ICYMI: TOBY KEITH: AMERICAN ICON AIRED LAST NIGHT ON NBC, INCLUDING A PERFORMANCE FROM HIXTAPE ORIGINATOR HARDY

NASHVILLE, TENN. – Five months since the release of HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, the 17-song collaborations project honoring the life and works of Joe Diffie, Big Loud Records’ HIXTAPE is pulling back the curtain today with a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment caught on tape.

Releasing the “Ships That Don’t Come In” Official Studio Video, out now, the behind-the-scenes clip reveals moving moments as late country giant Toby Keith and Luke Combs recorded vocals for the Diffie staple in Nashville last year. The powerhouse pair’s rendition of the 1992 tune marks Keith’s final recorded vocal, and the clip shows Keith’s last recording session before his passing in February of this year.

“To be on a song with Toby was a no-brainer when it got presented to me. That was something I had always hoped to do but never knew if it would happen or not,” Combs shares. “It being one of Joe’s songs, especially this one, made it even better; he was there the night I got inducted into the Opry and actually gave me my Opry member award. I grew up listening to both of those guys’ music, so to be a part of this version of the song and it now be Toby’s last recording is kind of hard to put into words. Country music misses them greatly, but I hope we’re doing justice to continue what they started.”

Released in conjunction with the Diffie estate, the song features vocals from Diffie captured in 2006 previously unheard prior to DIFFTAPE – the third installment of the HIXTAPE franchise pioneered by Big Loud Records’ HARDY. Embraced by fans and artists alike, critics define “Ships That Don’t Come In” as “a moving coda to Keith’s studio career” (Rolling Stone) and “particularly poignant” (Billboard).

Watch “Ships That Don’t Come In” Official Studio Video here.

A two-hour concert special honoring the life and music of Toby Keith, Toby Keith: American Icon, aired last night on NBC with viewing available now via Peacock. The star-studded tribute included performances and special appearances by HARDY and fellow HIXTAPE collaborators Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and Trace Adkins, among others.

COUNTRY LEGEND JOE DIFFIE

FEATURES 30+ STAR-STUDDED GUESTS INCLUDING TOBY KEITH, REBA MCENTIRE, POST MALONE, MORGAN WALLEN, LUKE COMBS, AND MANY MORE

NASHVILLE, TENN. – Bringing together an ensemble of country music’s biggest stars with the third installment of the HIXTAPE franchise pioneered by Big Loud Records heavy hitter HARDY, HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE is out now.

The anticipated project is a tribute to GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country legend Joe Diffie, released in conjunction with the Diffie estate on the fourth anniversary of his passing. Across 17 reimaginings of Diffie classics, the album features never-before-heard recordings captured in 2006, and one previously unreleased original (“Life Had Plans For Me”) featuring Diffie’s son, Parker. Additional members of Diffie’s beloved family contributed backing vocals on the set’s lively rendition of “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die),” as part of the Difftones – a one-track-only supergroup comprised of the Diffie’s and gang vocals from a variety of featured artists on the project.

Listen to HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE here.

“I’m honored that we get to be a small part of the legacy of Joe Diffie with DIFFTAPE,” HARDY shares. “The thing I’ve always admired about Joe’s catalog is the quality of the songs. He had an unbelievable ear for hits, and I love that we got this cast together to celebrate them.”

“As someone who had the profound privilege of performing alongside my father, it fills my heart with immense joy to witness his enduring legacy continued with the same passion and fervor that he embodied,” Diffie’s son Parker adds. “The release of HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE is an opportunity to not only celebrate the past but also to embrace the future with reverence and enthusiasm.

The song ‘Life Had Plans For Me’ holds a special place in my heart, as it symbolizes the culmination of a journey filled with memories, love, and music,” he continues. “To have the chance to perform alongside my father one last time is an indescribable and deeply meaningful experience. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to HARDY, Big Loud, the HIXTAPE crew, and everyone who played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. Your unwavering support and dedication have made this moment truly special. Together, we are not only honoring the past but also creating a powerful narrative about the enduring spirit of music and love.”

With over 30 star-studded guests featured, first-time Aaron Tippin, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Clint Black, Darius Rucker, Hailey Whitters, Jack Ingram, Kameron Marlowe, Toby Keith, Koe Wetzel, Lauren Watkins, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Mark Wills, Nate Smith, Old Dominion, Post Malone, Randall King, Reba McEntire, and Sammy Kershaw; join returning cast Brooks & Dunn, ERNEST, HARDY, Jake Worthington, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Larry Fleet, Randy Houser, Morgan Wallen, and Tracy Lawrence.

