By GARY GERARD HAMILTON, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — When Tre Little two-stepped in his cowboy boots at the BET Awards preshow this summer , he was overcome with joy and gratitude.

“I used to watch this on TV every year, and I’m now performing,” said the 22-year-old Atlanta-area resident. “I started crying … tears of joy.”

He joined Southern soul singer 803Fresh to perform his massive viral hit, “Boots on the Ground.” Released in December, the trail ride-inspired song and accompanying line dance have become an anticipated moment at African American gatherings , like family reunions, weddings, graduations, parties and cookouts .

803Fresh appears at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025, left, and Bryson “Cupid’ Bernard poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Aug. 6,

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