Big Freedia will be the first to admit it’s been a rough year. A terror attack struck the musician’s New Orleans hometown on New Year’s Day; in May her partner of 20 years, the visual artist Devon Hurst, died from diabetes-related complications; and in June, the Supreme Court dealt a blow to those fighting for transgender youth in a decision about medical care. An ambassador for the style of New Orleans hip-hop called bounce, Freedia always turns to music for solace and strength.
“It’s something that the world needs right now,” she said while preparing to release “Pressing Onward,” an album-length celebration of the lively, uplifting gospel she grew up performing at the Pressing Onward Baptist Church. “It’s something that I need, going through what I’m going through, with this healing process.”
“Pressing Onward” combines the party-starting rapping that made Freedia a sought-after guest for artists like Beyoncé (that’s her exhorting “Release your anger! Release your mind!” on “Break My Soul”) and the classic sounds of gospel (she’s a former choir director).
Freedia, 47, has dedicated the album, due Aug. 8, to Hurst, who enjoyed it while she was recording it. “He was so proud of it,” she said. “Every moment that I’m not busy, he’s on my mind and I’m thinking about him. I’m still in disbelief.”
In a video interview, she chatted from New Orleans about the culture that lifts her up and inspires her to break down doors. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
Yolanda Adams
She used to sing with Raymond Myles and the RAMS from New Orleans and that’s how she was discovered. She’s been in churches, tearing the church down with that voice. “The Battle Is the Lord’s,” “In the Midst of It All,” there’s many songs I listen to from her.
‘Sinners’
I didn’t like horror movies as a kid. I was terrified of Freddy Krueger; I’d have dreams and wake up in the middle of the night and run out the house. But I love scary movies now. “Sinners” definitely hit home, the music and the cultural impact.
Dr. Martens Boots
One of my friends who is a stylist got me a pair: a big, high boot, a little bit over the ankle, and he got them all painted, with some graphics and diamonds and studs. It’s a great shoe for the stage. I put on this size 13 boot — they’re stompers — everybody will see ’em.
LeSportsac Bags
That’s my travel bag when I’m on the road. Sporty, comfortable, lightweight but effective. I carry all the things I need, from my license to my money, to my credit cards, my lip gloss, maybe a little lube — I’m just playing.
Andy Cohen and Bravo
Andy is such a sweet guy. He’s a great friend and I love that his grind don’t stop. He’s a hard worker like me and he’s out there feeding the culture with different ideas and putting different people on, opening doors and breaking barriers.
My Fabulous Dog Groomer
I call and say, “Adrian, make the boys green.” “Make the boys purple.” They’re green right now and they’re so adorable. I have three boys: a tall Standard Poodle, a Frenchie and a Chow Chow. They all sleep together in their own room. They’re spoiled and bad and they’re fun and active. Devon and I had wanted to do different basketball team colors: one was the Suns, one was LSU, one was the Cavaliers.
Hibachi
There’s this place called Umi in Chalmette and baby, the hibachi rice comes with chicken, shrimp, beef. You’re going to make me go get a plate.
The Trans Rights Movements
We’re still fighting. We’re not giving up. We’re here and we’re standing tall and we’re standing strong. Unfortunately, there are some people in the world that just don’t understand our community, but we’re not here for everybody to understand and we’re not here for everybody to love. We want all of those things, but as long as we have our community supporting us and our allies, that’s what it’s about.
Esho Diva and the Bounce Scene
That’s one of my artists newly signed to my label and she’s amazing. When I brought her to the studio and she started just rapping, I was like, “Oh my God.” She had me crying just to see the gift that God gave her. There’s many other artists locally who are doing their thing, especially the females: You have Reup Reedy and Supahbadd and Treety. Even the gay guys on the bounce scene are killing the game. I’m glad that I was able to open the door globally for New Orleans bounce music to get out. Everybody want a little piece of bounce and ain’t nothing wrong with bouncing, baby, like dribbling the ball.
Cannabis-Infused Drinks
I have my own weed line called Royal Bud, and a local company here in New Orleans came to me and wanted to do an infused drink. The Wobble is the best seller; it’s strawberry pineapple lemonade and gives you a nice little buzz.
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