Big Freedia brings New Orleans to L.A.

Published

9 years ago

May 12, 2014

The last several months have been astronomical for New Orleans bounce artist Big Freedia since hitting the mainstream with his breakout reality TV show on Fuse Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce.

However, it’s actually been quite some time since the “Queen Diva” put out a full body of work. The last project Freddie Ross put out was 2011’s Scion A/V Presents Big Freedia EP featuring his buzz making “Excuse.”

That changes June 17 when Freedia releases his full length debut album Just Be Free. The album’s first single “Explode,” is already having positive receptions around the web.

“The idea behind 'Explode' is that it was the way I was feeling, like I'm going to explode,” Freedia told Rolling Stone. “Being on the road, being in a relationship, I have a lot of stress and I feel like I'm about to explode. Also, when I'm on stage, I feel like I'm going to explode. That's why I say 'release your wiggle.' This made sense for it to be the first single because I want people to know that I'm coming out with a bang ;)”

Making his way to Los Angeles’ Echoplex for a performance Friday night, Freedia showed up earlier for a meet and great. In an entrance that only he could do, the Crescent City native brought out a second line brass band along with his dancers. Freedia also stayed to sign autographs and give out free shades from Brazilian glasses maker Chilli Beans.

Before actually hitting the stage that night, DJ Dark Alley and gay New York electro pop duo Hi Fashion warmed the crowed before Freedia hit the stage. When it was time for Freedia to perform, the vibe was as a ball of lighting had hit the room. Alongside performing standouts including “Gin in My system,” and “Rock Around The Clock,” he brought a variety of attendees on stage(that also means a midget) for that signature party feel.

Expect footage to be seen on the upcoming second season of Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce premiering June 11.

Related Topics:big freedia Interview la New Orleans queen diva

Montez French

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Music

Ariana Grande – 34+35 (Remix) feat. Doja Cat & Megan Thee Stallion

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2021

HM staff writer

Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, and Doja Cat have teamed up for a new remix of Grande’s Positions track 34+35.

Film & Television

Why Did Michaela Coel Walk Away From a $1 Million Dollar Deal with Netflix?

Published

3 years ago

July 6, 2020

HM staff writer

Michaela Coel, the star of HBO’s hit series I May Destroy You had to decline Netflix’s $1 million offer after the streaming giant refused to allow her to retain “at least 5 percent of her rights” for the show.

Coel’s success in the U.S. is largely credited to Netflix. The streamer was the U.S. distributor of Coel’s acclaimed comedy series Chewing Gum. Netflix also housed a feature musical titled Been So Long in which Coel was the lead, as well as the drama series Black Earth Rising. Coel also starred in an Emmy-winning episode of Black Mirror, also distributed by Netflix. So, naturally, Coel’s history with the streaming platform made it the premier destination for her new project. After a short negotiation with a Netflix executive, however, Coel had to find a different home for I May Destroy You in order to maintain ownership of the series.

According to Vulture, Coel recalled that Netflix made her a $1 million offer for I May Destroy You in spring 2017 but she turned it down. Why? The streamer wouldn’t allow her to retain any percentage of the copyright. Coel even discontinued her relationship with CAA after it “tried to push her to take the deal”.

I May Destry You is based on Coel’s personal experience of being sexually assaulted during the making of Chewing Gum. At the age of 32, Coel is in full creative control of the series as its showrunner, director, star, and writer. She wrote all 12 episodes and co-directed nine, stars as a young writer Arabella struggling to come to terms and process a recent assault.

The series is now streaming on HBO.

Film & Television

Ava DuVernay and Whoopi Goldberg Elected to The Academy’s Board of Governors

Published

3 years ago

June 11, 2020

HM staff writer

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just elected members to its 2020-2021 Board of Governors. Among the six newly elected governors are director Ava DuVernay. EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg has been re-elected for a second three-year term.

For those not familiar with the work of the Board of Governors, here is a breakdown of how it works and what it does.

Per Oscars official website, The Board of Governors directs the Academy’s strategic vision, preserves the organization’s financial health and assures the fulfillment of its mission.

Governors attend 6-8 board meetings annually (in person or by video). Each Governor also serves on one board oversight committee and their branch’s executive committee, and they are expected to represent their branch at numerous Academy events through the year.

The Academy has a total of 18 branches, including the actors branch and directors branch, where Goldberg and DuVernay will serve. Each branch is represented by three governors who are elected for three-year terms.

Since the #OscarSoWhite campaign in 2015, the Academy has been making efforts to increase diversity across the board. After the most recent election, out of 54 governors, the number of female Academy governors increased from 25 to 26, and people of color increased from 11 to 12.