FREDO BANG

Fredrick Dewon Thomas Givens II, born on March 29, 1996, and known professionally as Fredo Bang, is an influential American rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Fredo’s journey into the music world is marked by his talent and tumultuous personal life, which significantly shape his career and music.

Raised on the south side of Baton Rouge, Fredo grew up in a challenging environment, closely associated with fellow rappers Krazy Trey and Da Real Gee Money, both of whom were tragically murdered in 2014 and 2017, respectively. Despite these hardships, Fredo began carving out his path in the music industry. In early 2015, he, along with Blvd Mel, Gee Money, and YMM Captain, released the song “iPhone 6,” which garnered significant attention in the local rap scene.

Fredo Bang’s breakthrough came with his July 2018 single “Oouuh,” which brought him mainstream recognition. This success was followed by a series of highly viewed videos, including “Top,” “Father,” and “Trust Issues,” all amassing over 20 million views on YouTube. His distinctive beats and raw lyrical content resonated with a broad audience, establishing him as a notable figure in the rap community.

In January 2020, Fredo featured on Moneybagg Yo’s track “Spin on Em,” which further elevated his profile. This collaboration, alongside the work of his go-to producers DJ Chose and Hardbody B-Eazy, culminated in the release of his debut studio album, Most Hated, in April 2020. The album, executive produced by Moneybagg Yo, peaked at number 110 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant milestone in Fredo’s career. Later that year, he released another project titled In the Name of Gee, which reached number 40 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating his growing influence in the music industry.

However, Fredo’s career has been marred by legal issues. In January 2016, he was arrested in connection with a shooting that occurred in November 2015, facing charges including attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage to property. Initially facing up to 40 years in prison, Fredo changed lawyers three times before ultimately accepting a plea deal. He was released from prison on May 26, 2018.

Upon his release, Fredo wasted no time in re-establishing his presence in the music scene. Between 2018 and 2019, he released several projects, including his debut mixtape 2 Face Bang, featuring the breakthrough track “Oouuh.” His sophomore mixtape, Big Ape, included collaborations with NLE Choppa, Moneybagg Yo, and Tee Grizzley. He also released Lost Files, a compilation of unreleased tracks from before his incarceration, and his third mixtape, Pain Made Me Numb, in November 2019.

In 2020, Fredo released only two projects: his debut album Most Hated, and the mixtape In The Name of Gee. The latter included the popular track “Top,” which was later remixed featuring Lil Durk. In 2021, he released a deluxe version of the mixtape titled In The Name Of Gee (Still Most Hated).

Despite his ongoing legal battles, Fredo continued to release music, including the album Murder Made Me and the mixtape Fredo Bang: Out The Mud while in custody. After being released again in November 2021, he dropped the single “Don’t Miss.” In April 2022, Fredo released his sixth mixtape, Two-Face Bang 2, featuring artists like YNW Melly and Roddy Ricch. The mixtape peaked at #119 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying Fredo Bang’s position in the rap industry. His music, characterized by its authenticity and raw emotion, continues to resonate with fans worldwide, reflecting his resilience and dedication to his craft.