney-star Demi Lovato captivated audiences at the 2015 MLB playoffs when she belted out the national anthem to cheering crowds at New York’s Citi Field. The 23-year old had just released her bestselling fifth album, Confident, which is a perfect description of her performance. Needing no accompaniment, Lovato’s powerful vocals are truly awe-inspiring.
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11: Slash (NHL Playoffs, 2014)
In this 2014 clip from the NHL playoffs, legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash plays the national anthem with swagger and style. The British-born musician, who holds dual citizenship with the US and the UK, performs an unorthodox, yet tasteful rendition of the tune on his signature gold-top Les Paul. With a purposeful use of distortion and artfully bent notes, Slash offers a tip of the hat to America and to one of the founding fathers of rock’n’roll, Jimi Hendrix.
10: Cher (Super Bowl XXXIII, 1999)
Cher showed off her inimitable, contralto vocals in this 1999 Super Bowl performance. Fresh off the success of her multiplatinum-selling dance-pop album Believe, Cher was enjoying a triumphant return to the spotlight when she was tapped to kick off the game at the Pro Player Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. One of the most enduring artists of the last 50 years, Cher proved her prowess in this dramatic rendition of the national anthem that remains one of the best star-spangled banner performances of recent memory.
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9: Renée Fleming (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014)
Typically, football and classical music don’t go hand in hand. But that changed in 2014, when soprano Renée Fleming took to the field at MetLife Stadium at Meadowlands Sports Complex and became the first opera singer to perform ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ at the Super Bowl. Though she is one of the most famous stars of modern opera, Fleming reached her biggest audience yet with this appearance, eliciting a standing ovation and some of the highest TV ratings at the time.
8: Lady A (NHL Playoffs, 2018)
The Grammy-winning country trio has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” numerous times since they formed in 2006. Their beautiful a cappella approach to the song showcases the vocal talents of Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley as they skilfully harmonize together. Despite a minor lyric flub at the 2018 NHL playoffs (the band quickly recovered, finishing the song like pros), there’s no doubt that Lady A will continue to be invited to sing the national anthem at many more events to come.
7: Carrie Underwood (Super Bowl XLIV, 2010)
In 2010, when Carrie Underwood was selected to kick off Super Bowl XLIV, it had only been five years since her American Idol win, but she was already one of the hottest names in music, and enjoying the success of her third album, Play On. Audiences were blown away, and the players moved, by the singer’s powerful execution of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Underwood, who has seven Grammy awards under her belt, particularly wowed the crowd with the final line of the song, when she extended the hardest note – “free” in “land of the free” – for over six seconds.
6: Diana Ross (Super Bowl XVI, 1982)
Ever the trailblazer, Kennedy Center honoree, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Diana Ross became the first big pop star to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, in 1982. Before then, the NFL typically enlisted marching bands (and the occasional singer) for “Star-Spangled Banner” performances. Donning a sparkly tracksuit, Ross stepped up to the microphone at Michigan’s Pontiac Silverdome with no accompaniment, save for the crowd’s cheers, and performed the difficult number effortlessly. Following Ross’ performance, a Super Bowl tradition was born and a Who’s Who of stars have been enlisted to open nearly every game since then.
5: Beyoncé (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2004)
In 2004, Queen Bey fulfilled her childhood dream of performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, in her hometown of Houston, Texas. The Destiny’s Child singer was on the precipice of superstardom, having just released her solo debut, Dangerously In Love, a few months prior. Just one week later, she would score five Grammys for the bestselling album. With a live symphonic accompaniment, Beyoncé makes the challenging song look easy, flawlessly hitting the notes – and then some. Knowles reprised her performance at President Obama’s second inaugural ceremony, in 2013, and played the Super Bowl halftime show two weeks later.
