A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CONGRATULATE DOUGLAS FURTICK, ALSO KNOWN AS 803FRESH, ON THE PHENOMENAL SUCCESS OF HIS HIT SONG "BOOTS ON THE GROUND," TO HONOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOUTHERN SOUL MUSIC, AND TO RECOGNIZE HIM AS A NATIVE OF THE WAGENER-SALLEY AREA WHO CONTINUES TO REPRESENT SOUTH CAROLINA WITH PRIDE ON THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAGE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to honor and commend outstanding artists who bring pride to our State through their achievements, creativity, and cultural impact; and

 

Whereas, Douglas Furtick, known professionally as 803Fresh, was born on February 19, 1990, in Augusta, Georgia, and was raised in the Hollow Creek community in the Wagener-Salley area of South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, from an early age, his love for music was evident. Encouraged by his mother to share his gift, the young Douglas began singing publicly at Union Hill Baptist Church at just eight years old. After the passing of his father when Douglas was only fourteen, he joined the Cedar Branch Association Youth Choir, touring the East Coast and deepening his commitment to music and performance; and

 

Whereas, influenced by the soul sounds that surrounded him throughout his upbringing, Douglas gradually developed his own unique voice in the genre. His talent and drive led him to link with Snake Eyez Music Group, a collective of like-minded artists and visionaries who recognized his potential and helped elevate his career; and

 

Whereas, having adopted the stage name 803Fresh as a tribute to his South Carolina roots, Douglas, now one of the leading voices in the modern Southern soul movement, tours across cities and states and collaborates with fellow genre leaders such as King George, Charmeka Joquelle, and Frank Johnson; and

 

Whereas, his breakout single "Boots on the Ground" has achieved worldwide popularity, amassing over 2.9 million streams (and counting) across digital platforms and earning him critical acclaim for its authentic storytelling, soulful delivery, and irresistible rhythm; and

 

Whereas, "Boots on the Ground" resonated far beyond the Southern soul audience, earning international attention when global music icon Beyoncé recognized the song and included a segment of it in her celebrated concert tour -- an extraordinary milestone for Douglas as an independent artist and a moment of pride for the South Carolina music community; and

 

Whereas, 803Fresh's success not only has brought him into the spotlight but also has shined a light on the vibrant, evolving Southern soul genre, inspiring a new generation of artists and helping redefine Southern music for the modern era; and

 

Whereas, the story of Douglas Furtick, beginning in a small town in rural South Carolina and progressing to global recognition, is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and authenticity, and the South Carolina House of Representatives proudly recognizes him as an artistic and cultural ambassador for our State. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Douglas Furtick, also known as 803Fresh, on the phenomenal success of his hit song "Boots on the Ground," honor his contributions to Southern soul music, and recognize him as a native of the Wagener-Salley area who continues to represent South Carolina with pride on the national and international stage.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Douglas "803Fresh" Furtick.

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