In New Orleans if bounce music is playing, derrières are in motion. From my experience, it gets the function…let’s leave it at active. From block parties, clubs, cook outs, etc. few gatherings with black people aren’t going to have at least a shuffle of bounce songs played. The music is all a part of what makes New Orleans unique; just like DC and Miami have their unique styles. This subgenre of hiphop perfectly describes the city: bold and different.
Bounce started in the 80s and was heavily inspired by Triggaman from The ShowBoys. Literally every song has at least one instrument that was made famous by that Triggaman beat. The music picked up heavily through the next decade (s/o to my 90s babies) with influencers like Magnolia Shorty (R.I.P.), DJ Jimi, Gotty Boi Chris, Sissy Nobby, and many others as the list goes on forever. These artists set the standard for what and who you hear now borrowing from the subgenre.
I love the recognition New Orleans is getting in today’s mainstream society. Seeing artists and producers outside the city using samples and cadences local bounce artists made famous makes me appreciate the culture ten-fold. Honestly, these cosigns have truly propelled bounce to a completely different level; however, don’t think for a second that the following that bounce has stems from the so called ‘bigger platform’ artists.
The music is built into the fabric of the city. As long as it’s above water, there will be bounce music. With the travel of New Orleanians to other cities with college and better career opportunities, the culture follows. Notice all the songs now that sound similar to what Cash Money released in the 90s and early 2000s. There are even EDM Dj’s including bounce hooks and chants into their mixes.
When I think of who really made it from bounce music, first person that comes to mind is Big Freedia. Freedia went from performing in New Orleans to having national exposure with the tv show Queen of Bounce along with guest appearances on Jimmy Kimmel, Treme, Ridiculousness, and many more. With the spotlight that New Orleans has currently and the internet, the next big thing is bound to be on its way.
Below are a few classics which provide an idea of what the genre is and what songs are the backbone for a lot of its music today:
Currently, there are two artists next up in my opinion to take over bounce music: ReUpReedy and Treety. I love what these two are doing with the genre as they’re definitely carrying the torch. Those who dislike bounce music are quick to say things like, “There are no lyrics in the songs; just someone being repetitive and annoying,” but I highly disagree specifically talking about these two. Their intelligence is on full display with every song release. The maturation of their styles are progressing to the point you might forget these are bounce songs. These women are talented storytellers and we are doing them a great disservice if we discredit them for the type of beats they decide to rap on. Providing my current favorites from both below for your liking.