Biography
Big Freedia, born Freddie Ross Jr. on January 28, 1978, in Uptown New Orleans, is a pioneering artist and international ambassador for bounce music, a high-energy rap subgenre rooted in New Orleans. Raised by her mother and stepfather, Freedia was immersed in music from a young age, singing in the local Baptist church choir and serving as captain of her high school cheerleading squad. Inspired by the early 1990s bounce scene, particularly the work of MC T. Tucker and DJ Irv, Freedia began performing as a backup dancer and singer for bounce pioneer Katey Red in the late 1990s, before releasing her own debut album, 'Queen Diva,' in 2003.
After Hurricane Katrina, Freedia's rapid return to performing in New Orleans and her dynamic live shows helped revitalize the local music scene and brought national attention to bounce music. Through collaborations with artists like Galactic, Rusty Lazer, and later pop superstars such as Beyoncé, Drake, and Lizzo, Freedia expanded bounce's reach well beyond its regional roots. Her energetic performances, signature catchphrases, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have made her a cultural icon, while her reality TV show 'Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce' (later 'Big Freedia Bounces Back') introduced her story to a wider audience.
Big Freedia is credited with popularizing twerking to mainstream audiences and has been recognized for her role in shaping contemporary pop and hip-hop. Her influence is evident in major works like Beyoncé's 'Formation' and 'Break My Soul,' and she continues to innovate within the genre, releasing new music and collaborating with a diverse array of artists. Freedia remains a proud advocate for her city, her roots, and the ongoing evolution of bounce music.
Fun Facts
- Big Freedia set the Guinness World Record twice in 2014 for the most people twerking simultaneously, in both New York City and New Orleans.
- She is known for her reality TV show, 'Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce,' which won a GLAAD Media Award and ran for six seasons.
- Freedia's song 'Gin 'N My System' was quoted by Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie and named one of the 50 best New Orleans rap songs by Complex Magazine.
- She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was honored as one of Ebony’s Power 100 in 2021.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Katey Red - Bounce pioneer and early collaborator; Freedia began as a backup dancer and singer for Katey Red. (Collaborated on the track 'Stupid' and performed together in the documentary 'Ya Heard Me.') [Late 1990s–early 2000s]
- MC T. Tucker & DJ Irv - Inspirational figures; their track 'Where Dey At' was a formative influence on Freedia's interest in bounce. ('Where Dey At') [Early 1990s (influence)]
Key Collaborators
- Rusty Lazer - DJ and manager; helped bring Freedia's music to new audiences and toured together. (Touring and live performances) [2010s]
- Galactic - New Orleans funk band; collaborated and toured, introducing Freedia to wider audiences. (Live performances and tours) [Late 2000s–2010s]
- Beyoncé - Sampled and featured Freedia's voice on major tracks. ('Formation' (2016), 'Break My Soul' (2022)) [2016, 2022]
- Drake - Featured Freedia's voice on a hit single. ('Nice For What' (2018))
- Lizzo - Collaborated musically. (Various performances and recordings) [2010s–2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Beyoncé - Incorporated bounce elements and Freedia's vocals into her music, bringing bounce to a global audience. ('Formation', 'Break My Soul') [2016, 2022]
- Mainstream pop and hip-hop artists - Inspired widespread adoption of bounce rhythms and twerking in popular music and culture. (Numerous tracks and performances) [2010s–2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing Onward | 2025-08-08 | Album |
| Magic Is Real | 2019-11-15 | Album |
| Just Be Free | 2014-06-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Shake It (feat. Big Freedia, CupcakKe, Brooke Candy and Pabllo Vittar) (Charli)
- Raising Hell (feat. Big Freedia) (High Road)
- Karaoke (feat. Lizzo)
- Raising Hell (feat. Big Freedia)
- Stupid Boy (feat. Big Freedia)
- Church
- Holy Shuffle (feat. Billy Porter)
- Rush - Big Freedia Remix
- Celebration (feat. Dawn Richard) (Pressing Onward)
- Stupid Boy (feat. Big Freedia)
External Links
Tags: #alternative-hip-hop, #bounce, #electro
References
Heard on WWOZ
Big Freedia has been played 38 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.