Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs today (September 21) released their third studio album, True Orleans, which pays homage to the town that encouraged Allen’s passion for music. Allen was inspired by the music and culture of New Orleans during his upbringing in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Earlier this month, Allen released “Hit the Sean Payton,” which appears on True Orleans, about the head coach for the New Orleans Saints. The song quickly went viral and an official video will be released next month. The album includes thirteen songs and features collaborations with local favorites Big Freedia, Partners-N-Crime, Erica Falls and Anna Mangiardi. Allen is the lead vocalist and trumpeter for The Underdawgs.

He is also a music writer, composer and producer who has collaborated with Willie Nelson, Patti LaBelle, Harry Connick Jr. and Lenny Kravitz. He also tours with American jam band, Galactic. True Orleans is infused with rap, hip-hop, blues, jazz and country—genres integral to New Orleans’ musical history.

“There’s no real way to put into words what New Orleans music is and represents,” said Allen, “You have to be in the city, in the moment, and with the right opportunity to really feel it and understand.” Allen peppered each song with trumpet solos in order to achieve the “True Orleans” spirit he set out to accomplish.

The first song, “The Greatest Place in the World (feat. Big Freedia)” mentions many things that make New Orleans great such as jazz, bounce and crawfish. The track is infused with trumpet solos and fun lyrics such as, “The city where grandma is gettin’ down in the kitchen / City where musicians can actually make a livin.’” This song sets a tone for the rest of the album that is unequivocally New Orleans. In fact, Big Freedia will join Allen at the House of Blues on Saturday, September 22, for the official release party.

True Orleans was recorded at POME Music Studio and Nola Recording Studio. The album is available to stream on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes and Soundcloud. CDs are available for purchase here. The band plans to release their next tour later this year. Be sure to follow the band on Facebook for more information. 

Stream True Orleans