HARDY Drops “DIFFTAPE” Tribute to Joe Diffie On The Anniversary Of The Country Icon’s Death

The third installation of HARDY’s HIXTAPE series honors ’90s country icon Joe Diffie.

Country rocker HARDY puts his spin on the classic mixtape with his HIXTAPE series. The project is described as a “mixtape of BACKROAD BANGERS. Brought to you by your favorite good ol country boys and girls.”

The first two installments of the HIXTAPE series were released in 2019 and 2021, respectively, between when HARDY was putting out his own solo studio albums. The third chapter dropped today (March 29) and honors the legacy of a country music icon.

HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE is a compilation of songs by the late great Joe Diffie. The legendary singer passed away four years ago today, and the new tribute album aims to honor his legacy and keep his music alive.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by HARDY (@hardy)

DIFFTAPE has an all-star list of country collaborators

With 17 songs and an impressive roster of 30 artists, DIFFTAPE is packed full of never-before-heard collaborations. Vocals from Joe Diffie’s old recordings are featured on each track, memorializing his talent in a special way.

One track in particular will hold a special place in the hearts of country fans. “Ships That Don’t Come In” features Toby Keith in what was likely his last recording before his death in February of this year.

Additional artists featured on the album are Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Reba McEntire, Tracy Lawrence and more!

See the full track list with collaborators below.

Joe Diffie’s family says the project has been a blessing.

Upon the release of the one-of-a-kind album, Joe Diffie’s family shared their appreciation with a comment from his official Instagram account. They wrote:

“So Proud, Happy, excited and all the other adjectives! When we say first class, HARDY, HIXTAPE crew, BigLoud, are at the top of the list, they have all been a blessing to the Diffie Family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, this has been an amazing experience, so glad to call you guys family!!!”

HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE is available on all streaming platforms now. Listen to “John Deere Green” by Joe Diffie, HARDY, and Morgan Wallen below!