The moving “Ships That Don’t Come In” finds Diffie’s vocals intermingled with features from Luke Combs and late country giant Toby Keith – marking Keith’s final recorded vocal before his passing in February.

Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Post Malone led collaborations with first offerings, “John Deere Green” released on its 30th anniversary, and 1994 No. 1 “Pickup Man,” debuted via performances at the 57th Annual CMA Awards.

HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 (2021) and Vol. 1 (2019) started the series’ critically acclaimed legacy. Billboard called the projects “infectious,” Country Now notes the HIXTAPES as “testaments to the power of collaboration;” American Songwriter praises the series’ “blue-collar lyrics and hefty hook-ware,” while the New York Timespraised fan favorite “He Went To Jared (HARDY feat. Morgan Wallen)” as “rapscallion-like” in sentiment, “lighthearted and unsentimental.” Taste of Country sums it up: HIXTAPE “couldn’t be more country.”

HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE Track List

1. “John Deere Green (Joe Diffie, Morgan Wallen, HARDY)”
2. “Pickup Man (Joe Diffie, Post Malone)”
3. “Ships That Don’t Come In (Joe Diffie, Toby Keith, Luke Combs)”
4. “Third Rock From The Sun (Joe Diffie, Blake Shelton, HARDY, Brooks & Dunn)”
5. “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die) (Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Lainey Wilson, The Difftones)”
6. “Bigger Than The Beatles (Joe Diffie, Jon Pardi, Old Dominion)”
7. “Honky Tonk Attitude (Joe Diffie, Luke Bryan, Randy Houser)”
8. “Is It Cold In Here (Joe Diffie, Reba McEntire, Jake Worthington)”
9. “Texas Size Heartache (Joe Diffie, Clint Black, Larry Fleet)”
10. “Home (Joe Diffie, Darius Rucker, Hailey Whitters)”
11. “C-O-U-N-T-R-Y (Joe Diffie, Aaron Tippin, ERNEST)”
12. “So Help Me Girl (Joe Diffie, Mark Wills, Nate Smith)”
13. “New Way (To Light Up An Old Flame) (Joe Diffie, Randall King, Sammy Kershaw)”
14. “If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets (Joe Diffie, Jack Ingram, Koe Wetzel)”
15. “A Night To Remember (Joe Diffie, Lauren Watkins, Kameron Marlowe)”
16. “In Another World (Joe Diffie, Chris Young)”
17. “Life Had Plans For Me (Joe Diffie, HARDY, Parker Diffie)”

Produced by Joey Moi.

ABOUT HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE

Both a lifestyle brand and a countrified mixtape, HIXTAPE was pioneered by Big Loud Records’ heavy hitter HARDY – “the musical papa to the HIXTAPE series” (American Songwriter). In its third installment, HIXTAPE is back as HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, a celebration of the legacy and beloved catalog of GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country icon Joe Diffie. Following HIXTAPE: Vol. 1 (2019), which included Diffie on “Redneck Tendencies (HARDY feat. Trace Adkins & Joe Diffie),” and 2021’s HIXTAPE: Vol. 2, the project brings together a new cast of characters collaborating on renditions of Diffie’s beloved classics. Hitmaking trio Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Post Malone lead the charge with the first two offerings: “John Deere Green (HIXTAPE, Joe Diffie, Morgan Wallen & HARDY)” released on its 30th anniversary, and the 1994 No. 1 “Pickup Man (HIXTAPE, Joe Diffie & Post Malone).” Produced by Joey Moi, the tributary project is out via Big Loud Records in conjunction with the Diffie estate on March 29, 2024, the fourth anniversary of Joe Diffie’s passing.

KEEP UP WITH HIXTAPE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HARDY, POST MALONE, + MORGAN WALLEN PREVIEWED THE SET WITH A BUZZ-WORTHY PERFORMANCE AT TONIGHT’S 57th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS

HIXTAPE RENDITIONS OF “JOHN DEERE GREEN” AND “PICKUP MAN” OUT NOW VIA HIXTAPE VOL. 3: DIFFTAPE (SMALL BATCH) – LISTEN HERE

NASHVILLE, TENN. – It’s back, and it’s DIFFerent; HIXTAPE‘s getting painted “John Deere Green.”

Evolving for its third installation of iconic country collaborations with a new artist at its helm, HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE will release on March 29, 2024, centered around and as a tribute to the GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning catalog of country legend, Joe Diffie.

Announced live from the CMA Awards stage tonight by Joe’s oldest son, Parker Diffie, prior to HARDY, Post Malone, and Morgan Wallen’s show-stopping performances of two DIFFTAPE tunes, the third iteration of HIXTAPE will utilize 2006 master recordings of Diffie’s greatest hits in tandem with all new recordings from some of country music’s biggest stars and more.

