MEET THE BAND
Derrick “Oops” Moss
Bass Drum, Co-founderDerrick "Oops" Moss is the heartbeat of The Soul Rebels—an unstoppable drummer whose power, precision, and energy drive the band's signature sound.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Derrick's rhythm runs deep. His mother, a gospel organist and choir director, filled the house with music before he was even born—he says his groove was formed during the nine months she played piano and Hammond B3 while carrying him. He was beating on pots and pans before he could walk, and grew up on the Jackson 5, Earth Wind & Fire, Zapp, P-Funk, and The Neville Brothers.
As a founding member of The Soul Rebels, Derrick brings explosive groove to every show. His favorite song to perform is "We Gohn Take Your Body," a track he wrote to pull the crowd right into the moment—first debuted at a sold-out CD release party at Tipitina's, with his mother watching proudly from the balcony.
On stage, Derrick is the boom: the deep, infectious pulse that makes crowds move. His favorite part of touring is playing for people who've never seen the band and turning strangers into family by the end of the night. Off stage, he's a man of many passions—motorcycles, cycling, track and field, tennis, golf, swimming, archery, and just about anything with wheels.
He hopes fans feel excitement, joy, and freedom when they hear The Soul Rebels. And while the world knows him as a drummer, few know he's also a retired engineer who, in over thirty years, has never missed a single Soul Rebels show. If he could collaborate with anyone, it would be Prince.
Derrick "Oops" Moss is more than the drummer. He's the engine, the spark, and one of the original forces that keep The Soul Rebels moving forward.
Lumar Leblanc
Snare Drum, Co-founderLumar LeBlanc—known to many as Big Cheeky and LuCavitch—is a proud son of New Orleans and one of the originators and snare drummers of the Legendary Soul Rebels Brass Band. His journey began in kindergarten, stepping onstage as a young drummer and bongo player. Growing up in the Treme, surrounded by the sound of jazz and Second Line culture, that neighborhood rhythm became the foundation of his life's work.
A drummer, rapper, and singer, Lumar was first inspired at home—by a father with vocal scholarships to Florida A&M and a family rooted in song—then shaped by mentors like Edwin Hampton of St. Augustine High School and the Sixth Ward community of the Lafitte Projects. His influences run wide: Dejan's Olympia Brass Band, Cyril Neville, The Dirty Dozen, Quincy Jones, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Bob Marley, alongside hip hop icons Rakim, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan.
What Lumar loves most about The Soul Rebels is the brotherhood, the spiritual connection on stage, and the shared creativity. His favorite songs to perform—"Let Your Mind Be Free" and "Asiatic Funk"—reflect his journey through Black culture, love, freedom, and peace. His time with the band has brought unforgettable moments alongside Nas, Rakim, Branford Marsalis, The Roots, and Metallica.
Off stage, Lumar is deeply connected to sneaker culture, hip hop, fitness, clean eating, and spirituality, committed to growth through reading, learning, and healing. Fans may not know he holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree and is currently completing his PhD. His dream collaborations range from Sade and Jay Electronica to John Coltrane and Miles Davis.
Lumar hopes listeners feel positive energy, peace, and love in Soul Rebels music. Looking ahead, he sees the band evolving into fresh hip hop, interactive jazz, and deep-rooted funk in the spirit of James Brown—rooted in tradition and driven by progression, reflecting the limitless path of The Soul Rebels.
Marcus “Red” Hubbard
TrumpetBorn and raised in New Orleans' 9th Ward, music has been part of Marcus "Red" Hubbard's life from the very beginning. Surrounded by family who played in bands and sang in church choirs, the foundation was set early for a future built on rhythm and sound. Drawn to the biggest instrument in the marching band, the sousaphone became his weapon of choice—curiosity quickly turned to passion, and now he carries the bass line, sets the groove, and sparks the energy that lifts the entire band and audience into another dimension.
Influenced by legends like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and the iconic Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen, his style reflects both deep tradition and bold innovation—pushing The Soul Rebels forward while honoring the music of New Orleans.
For Red, the thrill of the stage comes from the energy exchange. When the band locks in and the crowd surrenders to the sound, the music becomes a living force. Songs like "They Don't Know" showcase the raw essence of the group and why the Soul Rebels are one of the most dynamic live bands today. One of his most unforgettable moments was performing during the Super Bowl—a career milestone that captured the magic of sharing music with millions.
Offstage, he's a sneaker collector with a love for Jordan Brand, a gamer into NBA 2K and Call of Duty, and a fan of old-school concerts and podcasts on YouTube. Though introverted at heart, his voice shines through his horn. Touring has taken him through cities once only seen on maps, connecting with fans who often discover The Soul Rebels by chance and leave as lifelong supporters. His vision is to create music that feels limitless—refusing to be boxed into a single genre, carrying the spirit of New Orleans, and making every performance unforgettable.
Paul robertson
Paul Robertson, born and raised in Kenner, Louisiana, brings soul, fire, and big-hearted energy to The Soul Rebels. His journey started at Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Ms. Claire Conti, and from day one the trombone captured his spirit. Over the years he mastered not just trombone, but sousaphone and a handful of other instruments, shaping a sound that’s bold, warm, and unforgettable.
