Who was twerking when Miley Cyrus was still in diapers? Big Freedia, that's who! Known for bounce music based out of New Orleans, this artist brought his unique style of dancing to the mainstream.
The second season of the World of Wonder-produced reality show Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce is now playing on Fuse. During publicity of the first season Freedia broke the Guinness World Record for twerking with a crowd of hundreds.
Nightspots went backstage during a two-night concert at the Empty Bottle to find out why artists like Beyonce are taking notice of this Queen B.
Jerry Nunn: Hey, Freedia. How was last night's performance?
Big Freedia: It was awesome. We had a good time.
JN: Talk about your new music on the record Just Be Free.
BF: It is going to be very interesting. It was a hard album for me to complete with all of the things that were going on with my mom. I got through the mission and I hope people will be excited about it. I think they will definitely be able to relate. I have some good moments but my mom passed on April 1.
JN: I'm sorry to hear that. Any guests on this album?
BF: I think on the remixes that will be coming right after this one. I am about to go to full work on that one as well to complete my two-album deal.
JN: Your new song "Explode" is about releasing anger?
BF: Yes, it is. With all of the things going on in my life I wanted to explode. The way for me to release all of that was through my music on stage. When people are going through different things I wanted them to be able to release their wiggle, their stress, their mind, and just be themselves. I release it through shaking to my music.
JN: Is it the best workout?
BF: You better believe it! It is a full workout.
JN: What can you tell readers about the second season of your reality show?
BF: It is going to be a lot more interesting. A lot has happened since season one. I learned a lot about the TV world too. I am on point now.
JN: Did you feel you were represented correctly in the first season?
BF: Very much so. I did have a moment in season one where I didn't like it and I cried. I was ticked off a little bit. I do have creative control over my own show and things that I want they make happen. That is a plus for me.
JN: How was it working with RuPaul on the song "Peanut Butter"?
BF: When he called me I almost dropped dead on the phone. I watched him when I was growing up and then to get a phone call from my idol wanting to do something with me musically was a joy. Ru is the best. We just made a new single called "Freaky Money." He will be doing something on one of my albums as well.
JN: How did you meet Beyonce?
BF: They came to see me the night before then they asked me to hang out her mom's birthday party. That was one of the best experiences to hang out with Beyonce, Solange, Jennifer Hudson, and the Kardashians.
JN: Now that's a party! Who have you wanted to meet but haven't yet?
BF: Diane Ross and Patti LaBelle. There are so many out there that I would love to meet, the classics and the real divas. All of the people who have paved the way for the new generations. Little Richard is another one that comes to mind. I would like to meet all of them and pay homage to them.
JN: Do you want to blow up like artists such as Iggy Azalea?
BF: Yeah. Music is my life and I enjoy what I do. I am steady working on every level to make my career blossom. I never thought I would be one of the biggest names in bounce music so this is journey!
Check out Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, Wednesdays on Fuse. Updates on the artist can be found at www.bigfreedia.com .