A HIP-HOP SOUL POWER BOUNCE DOUBLE BILL!

Adding a fresh flavour to an already jam-packed line-up is the addition Big Freedia. There is simply no one quite like Big Freedia, the larger-than-life New Orleans rap artist, known as the Queen of Bounce.

In addition to releasing her own critically acclaimed EPs, ‘3rd Ward Bounce’ (2018), ‘Louder’ (2020), and ‘Big Diva Energy’ (2021), Big Freedia has also appeared on numerous high-profile projects, including Beyoncé’s Grammy award-winning, ‘Formation’, and the recently released track coined the song of the summer, ‘Break My Soul’. Bringing her distinctive voice and signature catchphrases to all her work, she also collaborated on Drake’s ‘Nice For What’.

Joining the loud and proud Big Freedia on this incredible line-up is hip-hop royalty – GZA aka the Genius from Wu-Tang Clan and Talib Kweli from Black Star. Both also respected for their solo work. Solid backing will be brought to the collective by brass sensations from New Orleans, The Soul Rebels who were last in Australia backing NAS at Bluesfest Byron Bay in 2017 for an exclusive set.

Recently headlining Blue Note Jazz Festival and not to be missed is Robert Glasper performing his own set with an electric band featuring Justin Tyson (drums), Burniss Travis (bass) and DJ Jahi Sundance. The 9-time nominated across 11 categories, 4-time Grammy® award winner is currently performing a record 30 night stand at the world famous Jazz venue, The Blue Note in New York. The only other artists to have ever achieved this are Chick Corea and Dizzy Gillespie. Glasper is the only artist to ever have an album release in the top 10 of 4 album charts on Billboard at the same time. Two years later he did it again.

This is a once in a lifetime, jam-packed gig is not to be missed!

Tour Dates:

Wednesday 5th April 2023 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (+ Robert Glasper)

Thursday 6th April 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (+ Robert Glasper)

Thursday 6th – Monday 10th April 2023 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Saturday 8th April 2023 – Bluesfest, Melbourne

 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW:

Australian Shows:

https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/artist/soul-rebels-friends-robert-glasper

Bluesfest Byron Bay

https://www.bluesfest.com.au/tickets/

Bluesfest Melbourne

https://bluesfestmelbourne.com.au/

Snapshot Bios:

Big Freedia

Known as the larger-than life ambassador of New Orleans Bounce music, Big Freedia is a nationally recognized hip hop artist, TV personality and cultural influencer. Most recently she made headline news for her feature on Beyoncé’s long-awaited lead single “Break My Soul,” released on June 21.

In addition to releasing her own critically acclaimed EPs,‘3rd Ward Bounce’(2018), ‘Louder’(2020), and ‘Big Diva Energy’(2021), the Big Freedia, also known as the Queen of New Orleans Bounce, also appeared on numerous high profile projects, including Beyoncé’s Grammy award-winning, “Formation,” and on Drake’s “Nice For What, ”where she brings her distinctive voice and signature catchphrases to all her work. Last year, she covered “Judas” on Lady Gaga’s Born this Way The Tenth Anniversary album (2021).  Big Freedia is known for her infectious energy and personality.

In 2019, she was the official host for the Met Gala IG Live Stream Red Carpet event and a host of 2021’s Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve TV celebration. Known by her fans as the “Queen Diva, ”Big Freedia is a loud and proud advocate for racial and gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Talib Kweli

The Brooklyn-based MC earned his stripes as one of the most lyrically-gifted, socially aware and politically insightful rappers to emerge in the last 20 years. Talib Kweli stands as one of the world’s most talented and most accomplished Hip Hop artists. Whether working with Mos Def as one-half of Black Star, partnering with producer Hi-Tek for Reflection Eternal, releasing landmark solo material or collaborating with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze, J Dilla, or Madlib, Kweli commands attention by delivering top-tier lyricism, crafting captivating stories and showing the ability to rhyme over virtually any type of instrumental.

GZA

GZA, aka the Genius, was the most cerebral MC in the Wu-Tang Clan , as well as perhaps the most acclaimed. His cool, precise flow and intricate, literate rhymes weren’t as theatrical as Method Man or Ol’ Dirty Bastard , the two biggest commercial stars to spring from the collective. But among hip-hop aficionados, GZA was revered for his flawless technique and lyrical dexterity, and was considered by many to be the best pure rapper in the entire Clan.

The Soul Rebels

Brass sensation The Soul Rebels are riding high in 2022 after receiving national attention following the release of their new album, Poetry In Motion. The eight-member collective appeared on Sony Music artist G-Eazy featuring Lil Wayne’s new single ‘When You’re Gone”, Def Jam artist Dave East and Nas’ “Godfather 4” single, Big Freedia and Icona Pop’s “Pipe That”, and reached fans with original singles “Greatness” featured as ESPN’s official College Hoops theme anthem, and “Good Time” featured on Netflix’s #BlackAF and Dad Stop Embarrassing Me! On the heels of their new supergroup with The Wu Tang Clan, The Soul Rebels continue to expand their international reach touring four continents including Europe, Australia, China, South Korea and Japan. Their explosive stage presence has led to live collaborations with the likes of Katy Perry, Nas, G-Eazy, DMX, Robin Thicke, Macy Gray, Portugal. The Man, Robert Glasper, Pretty Lights, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Matisyahu.

Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 4 Grammy wins and 9 nominations across 11 categories, and an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins. His work and accolades bridge all aspects of the music business, from live touring to film scoring, composing and producing. In the last two years alone Glasper has seen a staggering diversity of success, and with boundless innovation and elite technique as his signature it’s no surprise that Glasper has an avalanche of accolades, awards, and achievements to his name – most recently being asked to play at the 2020 March On Washington with Derrick Hodge and funk legend, Sir George Clinton. Bluesfest is honoured that this incredibly in demand artist will honour us with his musical presence.

You may also like