Lola Brooke, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, And Big Freedia Want You To ‘Bend It Ova’ On Their Hyperactive New Song

Lola Brooke is four months removed from the release of her debut album Dennis Daughter and keeps her momentum rolling in 2024 with a new single, “Bend It Ova.” The hyperactive single is a borough-blending, region-crashing crossover, featuring verses from Bronx rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and New Orleans Bounce icon Big Freedia. The beat blends the best of both artists’ favored production styles, pairing A Boogie’s moody piano riffs with a flashy NOLA beat for a track that is sure to see listeners doing exactly what the song says.

Earlier this year, Lola Brooke followed up her first project with an appearance on Wyclef Jean’s PSA “Paper Right” alongside R&B star Capella Grey, coke rap mainstay Pusha T, and hooper-turned-rapper Flau’jae Johnson. Meanwhile, her September track “You” with Bryson Tiller remains a fan favorite, racking up 15 million views on YouTube and over 13 million streams on Spotify.

A Boogie is also planning on expanding his discography this year, promoting his upcoming album Better Off Alone to capitalize on the buzz he acquired from appearing on “Calling” from the Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse soundtrack by Metro Boomin.

Listen to Lola Brooke’s “Bend It Ova” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Big Freedia above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

What Is Bounce? New Orleans’s Signature Hip-Hop Sound

Bounce music is a cultural force that transcends genres and beckons to the heartbeat of New Orleans. This energetic and infectious subgenre of Hip Hop intertwines a handful of musical cultures to create a sound that is uniquely its own. From the signature Triggerman beat to the explicit yet celebratory lyrics, Bounce music is more than a genre. It is a movement that pulsates with the lively spirit of its birthplace. 

Besides the city of New Orleans, however, Bounce has impacted the music scene across the globe. It has also influenced some of the biggest superstars of our time, including Beyoncé and Drake. While the genre has been increasingly recognized and appreciated over the years, it could definitely receive some more time under the spotlight. After all, some classic tunes owe their success to the subgenre. 

The Birth Of Bounce Music

Bounce music has roots that are deeply embedded in the rich cultural heritage of the city of New Orleans. Emerging in the late 1980s, the genre’s foundation was laid upon diverse influences. Additionally, the distinctiveness of Bounce lies not only in its musical elements but also in its close ties to the unique social and cultural dynamics of New Orleans. It thrived in the city’s neighborhood block parties and clubs, where DJs and artists experimented with the genre’s lively beats.

The Triggerman Beat

A pivotal moment in the history of Bounce is the emergence of the “Triggerman beat,” sampled from The Showboys’ 1986 track “Drag Rap.” The drum pattern and distinctive rhythm of “Drag Rap” were a defining feature of the song and caught the attention of producers. Subsequently, this beat became a hallmark of Bounce, providing a rhythmic backbone that fueled the genre’s infectious energy. Producers and DJs recognized the beat’s potential and began sampling it to create new compositions. 

The Triggerman beat is characterized by its infectious uptempo rhythm, featuring a definite kick drum pattern, snare hits, and hi-hats. Its simplicity allows for creative manipulation, making it versatile for various musical arrangements. In time, the creative reuse of this beat contributed to the evolution of Bounce’s sonic identity. Since Bounce music gained national and international recognition, the Triggerman beat symbolized the genre’s legacy. It serves as a sonic identifier, instantly evoking the lively and celebratory atmosphere associated with Bounce. In essence, the Triggerman beat stands as a vital component of Bounce and the musical heritage of New Orleans.

The King, Queen, & Other Pioneers Of Bounce

DJ Jubilee, known as the “King of Bounce,” was crucial in popularizing Bounce during its early years. Alongside other pioneers like Mannie Fresh and Partners-N-Crime, his contribution helped define the unmistakable sound of the subgenre. The genre’s national and international recognition received a significant boost with the rise of artists like Big Freedia, known as the “Queen of Bounce.” Overall, Big Freedia’s bold and unapologetic approach expanded the genre’s reach and challenged gender norms within the industry. Undoubtedly, their influence has been instrumental in bringing Bounce to a global audience and highlighting its inclusivity.

