New Orleans icon and Queen of Bounce Big Freedia is ready to uplift both hearts and dance floors with her long-awaited debut gospel album Pressing Onward, set for release on August 8th.
Named after the Pressing Onward Baptist Church where Freedia first discovered her love for music as a 10-year-old choir member, the album is a deeply personal, joyful fusion of Freedia’s signature bounce sound and timeless gospel traditions. It marks a full-circle moment for the trailblazing artist whose influence has reshaped both club culture and mainstream music.
But Pressing Onward arrives with even greater emotional weight following the sudden passing of Freedia’s partner Devon Hurst in May. Freedia has dedicated the project to Devon’s memory, transforming the album’s themes of resilience, healing, and perseverance into a powerful, personal testimony.
“I’ve been waiting my whole career to make this album,” Freedia shared. “The church always spoke to me—the drama, the choir, the attire. We are in uncertain times, and I’m hoping fans can find some faith and hope in this music.”
Packed with collaborations from stars like Billy Porter, Tamar Braxton, and K. Michelle, Pressing Onward offers danceable praise and raw vulnerability across 14 tracks, including: The lead single “Take My Hand”, which Rolling Stone calls “gospel that preaches to both the soul and the body”
Beyond music, Freedia continues to expand their empire from hit TV shows and her memoir God Save the Queen Diva, to her cannabis brand Royal Bud, and an upcoming hotel in New Orleans set to open in 2026.
As Freedia says, “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.”
