The Soul Rebels

Biography

The Soul Rebels, also known as the Soul Rebels Brass Band, are a renowned New Orleans brass band that emerged in 1991. Founded by percussionists Lumar LeBlanc and Derrick Moss, the group began as a departure from traditional brass bands, aiming to incorporate contemporary pop music into their sound. They drew inspiration from funk, rap, and hip-hop, blending these styles with the rich brass tradition of New Orleans. The band's early years were marked by their unique blend of genres, which quickly gained them popularity among music lovers and fellow musicians alike. Over the years, The Soul Rebels have collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Nas and GZA to Metallica and Living Colour's Corey Glover, showcasing their adaptability and innovative approach to music. Their albums, such as 'Unlock Your Mind' (2012) and 'Poetry in Motion' (2019), have been critically acclaimed and fan-pleasing hits. The band continues to tour extensively and maintain a strong presence in the music scene, both locally and globally. Their eclectic live shows are known for their energetic and party-like atmosphere, blending horns and drums in a deep funk style. The Soul Rebels have also been involved in scoring music for films, such as a Walt Disney movie in 2023, further expanding their musical reach. The band's members include Lumar LeBlanc, Derrick Moss, Julian Gosin, Marcus Hubbard, Corey Peyton, Paul Robertson, Erion Williams, and Manuel Perkins Jr., each contributing to the band's dynamic sound. The Soul Rebels' legacy is built on their ability to merge traditional New Orleans brass with modern genres, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. This blend of styles has not only preserved the city's musical heritage but also evolved it, making them a pivotal part of New Orleans' modern brass wave.

Fun Facts

  • The Soul Rebels got their name from Cyril Neville, who they opened for early in their career.
  • The band's music often incorporates elements of hip-hop, jazz, rock, and pop into traditional brass band music.
  • They have performed with a wide range of artists across multiple genres, from hip-hop to rock.
  • The Soul Rebels have been involved in scoring music for films, including a Walt Disney movie in 2023.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Harold Dejan - Inspirational figure as part of Young Olympia Brass Band (Traditional brass band music) [Pre-1991]

Key Collaborators

  • Nas - Collaboration on 'Godfather 4' (Dave East's single) [Recent years]
  • GZA - Collaboration on 'Tiny Desk' performance (Wu-Tang Clan) [Recent years]
  • Metallica - Live performances (Various concerts) [Recent years]
  • Lil Wayne - Featured on 'When You're Gone' (G-Eazy's single) [Recent years]
  • Big_Freedia - Collaboration on 'Pipe That' (Icona Pop's single) [Recent years]
  • Phony Ppl - Featured on their new album (Warner Music Group release) [Recent years]

Artists Influenced

  • New Orleans Brass Scene - Influence on modern brass bands (General impact on the genre) [1990s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Connection Network

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Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
These Things Happen Too 2021-09-24 Album
Euphonyus 2022-11-17 Album
Unlock Your Mind 2012-01-01 Album
Poetry in Motion 2019-10-25 Album
Unlock Your Mind 2011-01-01 Album
The Other Side Of Midnight: Live In New Orleans 2011-05-03 Album
Survival 2019-11-08 Album
No Place Like Home: Live in New Orleans 2010-01-04 Album
Let Your Mind Be Free 2008-01-08 Album
Poetry in Motion 2019-10-25 Album
HaitiaNola 2019-10-25 Album

Top Tracks

  1. to get home. (feat. Leon Thomas & The Soul Rebels) (Euphonyus)
  2. When You're Gone (feat. Lil Wayne) (These Things Happen Too)
  3. Godfather 4 (Survival)
  4. Halftime: Stand Up & Get Up
  5. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This (Unlock Your Mind)
  6. to get home. (feat. Leon Thomas & The Soul Rebels) (Euphonyus)
  7. Drinka Little Poison (4 U Die) (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
  8. Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This (Unlock Your Mind)
  9. When You're Gone (feat. Lil Wayne) (These Things Happen Too (Deluxe))
  10. Let Your Mind Be Free (New Orleans: Rebuild, Restore, Rejoice)

Tags: #jazz, #new-orleans

References

  1. neworleans.com
  2. kupferbergcenter.org
  3. theluckman.org

Heard on WWOZ

The Soul Rebels has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

May 4, 2026· 01:18The Dean's List w/ Dean Ellis
Night in Tunisia from Box Who In?
May 4, 2026· 00:15The Dean's List w/ Dean Ellis
Living for the City
Apr 24, 2026· 01:19Midnight Music
Manman Lavi
Feb 12, 2026· 22:16Kitchen Sink w/ Jennifer Brady
Culture in the Ghetto from Let Your Mind Be Free
Jan 16, 2026· 00:30Midnight Music
Manman Lavi
Oct 27, 2025· 13:33New Orleans Music Show w/ Murf Reeves
Caliente from SINGLE
Oct 4, 2025· 19:39Block Party w/ Brice Nice
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This from Unlock Your Mind
Sep 24, 2025· 11:58New Orleans Music Show w/ Missy Bowen
504 from Unlock Your Mind
Sep 17, 2025· 12:43New Orleans Music Show w/ Missy Bowen
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This from Unlock Your Mind