“The Diffie Estate is thrilled to partner with Big Loud and HARDY in preserving and revitalizing Joe Diffie’s musical legacy,” the Estate shares. “With their shared excitement and passion, this collaboration promises to carry on the incredible journey of a true legend.”

“I’m super excited about DIFFTAPE. I think it’s a one-of-a-kind project and we’re the first people to do something like this,” HARDY shares. “Especially having the original recordings and the fact that we have his family’s blessing to do it, it’s all really special.”

“Joe epitomized the ’90s country voice – he was so good about hearing and cutting hits, recording amazing songs,” he continues. “On a personal level, I only got to meet Joe once, but he was extremely nice to me, and this was in my first year of being an artist when I was an absolute nobody. He was so, so kind to me and that memory I have of him is truly special to me, too.”

Previewing the March release with a surprise two-pack, HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE (Small Batch) is out tonight, just in time to celebrate today’s 30th anniversary of “John Deere Green.”

HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE (Small Batch) Track List

1. “Pickup Man (feat. Joe Diffie & Post Malone)” (Howard Perdew, Kerry Kurt Phillips)
2. “John Deere Green (feat. Joe Diffie, HARDY & Morgan Wallen)” (Dennis Linde)

Produced by Joey Moi.

Listen to HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE (Small Batch) here.

ABOUT HIXTAPE
Both a lifestyle brand and a countrified mixtape of backroad bangers and party-friendly country anthems, HIXTAPE was born in the heart of HIXVILLE – riddled with undeniable humor and teeming with “Redneck Tendencies.” Entirely produced by Joey Moi, the HIXTAPE collection was created by a community, for a community, spurred on by the critical success of HIXTAPE Vols. 1 + 2. Billboard praised the initial project as “infectious,” while The New York Times highlights the “rapscallion-like” tendencies and “shaggy at the edges” style of both collections. Gearing up for its third iteration, HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE (Small Batch)is out now, a tribute to and celebration of the iconic catalog of GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country legend Joe Diffie, with features from HARDY, Post Malone, and Morgan Wallen.

ABOUT HIXTAPE VOL. 3: DIFFTAPE
In its third installment, HIXTAPE is back as HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, a celebration of the legacy and beloved catalog of GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country icon Joe Diffie. Following HIXTAPE: Vol 1 (2019), which included Diffie on “Redneck Tendencies (HARDY feat. Joe Diffie & Trace Adkins),” and 2021’s HIXTAPE Vol. 2, the countrified mixtape will bring together a new cast of characters collaborating on renditions of Diffie’s beloved classics. Hitmaking trio Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and Post Malone lead the charge with the first two offerings: “John Deere Green (feat. Joe Diffie, HARDY & Morgan Wallen)” released on its 30th anniversary, and the 1994 No. 1 “Pickup Man (feat. Joe Diffie & Post Malone).” Produced by Joey Moi, the tributary project is due out via Big Loud Records in conjunction with the Diffie Estate on March 29, 2024.

KEEP UP WITH HIXTAPE

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Let’s start off with the cheese

Busch Light Beer Cheese

• 10 OZ –  Busch Light 
• 4 OZ – Cream Cheese
• 1.5 LB – Monterrey Jack Cheddar Blend
• 2 TBS – Heavy Cream
• 1 TBS – Tabasco

1. Combine all ingredients in a sauce pot
2. Cook on low and whisk until combined and hot 

and with any great cheese you need something yummy to dip it in!

Check out how to make some:

Nashville Hot Cracklins 

• Heavy Bottom Pot
• Canola Oil
• Dried Pork Rinds
• 2 TBS – Cayenne Pepper
• 1 TBS – Sugar
• 1 TBS – Garlic Powder
• 2 TBS – Paprika
• 1 TBS – Black Pepper
• 1 TBS – Kosher Salt

1. Fill pot 1/3 full of oil
2. Heat to 350 degrees
3. Fry pork rids for 1 to 2 minutes 
4. Toss Pork Rinds in a bowl with seasoning 

That’s it! Get em all ready and get em in your belly!

Get you a Busch bloody!

Busch Bloody 

• 10 OZ- ZingZang Bloody Mary Mix “any bloody Mary mix of your choice”
• 4 OZ – Busch Light 
• Crushed Ice
• Pickled Vegetables of your choice
• 2- McDoubles from McDonald’s *Market Price*

1. Fill cup with crushed ice
2. Pour in Bloody Mary Mix and Busch Light
3. Skewer your choice of smashable food and enjoy!