I Took My First Trip To Nashville & Fell In Love With Country Music
I never thought I'd be two-stepping in Nashville with cowboy boots on, singing along to country music, but last weekend, there I was. After spending a few days at CMA Fest with SoFi, let me tell you, I get the hype now.
As a native New Yorker, this was my first time in Nashville and my first country music festival. The best part? I got to experience it all with my boyfriend. It was his first time in Nashville too, which made it even more special. He went full rancher mode the moment we landed. I'm talking boots, hats, and attitude. I was calling him 'Cowboy Johnny' all weekend because he was really committed to the role. His cowboy alter ego was activated.
Like so many millennial Black folks, I've never been a big country music fan (outside of Shania Twain, obviously) but since Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter (which deserves its own Grammy category, let's be real) which gave us a whole history lesson on the Black roots of country music, I've been dabbling more into the genre. And after Day 1 of CMA Fest, I was like… ohhh, this is kinda fire! There's something about the storytelling, the vocals, the vibes — it just takes you to a place of peace.
Going with SoFi made the whole experience even more memorable. I've always known SoFi as the financial company helping people reach their money goals but I didn't realize how much they've expanded into lifestyle spaces. What really stood out to me was how SoFi is bridging financial wellness with culture. Their SoFi Plus membership doesn't just offer banking perks, it includes exclusive invites to VIP events & experiences nationwide, which is how I got the opportunity to attend CMA Fest with them. In addition to perks, they teamed up with country star Kelsea Ballerini to launch their Rising Star Program, offering grants to students and helping the next generation achieve financial independence. It's one thing to talk about empowering people, it's another to put action behind it.
As for the music? A vibe. Watching Darius Rucker hit the main stage on Night 1 was surreal. I grew up knowing him from Hootie & The Blowfish, so seeing him take command of a country music festival was a full-circle moment. Black artists have always had a hand in shaping country music, legends like DeFord Bailey and Charley Pride paved the way but we haven't always been centered in the conversation. So to see artists like, Shaboozey, Tiera Kennedy, and Kashus Culpepper take the stage and bring their full selves? That meant something. They're part of a new generation redefining what country music looks and sounds like and I'm so here for it.
Oh, and let's not forget the fashion. I knew I couldn't pull up to Nashville without proper fits. I found the cutest denim cowboy boots, paired them with matching hats, layered belts and chains, and added mini bags to complete the fits. It was giving Southern charm meets city girl aesthetic.
Photo Courtesy of SoFi
If I had to rate this trip, I'd give it a 10/10. I came for the vibes, stayed for the music, and left with a new playlist, a SoFi membership, and memories I'll never forget. Don't be surprised if my Spotify Wrapped is stacked with Kelsea Ballerini and Shaboozey.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
"The only white guy that was mentioned in the barbershop" - Magic Johnson says Larry Bird was well-respected in Black communities
"The only white guy that was mentioned in the barbershop" - Magic Johnson says Larry Bird was well-respected in Black communities originally appeared on Basketball Network. Magic Johnson transcended his status as a celebrated NBA superstar and became a beloved figure within Black communities. He emerged as a powerful role model for his fellow African Americans and is still inspiring them to this very day. Advertisement As per Earvin, his former archrival, Larry Bird, also earned the same respect and admiration from Black communities during their playing careers. Johnson once revealed that Larry Legend was not viewed by Black NBA fans through the lens of racial stereotypes. Instead, Magic noted that they recognized the Boston Celtics legend for his exceptional skills. In fact, they often laud him for his greatness. "His game, you see, Larry Bird was the only [white] guy that was mentioned in the barbershop. 'Cause that's where all the talking in our community is, the barbershop or on the playground," Earvin once said via ESPN. Magic gave Bird the utmost respect Johnson and Bird were strikingly contrasting in terms of appearance and qualities as players. Despite their differences, Magic never had disdain for Larry. Instead, he even admired his nemesis for his remarkable talent and competitive spirit. Advertisement From the very moment Johnson and Bird first faced each other on the hardwood, it was clear that both players were meant to change the game forever. They possessed a unique set of skills that separated them from the rest, and they were eager to dominate each other. Their opposite styles and approaches to the game made for a captivating rivalry. However, it never escalated to animosity. Magic had always given "Larry Legend" the utmost respect he deserved as a competitor. "Larry and I have an unusual relationship. We've been both competitors and good friends for many years. I have tremendous respect for Larry. He won't quit; he has