Being the first label specializing in Bounce music, Take Fo’ Records also played a pivotal part in pushing the sound. The independent record label launched the careers of both the King and Queen of Bounce, as well as other pioneers like Katey Red and Choppa. Additionally, other early creators of Bounce music include Juvenile, Hot Boy Ronald, and the late Magnolia Shorty, among others. 

Key Features Of Bounce Music

Besides the aforementioned Triggerman Beat, another important marker of Bounce music is its call-and-response style. The music often features vocal interactions between the artist, DJ, and audience. Furthermore, Bounce lyrics are known for their explicit content that often promotes a carefree and festive atmosphere. Notably, it focuses on themes of partying, dancing, and celebrating. 

Conclusion

In summary, Bounce is a dynamic and culturally rich genre that thrives on energetic beats. Rooted in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, leaving an undeniable mark on the broader music landscape. All in all, the genre continues to evolve, incorporating influences from various music genres while maintaining its core characteristics. Its impact can be seen in mainstream music, with artists incorporating Bounce elements into their work.

The post What Is Bounce? New Orleans’s Signature Hip-Hop Sound appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Wayne, Big Freedia, And Boyfriend Bring The Rain With ‘El Niño’

Two New Orleans legends link up to bring the rain with “El Niño,” a new track that sees Louisianans Lil Wayne and Big Freedia collaborating with Memphis multidisciplinarian Boyfriend for a triumphant celebration of survival. This is pretty much right up Big Freedia’s alley as a self-described gender-nonconforming, fluid, nonbinary drag queen from the home of Hurricane Katrina in the midst of the American Right’s collective campaign of attempted genocide of the queer community.

It also marks the first official collaboration between Freedia and Wayne, despite their shared roots. Wayne sampled Freedia on a 2003 mixtape and booked her for his Weezyana Festival in 2015, but this is the first time they’ve actually teamed up on a record. And while it would have been cool if it was a bounce track (both rappers have used the regional sound as a basis for some of their biggest hits), the throwback trap style actually makes it a cool departure for Freedia and a return to form for Wayne that underscores the import of the collaboration.

Meanwhile, Boyfriend is a frequent collaborator of Freedia’s who adds another perspective. In a press release, Freedia said, “El Niño’ is about going hard in any storms that come in your life and conquering them! It’s one of my favorite songs on this record, it features my longtime collaborator Boyfriend, and it’s also my first collab with Lil Wayne, who I’ve wanted to work with for a long time. We put it down for our city, and this song is gonna have everyone blowin down!”

The track will appear on Freedia’s new album Central City, which is due this Friday, June 23. Listen to “El Niño” above.

Big Freedia: All About The New Orleans Bounce Icon

Freddie Ross, popularly known as Big Freedia, is a New Orleans legend and Bounce music icon. Also known by the moniker Queen Diva, she has cemented her place in the popular subgenre of Hip Hop. Big Freedia is known for her high-octane live performances, energetic songs, and music videos. Her reality TV show and multiple business ventures have also gained many fans.

Big Freedia has also collaborated with numerous artists, including Drake, Lizzo, Boyz II Men, Kesha, and more. By far, her most notable collabs have been with Beyoncé, who sampled her voice on two Grammy-winning hits — “Formation” and “Break My Soul.” Her collabs have also served to make Bounce music more mainstream. The legend has raised the landscape of the signature New Orleans sound. Her advocacy and unapologetic self-expression have secured a host of fans who have stood by the icon through it all. 

Big Freedia’s Early Days & Rise To Fame

Big Freedia grew up on gospel music and frequently sang in her neighborhood church choir. Her mother’s influence introduced her to secular music, particularly disco. Big Freedia’s introduction to Bounce music came in the late ’90s, and she would soon begin to dance and sing backup for Katey Red, one of the earliest queer Bounce performers. 

From 1999 to 2009, Big Freedia was one of the most hardworking Bounce artists in New Orleans. She brought exposure to the genre after Hurricane Katrina hit by performing in Texas, where she settled for months. With the resurgence of the club scene after the hurricane, Big Freedia became a local icon, performing multiple times a week to massive crowds and revitalizing the city. 

In 2010, Big Freedia released the album Big Freedia Hitz Vol. 1, which featured previously performed songs. The single “Azz Everywhere” became a hit and is one of her most popular songs. Throughout the 2010s, Big Freedia enjoyed great fame and headlined several concerts, including the annual Anniversary of Bounce in its fourth and fifth years. 