4: Lady Gaga (Super Bowl 50, 2015)
Lady Gaga’s theatrical interpretation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl 50 is considered by many to be one of the best since Whitney Houston’s rendition in 1991. Sporting a sparkly red Gucci suit, Gaga adopted a slower pace, showcasing her vocal abilities, and making Little Monsters everywhere proud. Of course, the appearance wasn’t without controversy: the singer tacked on a second “the brave” at the end of the song, which caused discord amongst those who had placed bets on the length of her performance.
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3: Marvin Gaye (NBA All-Star Game, 1983)
Marvin Gaye was always a rule-breaker, and when he had the opportunity to sing the national anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, the “Prince Of Motown” did it his way. The artist was enjoying renewed success in the early 80s, having just released Midnight Love, which would become his best-selling album thanks to its hit single, ‘Sexual Healing’. Accompanied by a simple, pre-recorded drum and keyboard track, the singer was the epitome of cool, transforming the traditional tune into a languid soul song. Gaye raised some eyebrows, but he also raised the bar for all future “Star-Spangled Banner” performances. The crowd loved it and praised the performance with a standing ovation.
2: Whitney Houston: Super Bowl XXV (1991)
In January 1991, Whitney Houston was one of the biggest pop stars in the world. She had just released her third studio album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, and her single “All The Man That I Need” was weeks away from becoming No.1. The first Gulf War was also just ten days old. The country needed a little hope, and Whitney was the answer.
To prepare for her performance at Super Bowl XXV, Houston took a cue from Marvin Gaye’s iconic version and had the song arranged at a slower pace. Dramatically drawing out the final climax and taking the highest notes to new heights, the 27-year-old singer nailed it – though criticism arose when it was revealed that Houston had pre-recorded her vocals. This wasn’t the first time a singer did this for “Star-Spangled Banner” performances, and certainly wouldn’t be the last, but America ultimately embraced her performance – so much so, that the song was released as a single, with proceeds benefitting Desert Storm soldiers and their families. A decade later, following the 9/11 attacks, the single was reissued to raise money for the victims and first responders.
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1: Jimi Hendrix (Woodstock, 1969)
When Jimi Hendrix and his new, post-Experience band, Gypsy Sun And Rainbows, took the stage as the final act at Woodstock, they were about to make history. Three quarters into the set, Hendrix played a provocative, psychedelic version of the national anthem, setting off a wave of controversy (keep in mind, it was 1969 and any deviations from the traditional arrangement were unheard of).
It wasn’t the artist’s first time playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a show, but it was his most famous performance. Anything but straightforward, Hendrix’s four-minute rendition was wailing, distorted and full of improvisation – the feedback from his Stratocaster emulating the bombs that were exploding in Vietnam. Hendrix, a veteran of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, denied that the performance was a protest; though he may have been anti-war, he wasn’t anti-American. Whatever his motives were, the guitarist made an indelible imprint with his interpretation of the song, and, in doing so, influenced generations of musicians to come.
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Beanie Sigel resurfaced on a new track with his signature grit and lyrical precision—thanks to artificial intelligence helping him reclaim the voice he damaged after a 2014 shooting.
The Philadelphia rap veteran appears on “Motion Picture,” a standout cut from local artist D. Jones’s new album Still Counting Blessings, alongside Jadakiss and K. Gibbs.
But what really garnered attention wasn’t just the lineup—it was the return of the old Beans sound, made possible by AI.
In a 2023 interview, Sigel revealed he’s been working on a full project using artificial intelligence to digitally recreate the gravelly tone that defined his early career. That voice was damaged in a near-fatal shooting nearly a decade ago.
“And I think I found a good friend with this AI thing. Yeah. A lot of people frown on AI, but I think that’s gonna work for me,” he explained. “It’s definitely for me. Y’all want, what they say, the ‘old Beans’ back? ‘Cause the pen’s still there.”
The collaboration came together unexpectedly, according to D. Jones, who said the track was the result of a sample clearance issue. That twist of fate opened the door for Sigel to jump on the record.
