The hip-hop scene in New Orleans is currently one of the most vibrant in the city, with many artists performing in a colorful spectrum of different styles, and releasing loads of quality songs, mixtapes and albums.

Magnolia Shorty

Tonight, two separate showcases are providing an opportunity to catch many of these artists on one night. At Republic, BOUNCE III is bringing together three generations of New Orleans bounce rap performers. Ricky B, who performed his first show in years at Maison recently, represents the first generation. His tracks “Shake Fa Ya Hood” and “Y’all Holla” were some of the original hit bounce songs in the early ’90s. Magnolia Shorty came of age in the world where bounce was already king in the mid-late ’90s, getting her stage name from now-deceased local legend Soulja Slim (known at the time as Magnolia Slim). She’s become a local favorite again recently on the strength of “Smoking Gun” and her collaboration with Kourtney Heart, “My Boy.” Representing the newest generation are DJ Rusty Lazer and Big Freedia, who in the last couple years has been celebrated with national press and international shows to match.

Na'Tee

At House of Blues, Supreme Street and Traffic Boutique are presenting some of classic underground hip-hop’s rising local talent at Certified NOLA. Na’Tee—who dominated the voting in the recent NOLA Underground Hip-Hop Awards, picking up the Best Female Artist, Best Lyricist, and Best Mixtape of the Year awards. The award-winning mixtape, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, is highly recommended. Also performing are Kashflow (who has been consistently releasing excellent songs all year), The Show, Fijah, and Da U Boys (their song “Pick It Back Up” is a personal favorite).

Two different styles for whichever you please, or hit both shows for the best of both worlds.