On Saturday August 16 at Maison on Frenchmen Street, Red Bull Music Academy honors the career of Mannie Fresh, the pioneer of New Orleans bounce and hip-hop music, for the first time ever. The tribute, called “The Mind of Mannie Fresh,” will showcase artists who have influenced Mannie’s creativity, as well as producers who cite Mannie as a personal influence.
Mannie Fresh (Photo: Golden Richard)
“It is definitely an honor to be recognized by Red Bull for all of my accomplishments. I’m grateful to be part of the family,” Fresh said. “Music is so important to the world. It’s not about changing the world, it’s about making it a better place and creating opportunities for others. We’re doing it together which makes it even better.”
The lineup Trouble Funk, an ‘80s go-go band from Washington, DC; New York Incorporated, Mannie Fresh’s own rap crew (featuring Mia X, Denny D, and DJ Wop); and Drumma Boy – a famed contemporary producer who has collaborated with Kanye West, T.I., Usher will participate. This will be the first time Trouble Funk has played in New Orleans for 20 years.
“To me, Mannie Fresh is the dopest producer to come out of the south and it’s an honor to be called upon by him for this event with Red Bull,” Drumma Boy said. “He definitely inspired me to be vocal on my tracks and create that presence that most of the great producers do… this event is going to be epic!”
Mannie Fresh is the renaissance man of the rap and hip-hop scene. Starting out as a DJ in New Orleans in the ‘80s, he soon progressed into his role as a prominent producer.
As the official, in-house producer for Cash Money Records in the late ‘90s, Fresh developed the beats for notable tracks like Juvenile’s “Back that Azz Up,” Lil’ Wayne’s “Go DJ,” BG’s “Bling Bling” and countless other hits. Mannie’s signature style of beats became so prominent that he became responsible for defining the uniquely Southern flavor of rap that would soon dominate the genre at the end of the millennium. Now, as a multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated record producer, Fresh’s reputation in the music industry cannot be understated.
“It’s really about bridging the genre gap in music. Younger audiences rarely know the history of music. Most of what they’re hearing today has already been created by some of the greats,” Fresh said, “they may not be directly familiar with my catalog, but this event will give them a chance to see where I’ve gotten some of my inspiration and who I’ve influenced. Having both Trouble Funk and a young gun like Drumma Boy together at this event will definitely bridge the gap. It’s going to be a great night of Go-Go, Hip Hop and a damned good time.”
