Free Nationals ft: Anderson .Paak + A$AP Rocky - Gangsta (Single)
Photo Credit: Robb Klassen
The Free Nationals have released their first new music since 2020 with "Gangsta" featuring Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky. Infused with the funky retro-soul that brought the four-piece to prominence as Anderson .Paak's live band, "Gangsta" showcases warm yet ominous grooves. The accompanying video, directed by François Rousselet (known for work with Jack White, Pharrell, Snoop Dogg, The Rolling Stones), portrays the band, .Paak, and Rocky as children navigating a court case in a society governed by kids. To complement the release, they've introduced the Gangsta Kid AI generator, allowing users to transform their current photos into "kid gangsta" versions.
In anticipation of more music in 2024, the Free Nationals are set to return to Freeform's Grown-ish for a follow-up episode following their 2023 appearance. Additionally, the group will grace the stage with Anderson .Paak at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in late April, followed by select Free Nationals shows featuring Gary Clark Jr.
Their Grammy-nominated 2020 debut self-titled album featured an all-star cast of friends they've met along their musical journey, including the late Mac Miller, Syd, Anderson .Paak, Kali Uchis, T.I., JID, Westside Gunn, Conway, Chronixx, Daniel Caesar, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Kadhja Bonet, MIKNNA, Benny Sings, and Joyce Wrice. Released December 13, 2019, the album has gone on to sell over 265,000 units; highlighted by a 2020 Grammy nomination for “Best Progressive R&B Album.” Singles “Beauty & Essex” (ft. Daniel Caesar & Unknown Mortal Orchestra) & “Time” (ft. Mac Miller & Kali Uchis) have since reached RIAA Gold certification.
Best known for being Anderson .Paak's live band, Free Nationals means The first people of America, Indigenous to the land before Columbus came. Staying Indigenous to the funk, The Free Nationals wanted to tribute their inspirations such as Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Herbie Hancock, and Al Green by incorporating musicianship while pioneering musical euphoria for a new generation.