Big Freedia was famously sampled on Beyoncé’s hit song “Formation” in 2016, and her voice was used to open the Formation World Tour. During the New Orleans show, Beyoncé brought her out on stage to introduce the show. 

Big Freedia: Queen Of Bounce

It wasn’t long before Big Freedia’s energetic songs and videos, and larger than life personality, became reality TV gold. The Big Freedia Bounces Back series premiered on Fuse in October 2013. It ran for six seasons and 47 episodes until 2017 and followed the artist’s personal and professional life. The show also featured a Guinness World Record feat of 406 people twerking simultaneously at her show in New York. 

While Big Freedia Bounces Back mostly featured tons of coverage about her stardom, songs, and music videos, the show didn’t shy away from the emotional. Big Freedia’s mother, Vera, died of cancer, and the artist sent her off in a beautiful street-wide funeral.

Personal Life & LGBTQ Advocacy

Big Freedia has never been shy about expressing herself through her videos, makeup, wigs, and dance performances. Though born male, the artist has stated that she is gender non-conforming and nonbinary.  On the use of pronouns, she has been vocally indifferent on numerous occasions. She expressed this once again in a conversation with The Root in 2020. 

“How do I identify? I do not mind if you call me ‘he’ or ‘she.’ Both are right!” she said. “I was born male and remain male—physically, hormonally, and mentally. But I am a gay male…I’m gender non-conforming, fluid, and nonbinary. If I had known the ‘queen’ in Queen Diva would cause so much confusion, I might have called myself the king!” she continued. 

On the subject of her voice being used by several notable artists, she once shared that it all opens doors for others in the LGBTQ community. Big Freedia is widely regarded as a queer icon and an unapologetic hero. Her fan base is largely women and members of the LGBTQ community, and she has always been vocal on the topic of gender identity being on a spectrum. 

Other Ventures

As an author, Big Freedia released the acclaimed memoir Big Freedia: God Save the Queen Diva! The 2015 book covers many important moments in the artist’s life, including her epic rise to fame. Big Freedia is also vocal about gun control. She starred in the documentary Freedia Got a Gun, which focuses on gun violence and its repercussions. The inspiration for the film came after she lost her brother Adam Ross to gun violence in 2018. Freedia Got a Gun won the Award for Freedom at the Outfest Film Festival, which promotes LGBTQ films. 

On June 7, 2023, the artist will return to reality TV with the new series Big Freedia Means Business. The show, also airing on Fuse, will focus on all the many new and exciting chapters in her life. The Bounce music icon will cover her new hotel ventures, a cannabis line, an eyewear and makeup line, and a record label. 

From her incredible success in showcasing Bounce music to the rest of the world to becoming a revered icon in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, Big Freedia’s career is packed with several significant moments. The Queen Diva has shown no signs of slowing down and is expressing herself through several more means in the 2020s decade. 

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The post Big Freedia: All About The New Orleans Bounce Icon appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Who Is Rapper Flo Milli?

Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, rapper Flo Milli is one of the hottest female artists from the South. Being a part of XXL’s 2021 Freshman Class, her clever wordplay and intoxicating delivery have garnered a solid fan base. Her mixtapes have earned praise from Hip Hop fans and her singles. Not wanting to be compared to other new artists, Flo Milli’s style defies regional sounds with quick wit and originality. With a unique style, the rising star is quickly rising to prominence in the rap game. From being inspired to write songs early to being one of the hottest new artists in the game, here’s everything you need to know about the rapper Flo Milli!

Background & Early Career

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 22: Flo Milli performs at the Sahara Tent during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 22, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella)

Flo Milli’s love for music started at a young age, writing her first song at 9. Flo Milli was inspired by Nicki Minaj after seeing the artist on BET’s 106 & Park. This prompted her to start rapping at 11, even forming an all-girl hip-hop group called Real & Beautiful, later renamed Pink Mafia. While the group disbanded by the time the young artist was 14, she would continue her music dreams. According to Flo, she was also heavily influenced by the likes of Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, and Erykah Badu. 

