Por Petty Pablo
I stepped into The Shade Room so you don’t have to. Chile, lemme tell you, the gumbo is STIRRING. Big Freedia, the Queen Diva of Bounce, stopped by TSR Live to chop it up about Mardi Gras, bounce music, and New Orleans culture, and the comments section is… well, let’s just say the beads are flying and not always in a good way.
Now, first things first. The interview itself? Solid. Big Freedia, as always, brought the energy. She was talking about the importance of Mardi Gras to New Orleans, how it’s way more than just beads and booze (though, let’s be honest, those are a big part of it too!). She explained the significance of the different krewes, the history behind the traditions, and how it’s a celebration deeply rooted in the city’s identity.
Then, she dove into the world of bounce music. Freedia gave a crash course on the history, the unique sound, and how it has evolved from a local New Orleans phenomenon to a global sensation. She talked about its raw energy, the call-and-response chants, and how it’s all about letting loose and feeling good. She even dropped some knowledge about the struggles and triumphs of being a Black artist from New Orleans, navigating the music industry, and staying true to her roots.
Overall, a great interview filled with information and a whole lotta NOLA pride. But honey, the comments? That’s where the real show was at. It’s a mixed bag of love, admiration, and the inevitable sprinkle of… well, let’s just call it spicy opinions.
One thing is for sure, the love for Freedia is palpable. A lot of folks are commenting about how she’s a legend, an icon, and a true ambassador for New Orleans culture. “Big Freedia is a national treasure, protect her at all costs!” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “She’s been putting on for NOLA for years. Real queen!” The general consensus is that she’s worked hard, stayed true to herself, and deserves all the recognition she’s getting.
There’s also a lot of appreciation for her educating folks about Mardi Gras and bounce music. Many commented on how they learned something new, finally understanding the cultural significance behind the festivities and the music. “I always thought Mardi Gras was just about getting drunk and wild, but Freedia really broke it down and made me appreciate it on a deeper level,” one user admitted. Others echoed this sentiment, thanking her for sharing her knowledge and passion.
But, like any good Shade Room post, there’s always a bit of…shade. Some users are questioning the mainstreaming of bounce music. They feel like it’s being appropriated and diluted by artists outside of New Orleans. “It’s cool that bounce is getting bigger, but I hope it doesn’t lose its soul,” one commenter wrote. “I’m tired of seeing artists who don’t understand the culture trying to jump on the bandwagon.” This sparked a debate about cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, with some arguing that as long as artists are respectful and give credit where it’s due, it’s okay for bounce music to reach a wider audience. Others remained skeptical, emphasizing the importance of preserving the authenticity and roots of the genre.
And, because it’s the internet, there’s always someone bringing up something completely unrelated. A few users decided to comment on Freedia’s appearance, which, let’s be real, is nobody’s business but her own. These comments were swiftly shut down by other users, who reminded everyone that the focus should be on her accomplishments and contributions to music and culture. “Why are y’all always gotta bring up someone’s looks? Focus on the positive, people!” one user exclaimed, earning a flurry of likes and supportive replies.
There’s also a contingent of folks who are calling for more support for New Orleans artists in general. They feel like the city is often overlooked and that its rich cultural heritage isn’t given the recognition it deserves. “New Orleans has so much talent, we need to shine a bigger spotlight on these artists!” one user wrote. Another suggested that more record labels and media outlets should invest in New Orleans talent.
Overall, the comments section reflects a complex mix of opinions and perspectives. There’s a lot of love and admiration for Big Freedia, a genuine appreciation for New Orleans culture, and a healthy dose of debate about the future of bounce music. It’s a reminder that even in the age of social media, people are still passionate about their culture, their music, and their communities. And they’re not afraid to voice their opinions, whether you like it or not. The fans are definitely siding with Big Freedia though, she’s the undisputed queen, and they aren’t letting anyone disrespect her or the culture she represents. The internet is definitely not dragging Big Freedia; they’re lifting her up! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go listen to some bounce music and pretend I know how to twerk. Peace out!