Beanie Sigel Recalls Vocal Damage
In 2014, Siegel was shot in the stomach outside his Pleasantville, New Jersey home. The bullet exited through his back, damaging his lungs and vocal cords. The aftermath left his voice permanently altered.
“My vocals came out of — I was in a coma,” Sigel said in a 2023 interview. “So, when I was coming out of it — I had a breathing tube down my throat. So when I first woke up out the coma, I didn’t know where I was at. And I pulled the breathing tube out. So it tore up s### in my throat. And I had staples in my stomach. So when I was yanking — I couldn’t get it out. It made me gag, and I bust all the staples in my stomach. It just opened up.”
Despite the trauma, the Roc-A-Fella alum never lost his lyrical edge. Now, with AI stepping in to recreate his old vocal tone, Sigel is gearing up for a full-circle return.
Meanwhile, Beanie Sigel could also team up with The D.O.C., whose vocal cords were crushed in a notorious car crash. Check out his conversation with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro for AllHipHop below.
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6ix9ine admitted to possessing cocaine and MDMA in connection with a March 2025 raid at his Florida home, a move that will likely spare him a full evidentiary hearing ahead of his supervised release violation hearing in July.
According to a court filing, 6ix9ine will plead guilty to two supervised release violations—specifically, the discovery of three MDMA pills and a bag containing cocaine residue.
The drugs were found during a probation compliance check at his South Florida estate.
The March 12 raid was prompted by a tip from a confidential informant who alleged the rapper had drugs and firearms at his residence.
Federal agents and local law enforcement executed the search warrant early that morning, detaining Hernandez from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while they combed through the property.
Authorities reported seizing a Glock 9mm handgun from a pool house, along with fentanyl, marijuana and other narcotics.
However, the government will dismiss the two other supervised release violations—related to the fentanyl and firearm—once Hernandez formally admits to the drug charges.
Following the admission, prosecutors will request that their witnesses, who would otherwise travel from Florida to testify, be excused from the July 23 hearing.
6ix9ine has maintained that the drugs and weapon were not his, previously claiming they were planted by a “former friend/snitch.”
Despite his denial, he now appears ready to accept partial responsibility, which could influence sentencing.
The rapper’s legal team is expected to ask for a delay in sentencing after the July hearing.
6ix9ine remains under strict probation conditions, including a ban on possessing firearms or controlled substances and limited travel permissions.
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Sonstar Peterson says his son, Tory Lanez, is preparing to release a self-help book from behind bars and hinted at a possible early release, claiming, “He’s coming out.”
Speaking during a recent interview, Peterson revealed the pair co-authored a book titled The 360 Phenomenon, which he believes will have a major impact.
“Tory and I, we’re about to put out a book I think that’s going to be majorly transformative for a lot of people,” he said. “It’s called The 360 Phenomenon.”
The book centers around the idea that life moves in cycles, not straight lines.
“We created this thing whereby we could show people how you can start where you are, no matter where you start on that wheel, and you can literally go through a transformation of your thought process, your thinking within 90 days,” Peterson said. “I’m not telling you in 90 days you’re going to become a breakaway success, but it starts with you literally transforming your perspective on life.”
Peterson also suggested his son may not serve the complete 10-year sentence he received in August 2023 after being convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020.
“I wouldn’t go on record giving a date right now,” he said. “But what I will say is that there are movements happening in the background and the powers that be can clearly see that this was a hatchet job.”
Tory Lanez was found guilty on three felony counts: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.
The incident occurred after a party at Kylie Jenner’s home, where an argument escalated in a vehicle. Megan testified that Lanez shot her in the feet as she exited the car.
Tory Lanez’s legal team has since launched 36hourslater.com, a website that claims to present “suppressed evidence” from the trial.
The site includes police bodycam footage, audio from witnesses, and expert commentary.
One video features an eyewitness, Sean Kelly, allegedly telling police he saw a woman—believed to be Kelsey Harris—fire the weapon.
