Grammy winner Macy Gray and the dynamic Big Freedia have teamed up for the first time on their bold new track, “I AM,” just as Pride Month kicks off.
Celebrated each June, Pride Month honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a pivotal event for the LGBTQ community’s fight for equality in the U.S., notes The Library of Congress.
The track is a vibrant declaration of self-acceptance, urging listeners to embrace their true selves without hesitation or concern for others’ opinions.
Big Freedia sets the tone with her energetic lines: “Big Freedia, queen diva, I’mma be who I be/Everybody ’round the world wanna do it like me/Just release your wiggle (wiggle), gotta do a lil’ giggle (haha).”
Macy Gray brings her unique, gravelly voice to the catchy chorus: “I am who I am/Fck you/I don’t give a damn so/Fck you too Telling everybody/ Telling everybody/ I am who I am/So f*ck you, too.”
In her verse, Macy Gray sings about embracing her uniqueness: “I can’t apologize for what you don’t understand /See, I’m a unicorn/I’m far out, baby, I am, I am.”
With Big Freedia hyping up the background, the song takes on a playful vibe. The beat is lively, filled with drums and claps, making the whole track feel like a celebration.
The bridge turns the song into a dance party: “Everybody to the left /Everybody to the right/Everybody step side to side now /Throw your hands up high/Shake your body, do the roochi-roo, yeah.”
Beyond Pride Month, the song is a timeless reminder to respect and celebrate individuality.
Big Freedia expressed her excitement about the collaboration in a press release, “‘I AM’ is the anthem for 2024 Pride and Beyond. This track is about embracing your true self, enjoying the freedom to be who you are. Working with Macy was a blast, and we can’t wait for everyone to join in and belt out, ‘I AM WHO I AM!’”
The remix of “I AM,” featuring Paul Oakenfold, will soon launch on the Web3 platform Gala Music, demonstrating Macy Gray’s adoption of new tech to share her music. This platform allows artists to offer unique, collectible releases directly to their fans.
“I AM” was initially released on June 12, with a limited edition of 100 tracks priced at $100 each.
The remix pre-sale begins on June 18 at noon PT, and fans can also tune into a special Discord AMA with Macy Gray that morning at 11 a.m. PT.
Since her 1999 breakout with the album “On How Life Is” and its hit “I Try,” Macy Gray has enjoyed a celebrated career across R&B, soul, and jazz.
Big Freedia, the face of New Orleans Bounce music and a force in the hip-hop scene, came into the spotlight with her appearance on Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.” She’s known for her infectious energy and groundbreaking EPs like ‘3rd Ward Bounce’ and ‘Big Diva Energy’.
