Mardi Gras Unmasked: Mannie Fresh and NOLA’s Musical Identity
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Welcome to Mardi Gras Unmasked, a multi-part series exploring the cultures beneath the culture of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, celebrating the artistic, musical, and culinary heritage of The Big Easy and – most importantly – the people that keep the culture alive. Presented by Rolling Stone in partnership with KOOL, each story showcases facets of the New Orleans community that, together, weave the tapestry of Mardi Gras.
Watch below to see the story and flow of Mardi Gras week through the eyes of Mannie Fresh.
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In this installment, Rolling Stone sat down with hip-hop icon and New Orleans local, Mannie Fresh, to break down the core elements of the city’s music scene. As a multi-platinum producer, the legacy of Mannie Fresh is written not just through the generations of artists whose careers were launched by his work, but through the cultural fabric of NOLA itself — a place where a whirlwind of influences have created a wholly unique musical identity.
On the power of music through Mardi Gras, Fresh says, “Mardi Gras is a big thing, especially Mardi Gras Day. It’s a meeting of family, it’s a meeting of minds, it’s a meeting of cool, incredible things that’s gonna happen.”
Never one to simply attend Mardi Gras, Mannie Fresh himself will be hosting his own Lundi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday (Feb 12), featuring guest performers Ying Yang Twins and The 2 Live Crew. To experience the scene first hand, get your tickets here while supplies last.
For more stories about the cultural tapestry of Mardi Gras, check out the Charles DuVernay episode of Mardi Gras Unmasked or visit KOOL online (age restrictions apply).
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