Big Freedia to release SOPHIE-produced record this summer

US rapper and singer Big Freedia has confirmed that a new EP is on the way, entirely produced by the beloved late musician SOPHIE.

Big Freedia shared the news via Instagram on Thursday, May 7, confirming that the "rumours are true", and that her tracks with SOPHIE are "dropping this summer".

"I can’t believe we made these tracks 10 years ago," she wrote. "Recording with SOPHIE is something I hold even closer to my heart now, especially after her passing."

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The three-track collaborative release is set to land on June 19, and is currently untitled. The first track from the record, ‘Blaze That Ass’, will land on Friday, May 22.

"[SOPHIE] was an artist who showed the world that living boldly is your greatest power! With this EP, I want to show the world how loved she was and still is," Big Freedia wrote.

The collaboration between the pair began at SOPHIE’s recording studio in Los Angeles in 2016, and is said to be a merging of minds, showcasing both artists’ unique sounds.

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Speaking on the release, SOPHIE’s family said: "This collaboration was exciting to SOPHIE right from the start. Freedia’s energy and vocal power, a perfect match for her production."

"Their connection gave us these songs, all of them SOPHIE loved to play out, and we can’t wait to hear them in the club again," they added.

The announcement also comes alongside news of Big Freedia’s forthcoming BIG FREEDOM TOUR, which is due to kick off on June 4 in Dallas, Texas.

Check out a preview of ‘Blaze That Ass’ below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor