Rival Big Chiefs Romeo Bougere of the 9th Ward Hunters and Jermaine Bossier of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters have come together once again to release the 79rs Gang’s new album, Expect the Unexpected.
The two rivaling Big Chiefs, each of whom represent different wards and traditions of New Orleans, combine traditional culture with club and electronic elements to highlight Mardi Gras Indian music in a new, revitalized imagining. Combining customary Mardi Gras Indian musical features like chants and percussion with touches of modern hip-hop and electronic music, the 79rs Gang represent the exciting, eclectic spirit of Mardi Gras tradition. This is the duo’s second album released on the Louisiana-based label, Sinking City Records.
79rs Gang originated in 2013 when Big Chiefs Bougere and Bossier decided to set their differences aside and use their collective voice to celebrate their tradition with music. In 2014, the duo released their first album, Fire On The Bayou, which shined a light on the sounds of traditional Mardi Gras Indian music. Their new album was borne from fusing unique, tradition-rooted musical elements with a fresh, dynamic sound inspired by dance floors and block parties around the world. 79rs Gang worked with writer and producer Eric Heigle, esteemed for his work with groups like Arcade Fire, The Soul Rebels, and Lost Bayou Ramblers, to capture the best musical moments to establish their sonic culture and bring it to the forefront of music.
Heigle describes the significance of the album: “Romeo and Jermaine are two of the baddest Indian singers out there, not to mention Romeo can play tambourine as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. That along with the concept of solidarity that is embedded within the 79rs Gang concept makes this project super unique. They worked really hard on this music and I couldn’t be prouder of 79rs Gang for Expect the Unexpected.”
In addition to producer Eric Heigle, featured collaborators on the album include Arcade Fire’s Win Butler, LCD Soundsystem’s Korey Richey, Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Nicholas Payton, percussionist and vocalist Cyril Neville, Haitian music collective Lakou Mizik, and many more diverse talents. New Orleans artist Ceaux Young created the artwork for the album cover.
“In the 1970s, Bo Dollis and Monk Boudreaux opened the door and took Mardi Gras Indian music and culture around the world using New Orleans funk. On Expect the Unexpected, we bring this culture into the future,” describes Bossier, Big Chief of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters. “We take this music around the world using a beat machine, using the sounds of hip hop and dance music. This is music for young people and old people, for the people of New Orleans, and for people who know nothing about this culture. This is music for the whole world.”
