Today, New Orleans legend and the Queen of Bounce Big Freedia releases ‘Pressing Onward’, her debut gospel album, named after the Pressing Onward Baptist Church in NOLA. The album masterfully fuses her signature bounce beats with timeless hymns, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to gospel music—a passion ignited when she joined the church choir at age 10, long before her rise in New Orleans' underground club scene.

‘Pressing Onward’ embodies Big Freedia's spirit of resilience, resistance, and healing, reminiscent of classic gospel music, but bringing the uplifting (and danceable) energy that Freedia has become known for throughout her career.

Already receiving praise from the likes of Billboard, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Guardian and more, the album is dedicated to Freedia’s partner Devon Hurst who passed away in May, a loss that has amplified the album’s message of love, acceptance, and perseverance through hard times.

Big Freedia recently sat down with NPR’s Ari Shapiro to discuss the album at length for an episode of All Things Considered. Listen HERE.

Through collaborations with Billy Porter, Dawn Richard, K. Michelle, & Tamar Braxton, the choir-backed skittering rap standout “Pew”, the beautifully joyous and introspective “Celebration”, the mid-tempo ode to inner peace “Church”, and the dynamite lead single “Take My Hand” (“In a time where the concept of Christianity is being wielded as a cudgel by a nefarious group of bigots wishing to strip people of their fundamental rights and freedoms, Big Freedia is here to offer a rebellious and joyful alternative” - Billboard), Big Freedia is giving fans a reason to celebrate and worship whether it’s to a higher power or just a spirit of self-love within.

“I’ve been waiting my whole career to make this album,” says Big Freedia. “The church always spoke to me: the drama, the choir, and the attire. We are in uncertain times, I’m hoping fans can get some faith and hope– from this album.” 

“Losing my partner Devon so suddenly changed everything,” Freedia added. “This album started as a message of healing for the world—but now, it’s me who’s holding on to the music for strength. I’m pourin’ my heart into every beat, every word, and leaning on the love of my family, friends, and fans to keep me movin’ forward. ‘Pressing Onward’ means more than ever now.”

Beyond her critically acclaimed music and deep-rooted New Orleans legacy, Big Freedia is celebrated for her high-profile collaborations, most notably her standout feature on Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning hit “Break My Soul” as well as Kesha’s “Raising Hell” and with Lizzo on “Karaoke”. Beyond music, The Queen of Bounce is the executive producer and star of her long-running TV show Big Freedia Bounces Back (Fuse TV), and Big Freedia Means Business ( FUSE , WOW+), and released her memoir Big Freedia: God Save The Queen Diva in 2015. She launched a cannabis line called Royal Bud in 2022 and plans to open her first hotel in New Orleans in 2026.

‘Pressing Onward’ Track Listing

1. Revival
2. Take My Hand
3. Church
4. Let It Rain
5. Holy Shuffle (feat. Billy Porter)
6. All I Need
7. Highway to Heaven
8. Celebration (feat. Dawn Richard)
9. Sunday Best (feat. Tamar Braxton)
10. Queens Testimony (feat. K. Michelle)
11. Never Forget
12. Praise Dance
13. Pew
14. Pressing Onward

“Marries the powerful peaks and sonorous valleys of gospel with the irrepressible, relentless energy of bounce.” - Billboard

“Big Freedia’s gospel preaches to both the soul and the body,” - Rolling Stone

“Combines the party-starting rapping that made Freedia a sought-after guest for artists like Beyoncé and the classic sounds of gospel.” - New York Times

“[Freedia] brings gospel catharsis.” - The Guardian