Continuing to hone her skills into her high school years, she released her first solo song, “No Hook,” at the age of 16. Three years later, she would release the breakout single, “Beef FloMix.” The single was a freestyle over rapper and producer Ethereal’s 2014 track “Beef” featuring Playboi Carti. The hit breakout single would become a viral sensation on Instagram and TikTok. The song eventually reached No. 2 on Spotify’s Viral 50 chart in April 2019. The fully-produced version of “Beef FloMix” was released in July 2019. The song would soon garner over 46 million streams on Spotify in a short time.  She would further solidify her presence in the game by releasing her next single, “In The Party.”

Mixtape Success

The rapper’s hard work lead to her signing with record executive Justin Goldman’s label ’94 Sounds and RCA Records. She would soon release the singles “My Attitude,” “Not Friendly,” and “Eat It Up” in 2020. Later that same year, Flo Milli released the singles “Weak” and the J. White Did It-produced single “Like That Bitch.” The success of the singles built anticipation from fans for the artist’s first mixtape. Flo Milli’s debut mixtape, Ho, Why Is You Here?, was released on July 24, 2020, to critical acclaim from her fans. The mixtape would land rapper Flo Milli on the Billboard US 200, debuting and peaking at No. 78. 

Flo Milli would continue the momentum of her debut mixtape by collaborating with big names and signing an exclusive global co-publishing deal with Pulse Music Group. During this time, she worked with artists, including Rich The Kid, Latto, and Big Freedia. She also worked with rappers Yo Gotti, Yung Bleu, and G-Easy. Milli’s grind would lead to her being nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 BET Hip Hop and 2021 BET Awards. The rapper’s success would continue into 2021 with the release of the single “Roaring ’20s.” That same year, Flo Milli would be inducted into the XXL Freshman Class of 2021 alongside Pooh Shiesty, Coi Leray, and Rubi Rose. 

Debut Album

On July 20, 2022, Flo Milli released her debut album, You Still Here, Ho? The album received critical praise from critics and fans alike. You Still Here, Ho? featured production from producers including OG Parker, Kenny Beats, and Dr. Luke. The album also featured artists including Babyface Ray and Rico Nasty. Flo Milli would describe the project as a rejuvenating experience that allowed her to express herself more.

What’s Next For Flo Milli?

Flo Milli’s rise to fame in Hip Hop is a testament to the impressive and unique style of the rising star from Alabama. With clever lyrics and versatility, Flo Milli has made a name for herself as a force to be reckoned with. In 2023, Flo made her debut at Coachella. In recent months, she released an extended version of You Still Here, Ho?, giving more to fans of the album. With the success of her mixtape and album still building momentum for the artist, fans can’t wait to see what’s next for the upcoming female MC.

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Big Freedia And Ciara Are Expensive On New Single “$100 Bill”

Big Freedia is back and ready to make you dance. Fresh off of an exciting 2022, the artist returns with a new dance single just in time for summer. Last year, Big Freedia worked with Beyonce on her hit track “Break My Soul.” It wasn’t the first time she worked with Queen Bey, but it was the first time she had been fully featured. Previously, the pop superstar had sampled Freedia on her 2016 single, “Formation.” When asked about featuring on the dance track with Beyonce, Big Freedia expressed her excitement. “The speakers were like jumping at me,” she said. “The bass was coming out of the speakers so heavy. I was in there just like shaking and like excited and overwhelmed.”

Now, Big Freedia is here with a dance track of her own. This time, she’s calling in pop star Ciara for a feature. “The first time I heard this song I thought the melodies were infectious. But also, even before that, Freedia and I have had such an amazing chemistry since we met, we both talked about working together,” Ciara said about working on the track. “The record is melodic, it’s a song for everyone from little kids to the grandmas, it just makes you feel joy.”

Big Freedia Feels Fresh And Clean

On her new single, Big Freedia displays an extremely infectious confidence. “’$100 Bill’ is about feelin’ like new money hot off the press! Big money! Feelin fresh and extra fabulous, but mostly about feeling good in your own skin,” she said to Source of the track. “Owning your walk, your talk, your scent, your ride, anything that makes you feel like your best self.” The New Orleans artist said that she and Ciara have been contemplating working together for quite some time.