Another clip shows Megan initially telling officers she stepped on glass, a statement she later said was meant to protect those involved.
Despite the new material, Megan’s legal team maintains that the original evidence, including text messages, medical records, and sworn testimony, supports the conviction.
Lanez’s appeal is ongoing, but his dad is confident the ruling will swing in his son’s favor.
“I believe it is much sooner than a lot of people think, much sooner than later. And yeah, he’s coming, he’s coming out, he’s coming out,” Peterson said.
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E.D.I. Mean won’t be celebrating the Fourth of July following the tragic news that his Outlawz brethren Young Noble has committed suicide.
The veteran rapper, who rose to notoriety as part of Tupac Shakur’s group, broke the news via Instagram on Friday (July 4), saying he was “at a loss for words.”
“Today I got some of the worst and unexpected news imaginable,” he wrote. “my brother and partner for over 30 years took his life this morning. Rest in Power Rufus Young Noble Cooper. I obviously am in no shape to talk about this right now so PLEASE give his family and I some time to process this. Mental illness is a real battle being fought by so many. CHECK ON UR FOLKS!”
Many in the Hip-Hop community expressed their shock in the comment section, including Xzibit, who wrote, “Just heard the news brother. I’m am processing this as well. I wish him peace and comfort. Condolences to you and all of the families involved. Tragedy.”
Snoop Dogg, Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, E-40, Suge Knight Jr. and KXNG Crooked also offered their condolences.
The Outlawz were founded by Tupac Shakur and Yaki Kadafi in 1995, initially emerging from Shakur’s earlier collaborations with groups like Dramacydal and Thug Life. The group, whose name stands for “Operating Under Thug Laws As Warriors,” first gained widespread recognition through their appearance on Shakur’s track “When We Ride” from his multi-platinum album All Eyez on Me, and became especially notable for their role on the infamous diss track “Hit ‘Em Up.”
Members adopted aliases inspired by controversial world leaders, with Shakur himself taking the name “Makaveli.” The original lineup included Kastro, E.D.I. Mean, Hussein Fatal, Napoleon, Yaki Kadafi, Young Noble and the sole female member, Storm.
After Shakur’s murder in 1996, the group faced significant turmoil, including the deaths of Kadafi and Hussein Fatal, but continued to release music, including the platinum-certified album Still I Rise in collaboration with Shakur.
Young Noble, who joined the group in 1996 as the last member, survived a serious heart attack in 2021. He wrote at the time, “Thank you to all my luved ones who been praying for me I had 1 of the worst days of my life yesterday I had a serious heart attack but God is too good & the amazing doctors brung me back an they getting me right.
“I plan to put everything in my life on hold while I recover an get my health all the way right…This will only make me stronger I’m grateful for a second chance an I beg y’all please please please take your health serious all the unhealthy living an stress catches up sooner than later!”
In December 2024, Young Noble sat down for his first interview in seven years in which he got emotional talking about both the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
“It was crazy,” he said. “Biggie dying affected us, too […] I was almost questioning like, ‘Damn man, maybe I should have stayed in school and figured something else out.’ Like, ‘I don’t know if I made the right decision getting in the car with [Hussein] Fatal and Yaki [Kadafi] that day. This doesn’t feel good. I left the hood to come to California. I was tired of death and all this b#######. Two of my friends just died back to back. It was horrible. Horrible for Hip-Hop.”
AllHipHop sends our condolences to Young Noble’s loved ones.
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Trippie Redd was taken into custody at Miami International Airport on July 4.
The rapper was busted while attempting to board a flight to France due to an outstanding warrant from 2023, according to Miami-Dade County authorities.
He was arrested without incident and transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Officials have not released details about the original charge tied to the warrant.
The arrest happened on Independence Day, just weeks after Trippie and Coi Leray welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Miyoco.
The baby’s name blends “Mi” from Trippie Redd’s first name and “co” from Coi’s, and also translates to “beautiful child” in Japanese.
