Free Marie
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Free Marie | |
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rapper, music producer, television personality, choreographer, radio personality | |
Years active | 1991–present |
Website | Freesworld.com |
Marie Antoinette Wright (born February 7, 1968), better known by her stage name, Free, is an American media personality, television producer, choreographer, rapper, and philanthropist. She became known as the first host (alongside
Career
Free was born as Marie Antoinette Wright to African-American parents. She became involved in the arts as a child in
Free left Boston to immerse herself in her true passion: music. One of Free's "stepping stones" was an
Free stated: “What influenced me to chase after my dreams was music itself; its power and creative medium." Fate led her to a casting held by
In 2003, Free began to record a full-length debut studio album titled, Pressure Free, which was expected to be released in Spring of 2008. Free went on to promote the album and release rumored singles via underground mixtapes from early 2003 throughout 2007. A rumored single, Uh Huh, featuring Busta Rhymes, leaked via Internet in the aspiration of she, again generating rumors for the album. Contributors for the debut included Faith Evans, Bink, Scott Storch, Rockwilder, Kanye West, Just Blaze, Rah Digga, Timbaland, and Missy Elliott. As of 2012, there is no confirmation if the album will be released.
On December 1, 2009,
In October 2010, Free returned to BET once again to produce and star in 106 & Park’s two-episode anniversary show, titled 106 & Park: 10 Years & Counting and 106 & Park: The Celebration, 10 Years Live!. Both shows earned the highest 106 & Park ratings in BET history.
She could also be seen yet again on BET, as a presenter at the
On May 9, 2011, Free began co-hosting The Big Tigger Morning Show on “The People’s Station” WPGC (95.5 FM), serving the regions of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia; she hosted alongside Darian "Big Tigger" Morgan from 6:00 AM until 10:00 AM, weekdays. Several months later, Big Tigger was fired, and Free continued the morning radio show without him.
On December 19, 2014, Free again returned to BET, hosting the final episode of 106 & Park, titled "The Final Act" (with Bow Wow, Terrence J and Rocsi).
Philanthropy
In 2002, Free founded the Free4Life Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young people in disadvantaged neighborhoods through programs that encourage literacy, financial education and creative arts. The Free4Life Foundation has created opportunities that inspire, support, encourage and strengthen the healthy development of young people in Boston's underserved communities. Initially focused on eradicating domestic violence and improving financial literacy, Free is currently in the process of expanding the depth and breadth of the foundation's scope. Through the foundation, Free also launched the successful fundraising event, Break! Break!.[4]
Free is also an advocate for breast cancer awareness. In October 2010, she participated in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" charity walk in honor of her late mother Selina "Tina" Wright. She later formed team "Walk 4 Tina," as she and her family walked 5.7 miles to help raise donations and awareness.
Personal life
As of 2023, Free lives a quiet and private life away from the media and the public eye. She maintains residences in both her hometown Boston and New York City.
Discography
- 2004: Free's World (mixtape)
- 2007: Pressure Free (shelved)
- Album appearances
- 1998: Canibus – "Can-I-Bus" (On "Patriots")
- 1998: Pras – "Ghetto Supastar" (On "What'cha Wanna Do") and (On "Can't Stop The Shining)
- 2000: Wyclef Jean – The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book (on "Da Cypha")
- 2001: Erick Sermon – React (on "We Don't Care")
- 2001: Ed O.G. – The Truth Hurts (on "Just Because")
- 2009: Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes — Eye Legacy (on "Spread Your Wings")
- Remixes
- 1999: "Bring It All to Me (Triple Threat Mix)" — Blaque (feat. NY Glaze, Jazz-Ming Mackey, and Free)
- 2003: "21 Answers" — Lil' Mo
- Soundtracks
- 1996: The Associate (on "Mr. Big Stuff" with Queen Latifahand Shades)
- 1999: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture Life – (on "What Goes Around" with Khadejia)
- 2000: The PJs: Music from & Inspired by the Hit Television Series – "Holiday" (with Earth, Wind & Fire)
- 2003: Beyoncé (feat. Missy Elliott, MC Lyte, and Free)
References
- ^ "Free". IMDb.
- ^ "Free – Biography". apbspeakers.com. American Program Bureau. Archived from the original on June 8, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
- ^ Uploaded by the LambilyHub YouTube channel 2/2/2022. "Mariah Carey - 106 & Park (April 2005 Interview + Performance)". YouTube. Originally aired 4/18/2005. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
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: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ APBSpeakers.com: Free | Speaker Profile Archived June 8, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
External links
- Official website
- Free at IMDb