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This week kicks off Nissan’s “Diaries of a Globetrotter” series, where we look into the most interesting people and places in the U.S.

Why not start with the most festive place in America?

New Orleans has captivated us by showing its strength against all odds, getting the party started whenever necessary, and bringing some of the most unique talent to the world of music. Jazz music was known for its beginnings in New Orleans but over time, other genres blossomed in the big city, like hip-hop, R&B, bounce, and more.

With 2014 being an interesting year in music, check out some artists from The Big Easy and all over Louisiana that you can turn up and chill down to.

Be sure to check out more from Nissan’s “Diary of a Globetrotter” series for the rest of September.

Big Freedia 

While Big Freedia didn’t create bounce music, she helped cultivate the genre outside of NOLA and into cities all over the word. The artist got her start back in ’90s with bounce legend Katey Red. After performing on her own in 1999, the artist has inspired everyone to twerk, including the one and only Beyonce.

Oh, most definitely, she’s a fan,” Freedia said of her fellow Queen. “Me and her were hanging out recently and she got a chance to express to me that she loves Bounce music and she listens to it all the time…I think we all get inspired by each other. I’m definitely inspired by her and her music.”

Freedia, who recently released her album Just Be Free, has also inspired the LGBT community as a proud face for her gay fans. You can catch more of Freedia on her show Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce airing on Fuse and her “Just Be Free” tour currently underway.

Nicky Da B

Nicky Da B, another promising artist from Louisiana, helped bring the fun to today’s bounce music before his unexpected death last week. The 24-year-old earned a local hit “Drop It Hot Potato Style” back in 2011 and scored an international one with Diplo titled, “Express Yourself” in 2012.

At the time of his death, the artist was working with Diplo on a full-length album. While we wonder what could have been for the young star, check out a playlist of his best upbeat and exceptionally pulsating tunes here. 

August Alsina 

With a charming smile and raw energy in his music, August Alsina is marking his place in the R&B game. The 22-year old released his debut album, Testimony, after the success of his mixtapes, The Product, The Product 2 and Throwback. His honest lyrics have caught the attention of superstars like Usher, Chris Brown, and Nicki Minaj.

You can catch August on the road with Usher this fall and with Nicki Minaj in their upcoming video for the remix to “No Love.”

Jay Electronica 

One of the brightest stars from New Orleans, Jay Electronica is a rare gem in the world of hip-hop. Electronica signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label in 2011 and has yet to release his debut album, but has kept fans waiting with the singles “Exhibit A,” Exhibit C,” “Better In Tune With The Infinite,” featuring LaTonya Givens, and his remix to Soulja Boy’s “We Made It” with Jay Z.

While his lyrical skills are highly praised by critics and fans alike; he reminded everyone of his talent during his performance at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival in July.

Many are hopeful “The Farrakhan of Rap” will release his album this year.

Trombone Shorty 

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue not only bleed New Orleans, they also keep jazz in the forefront of music. Lead by musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, the composer has released endless solo and group albums highlighting his skills on the trumpet and trombone. Andrews has played in bands like U2, Lenny Kravitz, and many others since his teens.

Andrews and his band recently took over the LouFest in St. Louis with their sound they call “supafunkrock.” Check out the details here. 

Lil Boosie

Lil Boosie’s career was cut short when he headed to prison in 2009, but the rapper developed a cult following of sorts while away for five years. With fans using social media to keep the artist’s music popular via the hashtag, #FreeBoosie, the rapper was able to gain new fans and more exposure since his takeover in 2006. 

Since his return, the rapper has toured around the country and currently working on a follow-up to his 2010 album Incarcerated.  

Generationals

Best buds Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer, aka Generationals are a breath of fresh air. The duo’s light and refreshing tunes have pleased fans since the release of their debut album Con Law in 2009. The guys are back with their fourth album Alix, which hits stores September 16.

Jam out to an early listen of Alix in the playlist above.

Kevin Gates 

Kevin Gates is making some noise in 2014.

Since the release of his projects The Luca Brasi Story and By Any Means, the Louisiana rapper has landed on the XXL Freshman list, worked with Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, and is planning to release energy drinks based on his hilarious quotable. “I Don’t Get Tired.”

When Gates isn’t in the studio working on his debut album, he’s making videos on Instagram dropping knowledge to his fans.

You can check out Gates’ latest release here. 

VIDEO CREDIT: Soundcloud, YouTube | PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram, Getty 

Laz Alonso, Marvin Sapp & Roland Martin In New Orleans During Essence Music Fest (PHOTOS)
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