The song really is infectious. It opens with Ciara’s melodic vocals over a chill rhythm guitar part, calling to mind the spirit of summer nights out with friends. Of course, given Freedia’s reputation as a bounce artist, you know there are plenty of parts in the song that will make you want to get up and shake it. Air horns are used to the absolute max as Big Freedia repeats, “Lookin’ like a, lookin’ like a, lookin’ like a hundred dollar bill.” It’s a fun dance track that you can really imagine just about anyone being able to move to.

Quotable Lyrics:

Walkin, lookin like a hundred dollar bill
New money, that’s how I feel
Yeah, I’m bop-bop-boppin’ for real
And I look like a hundred dollar bill

Big Freedia And Ciara Crave The Finer Things In Life On Their Energetic New Single, ‘$100 Bill’

Big Freedia is back with a new anthem for all the hotties. Titled “100 Dollar Bill” with Ciara as a feature, it proves to be an incredibly fun dance track that pays off with a hypnotic beat.

Freedia completes it with the equally-energetic lyricism on repeat, “So fresh, so clean! Lookin expensive!,” while Ciara also kicks off the song with, “Walkin’, lookin’ like a 100-dollar bill, new money that’s how I feel.”

“’$100 Bill’ is about feelin like new money hot off the press! Big money! Feelin fresh and extra fabulous, but mostly about feeling good in your own skin. Owning your walk, your talk, your scent, your ride, anything that makes you feel like your best self,” Big Freedia told The Source. “Ciara and I have been talking about working together for a while, so this track was perfect with her.”

“The first time I heard this song I thought the melodies were infectious. But also, even before that, Freedia and I have had such an amazing chemistry since we met, we both talked about working together,” Ciara added. “The record is melodic, it’s a song for everyone from little kids to the grandmas, it just makes you feel joy.”

Listen to Big Freedia’s “100 Dollar Bill” (feat. Ciara) above.

Big Freedia Recruits Ciara for New Single “$100 Bill”

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Big Freedia is back with more music that will make listeners want to shake their booties. Through her label Queen Diva (ADA Worldwide), the legendary NOLA Bounce artist today dropped a scorching new single called “$100 Bill” with Ciara.

The lyrics are full of positive affirmations to gas your inner baddie, with Freedia offering “So fresh, so clean! Lookin expensive!”

“’$100 Bill’ is about feelin like new money hot off the press! Big money! Feelin fresh and extra fabulous, but mostly about feeling good in your own skin. Owning your walk, your talk, your scent, your ride, anything that makes you feel like your best self”, says Big Freedia and adds, “Ciara and I have been talking about working together for a while, so this track was perfect with her.”

Ciara adds, “The first time I heard this song I thought the melodies were infectious. But also, even before that, Freedia and I have had such an amazing chemistry since we met, we both talked about working together. I asked Freedia to join my song ‘Winning’, and we definitely had winning energy on that record, and I feel like that energy has continued on $100 Bill. The record is melodic, it’s a song for everyone from little kids to the grandmas, it just makes you feel joy.”

You can hear the single below.

The post Big Freedia Recruits Ciara for New Single “$100 Bill” appeared first on The Source.

Kamasi Washington And Leon Bridges Headline The 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival

Jazz revivalist Kamasi Washington and genre legend Herbie Hancock are co-curating the 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival, the details of which have been revealed. Washington and Leon Bridges have been confirmed as the headliners, and the bill also includes New Orleans bounce pioneer Big Freedia (with The Soul Rebels), ’90s alt-rap touchstones Digable Planets, and modern jazz standard-bearers St. Paul and The Broken Bones and West Coast Get Down.

The 2023 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival is set for June 17-18 and will be hosted by Arsenio Hall. Tickets are available at hollywoodbowl.com.

In a statement, Hancock said, “I was thrilled when the LA Phil asked me to co-curate this festival with Kamasi and explore his extraordinary art. Our celebration this year includes so many artists — both emerging and established — at defining moments in their musical journeys. We hope to create community and connection through the music we make and leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired.”

Washington echoed those sentiments while praising his forebear. “Herbie is one of the greatest musicians to ever live and I am so grateful to be working with him on this special show. Herbie and I have been working with the LA Phil team to create a one-of-a-kind experience that we hope will leave the audience with excitement, joy, life, soul, and most of all great music.”

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.