“My music has always spread messages of love, joy, freedom, and inclusivity. This is no different,” she said
Big Freedia is fusing gospel with bounce. On Friday, the New Orleans musician released her single “Take My Hand,” off her upcoming gospel project.
“Tell the congregation/This is Freedia nation/Ain’t no room for hatin,” she sings on the track, which samples the voice of gospel preacher Dr. CJ Johnson. “Over here, we’re celebrating.”
Freedia debuted the song while performing at Stubb’s at SXSW earlier this month, where she called her upcoming project a “gospel revival” as she hit the stage backed by a gospel choir. During the show, which Rolling Stone called “exuberant and joyful,” Freedia explained that she had the power “to bring people together through the power of ass, but now God wants me to save souls.”
Freedia previously described the new era of music as “taking it back to my roots.” She grew up being the choir director of her high school and home church in New Orleans. She also regularly performed with the New Orleans Gospel Music Workshop of America, according to a press release.
“Welcome to the Queendom! I’m so excited to release the first song off my upcoming Gospel Project,” said Big Freedia in a statement. “My music has always spread messages of love, joy, freedom, and inclusivity. This is no different. The world needs this, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”
“Take My Hand” is her first solo release since last year’s “Let’s Go!” and “I Am” alongside Macy Gray. Her last album came in 2023 with Central City, which included collabs with Lil Wayne, Faith Evans, and Kamaiyah.
