Big Brass In The Big Easy: Red Bull Street Kings 2022 Showcased Spectacular Second Line Showmanship In NOLA

There’s simply something about that second-line noise…

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Kings Of Brass Captures Win At Red Bull Street Kings In New Orleans

Last weekend we travelled to New Orleans to experience Red Bull Street Kings, a fight rooted in the city’s abundant cultural customs where 4 New Orleans brass bands complete to win the title of Street Kings. This year’s fight was held Saturday, September 24 at Music Box Village in New Orleans. The location is comprised of a collection of wood platforms, big cages, and structures, all geared up with instrumentation, constructed amongst a circle of trees providing simply enough shade to make the 90-degree heat manageable. DJ Kelly Green kept spirits high prior to the competitors began and in between rounds and host Downtown Lesli Brown brought impressive energy that kept the crowd inspired throughout the day.

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Each of the completing bands; Sporty’s Brass Band, Big 6 Brass Band, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, and Kings of Brass began the preliminary of competitors with a 2nd line to the phase. The panel of judges consisted of hip-hop icons Mia X and Mannie Fresh, and regional legends Christie Jourdain (Original Pinettes and 2013 Red Bull Street Kings winner), Alana Harris (Deputy Director of Arts and Culture), Chris Herrero (Band Director) who searched as the bands 2nd lined through the capability crowd towards the phase.

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

“A 2nd line band, for those that wear’t understand, is a brass band that includes 6 or 7 men from numerous communities,” Mannie Fresh informed BOSSIP ahead of the competitors. “Trumpet, trombone, tuba — really crucial, drummer — really crucial! The beats are that New Orleans feel, that syncopated, insane unique feel that you enjoy about New Orleans. Brass band, 2nd line band, the band that ya mom ‘dem enjoy, ya daddy ‘nem love, you love, that’s how it’s decreasing.”

Guest entertainers took the phase in between rounds, consisting of Flagboy Giz including DJ Raj Smoove, a New Orleans All-Star Brass Band, Zulu Tramps, and Queen of the streets – Secondline Shorty.

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Second Line Culture Celebrated At Red Bull Street Kings

“Buck dive, 2nd line, a few of these guys are so proficient, to see a few of the dancers and dances that opt for this,” Mannie Fresh included. “All throughout history, I understand individuals have actually seen it on channels and things however to see it personally, how the crowd support these bands and follow these bands from community to community. If you sanctuary’t seen it, this is going to be recorded and ideally, you’ll see New Orleans reside in action.”

Live in action was certainly a sight to witness, with the whimsical location filled with shrieking brass, parasol twirls, vibrant fits and hats, as bands carried out a conventional brass tune in the preliminary. In the 2nd round, each band was coupled with a Southern-based hip-hop artist. Stone Cold Jzzle, Alfred Banks, $leazy EZ, and Treety took the phase along with their particular band, commemorating brass tradition with a contemporary infusion.

Hip Hop Meets Brass In Red Bull Street Kings Second Round

“The cooperation is enjoyable. We require to do it regularly,” stated Alfred Banks, hip-hop partner of the winning band K.O.B. Kings of Brass. “Hip-hop and brass are more comparable than individuals believe. This is the start of something cool, and I believe it’ll just continue from here.”

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Bands were scored on-stage look, product, energy, musicality, and development. We talked to Mia X on the early morning of the competitors and she informed us, “I’m searching for swagger.”

“A great deal of the young bands are taking the initial brass jazz and putting their spins on it,” Mia X informed BOSSIP. “That’s what I definitely enjoy. I enjoy when they include their own chants. I’m seeking to see how well they play since that’s crucial too, however I’m searching for that swagger and creativity. We’re difficult on our brass bands since they need to bring it. I’m simply thrilled to see what they’re going to do.”

Following the judge’s consideration, Sporty’s Brass Band and Kings of Brass advanced to the last round.

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Kings Of Brass Faced Off Against Sporty’s Brass Band In Red Bull Street Kings Final Rounds

This is where things got actually vibrant, with the crowd screaming from the audience to root on their favorites. At completion of the 3rd round, 17-time multi-platinum record manufacturer and judge Mannie Fresh tossed a twist into the competitors by requiring a repetition.

“We wish to toss it off a bit. One more tune. Blow it up,” he stated.

Source: Justen Williams / Red Bull Content Pool

Sporty’s Brass Band and Kings of Brass required to the phase one last time in an unexpected throwdown for the crown. In completion, Kings of Brass was the very first band to action in, and the last band standing.

“This one is for the city we enjoy. This is for everyone. This is for Big 6. This is for Sporty’s. This is for YPS (Young Pin Stripe). This is for all of you. Somebody needed to win,” stated Caleb Windsay of Kings of Brass in event.

“The entire brass household everyone understands each other, everyone hangs with each other,” Gregory Warner of Kings of Brass informed BOSSIP. “When we’re with our bands it’s war, however after that, it’s one huge household. After we put our horns up we’re buddies once again.”

“The love for the music and the culture is way larger than the competitors,” stated host Downtown Lesli Brown. “The culture is deep. I’m quite sure anybody that didn’t take the crown today still won.”

All follows ticket sales will support the following New Orleans companies: Dinerral Shavers Foundation, Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, and Roots of Music.

Hit the flip for more pictures from the occasion and more about Red Bull Street Kings