The couple’s relationship has been on and off since they first linked up years ago.
They rekindled in 2024 but reportedly split again before their daughter’s birth in June 2025.
The arrest adds another chapter to Trippie’s turbulent public life, which now includes legal issues, a new child and a complicated relationship with Coi Leray.
As of Friday morning, Trippie Redd remained in custody at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to NBC Miami.
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Eminem is officially stepping into the sports ownership arena as part of the newly announced WNBA expansion team in Detroit, which is scheduled to hit the court in 2029.
The WNBA confirmed earlier this week that Detroit, along with Cleveland and Philadelphia, will each receive a new franchise, bringing the league total to 18 teams.
The Motor City’s ownership group is anchored by Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, and features a high-profile lineup including Marshall Mathers, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.
The group reportedly shelled out $250 million for the expansion fee, signaling a serious investment in the future of women’s basketball in Detroit. The team will play its home games at Little Caesars Arena, with plans underway for a new training facility and team headquarters along the city’s riverfront.
“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” Gores said in a statement. “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights.”
Eminem’s involvement in the WNBA team is more than just a business move. Known for his deep ties to Detroit, the Hip-Hop veteran is using his platform to uplift local sports and youth development efforts.
The WNBA’s expansion comes at a time of surging popularity, with record-setting viewership numbers and merchandise sales driving national momentum.
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China Walker, one-half of the Cam & China rap duo from Inglewood, has died at age 30 following a private two-year fight with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer.
The news was announced on Wednesday, July 2, by her twin sister and groupmate Cam Walker in a heartfelt Instagram post. The pair had kept China’s diagnosis out of the public eye until her death.
“Most don’t know, China has been fighting a rare, aggressive Ovarian Cancer for 2 years,” Cam wrote. “Tonight, she transitioned and is now resting peacefully. Give me time to grieve in peace, but know she loved all our supporters.”
Cam also posted a photo of the two sisters together, along with a message urging people to stay connected with their loved ones.
“Check on yo people, you never know what they are going thru until it’s too late,” she added.
The duo first gained attention in 2016 with their self-titled EP, which showcased their lyrical chemistry. The loss also highlights the devastating impact of ovarian cancer, a disease that often goes undetected until its later stages.
According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, and early detection remains difficult due to vague symptoms.
Cam has not shared any further details about memorial plans or future music, asking for privacy during this time.
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Diddy was awaiting a judge’s decision on his $1 million bail request when a man collapsed and began seizing violently on the marble floor of the Manhattan courthouse.
The medical emergency unfolded Wednesday (July 3) on the 26th floor of the federal courthouse just moments after Diddy’s legal team submitted his bail application.
Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo, representing Diddy in the high-profile case, rushed to the man’s side without hesitation.
“I can’t imagine a busier five-minute period in my life,” Agnifilo told The New York Post. “I’m going down to see Combs. Everything was so intense, and my mind was on the case, and I walk out, and a man falls and is clearly seizing. It seemed pretty dire. I was worried about him.”
The man, whose identity has not been released, began convulsing and “repeatedly slamming his head against the marble floor, blood and vomit pouring from his mouth,” according to witnesses.
Agnifilo, who said he had prior experience handling seizures, immediately placed the man in a recovery position.
“I’ve just dealt with lots of seizures. I just know exactly what to do because I’ve dealt with this before,” he said.
His law partner, Jacob Kaplan, supported the man’s head and slid a backpack underneath it to prevent further injury.
Agnifilo’s daughter Sofia, a paralegal on the case and an unidentified member of Diddy’s family, checked the man’s pulse and monitored his breathing until EMS arrived.
The man was eventually carried out on a stretcher. His current condition has not been released by authorities.
The incident occurred as Diddy was in court following his conviction for transporting a person to engage in prostitution.
He was acquitted of more serious trafficking charges. The judge denied Combs’ $1 million bail request. His next hearing is set for July 8, while sentencing is scheduled for October 3.
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