Boyfriend, Big Freedia

Biography

Big Freedia, born Freddie Ross Jr., is a celebrated hip-hop artist and the undisputed 'Queen of New Orleans Bounce,' a genre rooted in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans. Raised in the city’s 3rd Ward, Freedia began singing in church choirs before immersing herself in the local bounce scene in the late 1990s. Her energetic performances and charismatic personality quickly made her a standout figure, helping to bring bounce music from local block parties to national and international stages.

Freedia’s career took off with a series of acclaimed EPs, including '3rd Ward Bounce' (2018), 'Louder' (2020), and 'Big Diva Energy' (2021). She is widely recognized for her dynamic collaborations with major artists such as Beyoncé—contributing to the Grammy-winning singles 'Formation' and 'Break My Soul'—and Drake’s hit 'Nice For What.' Freedia’s influence extends beyond music, as she starred in the reality series 'Big Freedia Bounces Back' and 'Big Freedia Means Business,' showcasing her journey as an artist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her memoir, 'God Save the Queen Diva,' further cements her legacy as a cultural icon and trailblazer for racial and gender equality.

Big Freedia’s signature sound blends rapid-fire call-and-response vocals with infectious beats, embodying the spirit of New Orleans. Her impact on pop, hip-hop, and queer culture is profound, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans while elevating bounce music to global prominence.

Fun Facts

• Big Freedia hosted the official Met Gala Instagram Live Stream Red Carpet event in 2019.
• She is affectionately known as the 'Queen Diva' by her fans.
• Freedia’s reality show, 'Big Freedia Bounces Back,' ran for six seasons and helped document the rise of bounce music.
• She is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and was honored as one of Ebony’s Power 100 in 2021.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Katey Red - Early bounce music pioneer and close collaborator, credited with helping introduce Freedia to the bounce scene. (Collaborative performances and local bounce events) [late 1990s–2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Beyoncé - Featured Freedia’s vocals and bounce style on major singles. ('Formation', 'Break My Soul') [2016, 2022]
• Drake - Sampled Freedia’s voice and bounce elements. ('Nice For What') [2018]
• Boyfriend - Collaborated on Freedia’s album 'Central City Freestyle.' ('Central City Freestyle') [2023]
• Lady Gaga - Covered Gaga’s song for an anniversary album. ('Judas' (Born This Way The Tenth Anniversary)) [2021]

Artists Influenced

• Lizzo - Cites Freedia as an inspiration for blending bounce and pop and for LGBTQ+ representation. (Live performances, interviews) [2010s–present]
• Ballroom vogue and bounce artists - Freedia’s style and advocacy have inspired a new generation of queer and trans performers in the ballroom and bounce scenes. (Various performances and tracks) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Shake It (feat. Big Freedia, CupcakKe, Brooke Candy and Pabllo Vittar) (Charli)
2. Raising Hell (feat. Big Freedia) (High Road)
3. Karaoke (feat. Lizzo)
4. Raising Hell (feat. Big Freedia)
5. Stupid Boy (feat. Big Freedia)
6. Church
7. Holy Shuffle (feat. Billy Porter)
8. Rush - Big Freedia Remix
9. Celebration (feat. Dawn Richard) (Pressing Onward)
10. Stupid Boy (feat. Big Freedia)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia