The thrilling major-label debut from New Orleans' most beloved ambassador of bounce,
3rd Ward Bounce finds self-proclaimed "queen diva"
Big Freedia at her best, delivering a taut five-song EP of propulsive and high-energy anthems aimed squarely at shaking bodies to the ground while lifting NOLA culture to the rafters. Like prior
Freedia output, these are irresistible love letters to both New Orleans and the beauty of the booty. On the frenetic title track, guest
Erica Falls joins
Freedia as cultural guide to the city, proclaiming "We do it for the N.O./We do it for the 504/We do it for the bounce." Elsewhere,
Lizzo teams with
Freedia for the horn-packed "Karaoke."
Freedia dips into trap with the hypnotic "Bomb" and takes aim at freeloading scrubs on the humorous kiss-off "Rent." Offering more variety and improved production from her previous studio effort, 2014's Just Be Free,
3rd Ward Bounce takes the visceral spirit of her usual work and injects it with a heart and soul befitting of her oversized and lovable personality. ~ Neil Z. Yeung