Central City
Studio album by
Big Freedia
ReleasedJune 23, 2023 (2023-06-23)
GenreBounce[1]
Length46:54
LabelQueen Diva
Producer
Big Freedia chronology
Just Be Free
(2014)		 Central City
(2023)
Singles from Central City
  1. "Central City Freestyle"
    Released: March 31, 2023
  2. "$100 Bill"
    Released: April 28, 2023
  3. "Bigfoot"
    Released: May 26, 2023
  4. "El Niño"
    Released: June 19, 2023[2]

Central City is the second studio album by American rapper Big Freedia, released through Queen Diva Music on June 23, 2023.[3] It follows nine years after his previous album, Just Be Free (2014).[4] The album features guest appearances from Kamaiyah, Kelly Price, Lil Wayne, Boyfriend, Ciara, Sonyae, Faith Evans, and the Soul Rebels. Big Freedia will tour North America in support of the record across mid-2023.[5]

Background

The album features Big Freedia "infusing" his bounce style of music with "an invigorated, hip-hop-inspired energy" that he has called "bigga bounce". In a statement, Big Freedia said: "Welcome to Central City, y'all, where I pay homage to my city, my roots, hip-hop, and to the art of creating a new sound".[6]

Singles

Central City was preceded by three singles: "Central City Freestyle" in March 2023, "$100 Bill" featuring Ciara at the end of April 2023, and "Bigfoot" alongside the album's announcement on May 26, 2023.[5]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[7]
The Observer[8]
Pitchfork7.6/10[1]

AllMusic's Neil Z., Yeung wrote that "although noticeably more polished than other contemporary bounce releases, these cleaned-up anthems aim to draw a larger audience into the scene, both with their radio-friendly approach and marquee guests", also adding that "altogether, Central City is a total riot and fun as hell, the culmination of years of grinding and fighting to place New Orleans bounce on an even larger stage".[7] Kitty Empire of The Observer described it as "an album of bass-laden beasts, star guests and surprisingly musical moments", also finding that it contains "high production values and songcraft".[8] Eric Torres of Pitchfork opined that "Freedia branches out more than ever, switching between classic bounce and the occasional hard-nosed, industrial grind, often within the same song" and that the album "reaffirms Freedia's easy rapport with disparate artists", which "speaks to her expansive curatorial vision and towering charisma".[1]

Track listing

Central City track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Central City Freestyle"
Gold Glove3:18
2."Big Tyme" (featuring Kamaiyah)
Gold Glove2:56
3."Throw It Back"
  • Ross
  • Adam Pigott
BlaqNMild2:53
4."Motivate Ya" (featuring Kelly Price)
  • Sir Nolan
  • Westen
3:28
5."Pop That"
  • Ross
  • Adolph Briggs
  • Chavez
  • Comaskey
  • Owen Jackson
  • Powell
Gold Glove1:53
6."Bigfoot"
 2:51
7."El Niño" (featuring Lil Wayne and Boyfriend)
3:05
8."$100 Bill" (featuring Ciara)
  • Ross
  • Ciara
  • Kameron Glasper
  • MadisonLST
  • Max Levin
  • Kyle Scherrer
  • Glasper
  • MadisonLST
  • Max & Kyle
3:04
9."Pepto Interlude"
  • Ross
  • Chavevz
  • Comaskey
  • Jackson
  • Powell
Gold Glove1:08
10."Booty Like a Drummer"
  • Ross
  • Yunoka Berry
  • Pigott
BlaqNMild2:26
11."You Already Know" (featuring Sonyae)
  • Ross
  • Pigott
BlaqNMild4:46
12."Bitch You Want" (featuring Faith Evans)
Hudson Mohawke2:20
13."Life Lessons"
  • Ross
  • Chavevz
  • Comaskey
  • Powell
Gold Glove3:33
14."NOLA Babies"
  • Ross
  • Pigott
BlaqNMild3:06
15."Gin in My System"
  • Ross
  • Pigott
BlaqNMild3:24
16."Voodoo Magic" (featuring the Soul Rebels)
  • Ross
  • Berry
  • Chavez
  • Glasper
  • Jim Greer
  • Rob Mercurio
  • Powell
  • Greer
  • Reginald Nicholas Jr.
  • Mercurio
2:43
Total length:46:54

References

  1. 1 2 3 Torres, Eric (June 26, 2023). "Big Freedia: Central City Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  2. ↑ Major, Michael (June 19, 2023). "Big Freedia, Lil Wayne & Boyfriend Join Forces on 'El Niño'". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  3. ↑ Blistein, Jon (May 26, 2023). "Big Freedia Is Stomping On Everyone With Her New Song 'Bigfoot'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  4. ↑ Kearns, Sarah (May 30, 2023). "New Orleans Bounce Legend Big Freedia Announces First LP in 9 Years Central City". Hypebeast. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Vito, Jo (May 26, 2023). "Big Freedia Announces New Album Central City, Shares "Bigfoot": Stream". Consequence. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  6. ↑ Garcia, Thania (May 26, 2023). "Big Freedia to Release Central City, Her First Album in Nine Years". Variety. Retrieved June 19, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Yeung, Neil Z. "Big Freedia – Central City Album Review". AllMusic. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Empire, Kitty (June 25, 2023). "Big Freedia: Central City review – a mighty endorphin rush". The Observer. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
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