Five months after the release of HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, the 17-song collaboration project celebrating the life and work of Joe Diffie, Big Loud Records’ HIXTAPE has unveiled a special, one-of-a-kind moment captured on video.
Today, they released the “Ships That Don’t Come In” Official Studio Video, offering a glimpse behind the scenes as country legends Toby Keith and Luke Combs recorded vocals for the Diffie classic in Nashville last year. This powerful duet is particularly significant as it represents Keith’s final recorded vocal, and the video shows the very last session he participated in before his passing in February of this year.
Reflecting on the experience, Luke Combs shared, “Being on a song with Toby was a no-brainer for me. It was something I always hoped for but wasn’t sure would ever happen. The fact that it’s one of Joe’s songs, especially this one, makes it even more special. Joe was there the night I was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and presented me with my Opry member award. Growing up, I listened to both Joe and Toby’s music, so being part of this version, and knowing it’s Toby’s last recording, is indescribable. Country music misses them both greatly, but I hope we are honoring their legacy with this song.”
Released with the support of the Diffie estate, the song also features vocals from Diffie himself, recorded back in 2006 and previously unheard until DIFFTAPE, the third installment in the HIXTAPE series created by Big Loud Records’ HARDY. The song has been embraced by fans and critics alike, with Rolling Stone calling it “a moving coda to Keith’s studio career,” and Billboard describing it as “particularly poignant.”
Watch Now
In a related tribute, a two-hour concert special titled “Toby Keith: American Icon” aired last night on NBC and is now available for viewing on Peacock. The special featured performances and appearances by HARDY and other HIXTAPE collaborators such as Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and Trace Adkins.
About HIXTAPE:
HIXTAPE is more than just a brand; it’s a unique blend of lifestyle and music, characterized by backroad anthems and country party hits. It emerged from HIXVILLE, infused with humor and “Redneck Tendencies.” Produced by Joey Moi, the HIXTAPE series was created by a community, for a community, fueled by the success of the first two volumes. Billboard praised the initial releases as “infectious,” while The New York Times highlighted their “rapscallion-like” style. The latest release, HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, honors and celebrates the legendary catalog of Grammy and CMA Award-winning country icon Joe Diffie, featuring over 30 guest artists.
About Toby Keith
Toby Keith, renowned as a singer, songwriter, and entertainer, was one of country music’s most influential creative forces. He achieved 42 top 10 hits, 33 No. 1 songs, sold 44 million albums, amassed 100 million BMI performances, and surpassed 10 billion streams, largely due to his own songwriting and production. Keith founded his own record label, Show Dog Nashville, and was honored with numerous accolades, including induction into the New York-based Songwriters Hall of Fame (2015), the National Medal of Arts (2021), the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021), and BMI Icon (2022). He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame shortly before his passing in February 2024.
Keith’s career came full circle in 2023 when he performed “Don’t Let The Old Man In” and received the Country Icon Award at the People’s Choice Country Awards, a moment that went viral and propelled the song to No. 1 on multiple charts. Inspired by a conversation with Clint Eastwood, this song was featured in Eastwood’s film The Mule. Throughout his career, Keith’s chart-topping hits like “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” and “As Good As I Once Was” defined his unique impact on country music.
Not only did he excel musically, but Keith also demonstrated remarkable business acumen with ventures in music, restaurants, film, and more. He was recognized by Forbes as “Country’s $500 Million Man” in 2013. His charitable efforts, including his annual golf classics and USO tours, have raised nearly $20 million for The Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral, while his 11 USO tours touched the lives of over 250,000 troops and their families.
About Luke Combs
Luke Combs, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and country music superstar, continues to dominate the scene with his multi-platinum career. Earlier this summer, he released his latest album, Fathers & Sons, praised for its deep emotional resonance and reflection on fatherhood. Combs, a Grand Ole Opry member and multi-award winner, recently achieved another milestone by becoming the first country artist with three singles certified RIAA Diamond. His rendition of “Fast Car” with Tracy Chapman at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards was celebrated as one of the best collaborative performances in the event’s history. Combs continues to set records with his chart-topping hits, solidifying his status as a global pop star and country music icon.
