Big Freedia said Beyoncé sampled her voice for the 2022 single “Break My Soul” during an interview at Grammy House in New York City [1, 2].

This collaboration represents a significant bridge between regional underground music and global pop stardom. By incorporating Big Freedia, Beyoncé introduced the specific energy and rhythms of New Orleans bounce music to a worldwide audience [2, 4].

Big Freedia, born James Anderson, is a pioneer of the bounce genre [1, 2]. The sample used in “Break My Soul” was designed to honor the artist's cultural impact and bring the distinct sound of New Orleans to the track [2, 4]. The song was released in June 2022 [1].

The discussion regarding the sample took place during a 2024 recording at the Grammy House [1]. The use of the sample served as a nod to the influence of Black joy, and the specific sonic traditions of the Gulf Coast [4].

While the track reached global charts, the core of its sound relies on the sampling of Big Freedia's vocal delivery [1]. This technique is common in electronic and dance music, but the scale of the release brought unprecedented visibility to the bounce style [2].

Big Freedia has continued to push the boundaries of the genre, recently exploring new themes in her work [2]. The partnership with Beyoncé remains a landmark moment for the visibility of New Orleans artists in the mainstream pop landscape [1, 4].

“Beyoncé sampled Big Freedia to bring New Orleans bounce energy to the song.”

The integration of Big Freedia's vocals into a global hit illustrates the ongoing trend of major pop artists leveraging regional subgenres to achieve authenticity and sonic innovation. By sampling a pioneer of New Orleans bounce, Beyoncé not only expanded the reach of a localized sound but also validated the cultural significance of the bounce community within the institutional framework of the music industry.