the will to win. I spent a lot of sleepless nights preparing for him. That's respect," Magic wrote on a classic Skybox NBA card of Bird. "The highest respect you can pay to any player is that you fear him. Larry's the only player I feared," the Los Angeles Lakers icon continued. Related: "Lot of teammates don't be as close as us three are after basketball" - Gary Payton on why he keeps close ties with his old SuperSonics teammates Bird didn't need to be Black to be a great player For decades, the NBA has been predominantly Black. Currently available online data from 2023 states that the league has approximately 70.4% African American players. Nevertheless, Bird never felt intimidated or out of place. Advertisement Bird has always believed that basketball is a Black man's game. However, he never let this lingering thought affect his mentality and drive as a player. He recognized early on that he did not have the innate athleticism that many of his Black peers possessed. Rather than allowing this realization to affect him, The Hick from French Lick focused on working on other aspects of his game. Bird dedicated himself to improving his shooting accuracy, playmaking skills and mastering the fundamentals. Through relentless practice and determination, Larry quickly transformed his game, earning a reputation as one of the premier players of his generation. Before long, Bird's exceptional work ethic and strategic mindset allowed him to break into the elite ranks of Black NBA players, including Magic. Today, Bird is revered by basketball fans from all walks of life and ethnicities. Related: Quinn Buckner reveals Larry Bird only watches Nikola Jokic play: "Larry said there is only one guy that he watches play" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
34 minutes ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé wows on Night 4 in London: Sweet twin tribute, mute challenge win, new outfits
Beyoncé wows on Night 4 in London: Sweet twin tribute, mute challenge win, new outfits Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is still setting ablaze London, charging ahead with her fourth fiery concert there on her "Cowboy Carter" tour. The Grammy-winning singer kicked off her June 12 show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium around 7:39 p.m. The show marked her fourth of six shows at the stadium on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. She is set to hit the stage again June 14 and 16, before heading to Paris for three nights. 'Thank you for your support for almost 30 years now,' Beyoncé said as she opened the show. 'We're gonna have us a good time.' Beyoncé began the evening with a new look, featuring furry cream-colored chaps, a white cowboy hat, matching gloves and shades. The new looks didn't stop there. During her "Alliigator Tears" performance, Beyoncé debuted another new outfit as she donned a long furry long coat, a cowboy hat and knee-high boots. One fan wrote, "A new Alligator tears look yet again oh she loves London." Of course, the night was made extra special when she took time to celebrate her twins, Sir and Rumi Carter. They turn 8 on June 13. She told the crowd to say happy birthday to Rumi, who was onstage, and to her twin brother, Sir. Later Beyoncé acknowledged all the Geminis in the crowd, saying, "I'm happy y'all are celebrating with us tonight.' The excitement didn't slow throughout the night. She continued to bring back fan favorites from her 2022 album "Renaissance." Of course that meant the beloved "mute challenge" too. After it, she told the crowd, "OK, London! Y'all definitely won tonight." As fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé celebrates her twins' birthday with fans during London show: 'Mommy loves you'
Beyoncé celebrates her twins' birthday with fans during London show: 'Mommy loves you' Beyoncé Knowles-Carter launched her fourth 'Cowboy Carter' concert in London, and during the show she took a moment to mark a very special occasion: her twins' birthday. The Grammy-winning singer kicked off her June 12 show at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday. The show marked her fourth of six shows at the stadium on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. Beyoncé he is set to hit the Tottenham Stadium stage again June 14 and 16, before heading to Paris for three nights. Each night Beyoncé's 'Protector' performance has been a highlight of the show as fans anticipate the sweet moment when the singer is joined by her 7-year-old daughter Rumi Carter and her sister, Blue Ivy Carter. This time, the moment became even more special as Beyoncé paused and wished her twins a happy birthday and prompted the crowd to join in. "Everybody say happy birthday, Rumi,' she said, as fans echoed her words. 'Say happy birthday, Sir! Mommy loves you,' Beyoncé added as the crowd continued to cheer. Beyoncé wishing Happy Birthday to Rumi and Sir! 🥰 — Beyoncé Press. (@beyoncepress) June 12, 2025 Beyoncé and Jay-Z's twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, turn 8 on June 13. However, Beyoncé's next show is scheduled for June 14, making Thursday's show the perfect day to celebrate. Later in the show she also took a moment to acknowldge all the birthdays in the house. She gave a shoutout out to 'all the Geminis," saying, "I'm happy y'all are celebrating with us tonight." As fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