Influences like Curtis Fuller, Jack Teagarden, Frog Joseph, and Benny Golson helped build his foundation, but what shines on stage is how he’s turned that inspiration into something uniquely his own. One of his favorite songs to perform live is Roll Rebel Roll, a track he calls beautifully put together and a true fan favorite.
The journey with The Soul Rebels has already been filled with highlights, from playing the Super Bowl to sharing the stage with Wu Tang Clan. Whether it’s a massive stadium or a small venue, the passion is the same. He describes his role simply as bringing “the big heart to the big stage,” and that energy is felt by everyone in the room.
Away from the spotlight, life is about carpentry, fishing, and time with his closest circle. A true Saints supporter who also follows the Phillies, he wears his hometown pride with humor and swagger, reminding everyone that Kenner raised him and New Orleans claimed him.
At the core of his music is love. Every note carries it, and his hope is that listeners feel it. Touring allows him to experience what he calls “the reciprocal of love,” a pure exchange between artist and audience. Looking forward, he sees the band reaching more towns, returning to international stages, and chasing dream collaborations with artists like Big Krit, Big X Tha Plug, and Le$.
With every performance he proves that music is more than sound. It’s connection, community, and energy straight from the heart of Kenner to fans across the world.
THE SOUL REBELS
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THE SOUL REBELS 〰️
Passport P
TromboneBorn and raised in New Orleans East, Passport P grew up surrounded by music. With a mother who served as a choir director, he was immersed in rhythm and harmony from an early age. His own journey began at 10, when he spotted a trombone in a neighbor's garage—a $20 purchase that became the spark for a lifelong path.
His influences stretch from the streets of New Orleans to hip-hop's global stage—Jay-Z, Pharrell, Kanye, Biggie, Cash Money, and No Limit—showing him both lyrical mastery and the possibility of success while staying true to his roots.
As a member of The Soul Rebels, Passport P brings boundless energy, spontaneity, and a love of new experiences to every show. His favorite song to play live is "Good Time," because it embodies the joy and freedom he wants every audience to feel. His journey with the band has already been full of unforgettable moments—performing overseas, catching D'Angelo live, and sharing stages with Marilyn Manson, Macklemore, and Pharrell, all within 48 hours.
On stage, he contributes by being the best version of himself, blending his trombone sound with raw authenticity and passion. Off stage, he stays grounded with golf, 2K, travel, fashion, and staying mentally and physically sharp. And while he thrives on touring the world, he equally cherishes the peace of being home in New Orleans.
Passport P hopes anyone who experiences his artistry walks away feeling uplifted and motivated. His dream collaboration? Michael Jackson—for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to create with the King of Pop. With deep New Orleans roots and a global mindset, Passport P embodies everything The Soul Rebels stand for: energy, originality, and limitless possibility.
Sousaphone
Manuel Perkins Jr.
Born and raised in New Orleans' 9th Ward, music has been part of his life from the very beginning. Surrounded by family who played in bands and sang in church choirs, the foundation was set early for a future built on rhythm and sound. Drawn to the biggest instrument in the marching band, the sousaphone became his weapon of choice—curiosity quickly turned to passion, and now he carries the bass line, sets the groove, and sparks the energy that lifts the entire band and audience into another dimension.
Influenced by legends like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and the iconic Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen, his style reflects both deep tradition and bold innovation—pushing The Soul Rebels forward while honoring the music of New Orleans.
For him, the thrill of the stage comes from the energy exchange. When the band locks in and the crowd surrenders to the sound, the music becomes a living force. Songs like "They Don't Know" showcase the raw essence of the group and why the Soul Rebels are one of the most dynamic live bands today. One of his most unforgettable moments was performing during the Super Bowl—a career milestone that captured the magic of sharing music with millions.
Offstage, he's a sneaker collector with a love for Jordan Brand, a gamer into NBA 2K and Call of Duty, and a fan of old-school concerts and podcasts on YouTube. Though introverted at heart, his voice shines through his horn. Touring has taken him through cities once only seen on maps, connecting with fans who often discover The Soul Rebels by chance and leave as lifelong supporters. His vision is to create music that feels limitless—refusing to be boxed into a single genre, carrying the spirit of New Orleans, and making every performance unforgettable.
Douane Waples
Saxophone
From New Orleans East to stages across the world, Douane Waples has always carried the sound of his city in his horn. His journey began in the fourth grade at Little Woods Elementary—but the spark came earlier. At just four years old, he heard a smooth, soulful song in a late-night TV music commercial and knew instantly: "I want to sound like that." That spark became determination, and the saxophone became his voice.
Growing up in New Orleans meant rhythm everywhere—from church pews to second lines, block parties to brass band rehearsals spilling into the streets. The city's jazz and brass traditions wrapped around him like a second language until the saxophone became an extension of who he was. His influences run wide, from jazz giants like John Coltrane and Dexter Gordon to hip hop innovators like J Dilla and A Tribe Called Quest. He often says his influences change by the day, the month, the year—because music, like life, never stands still.
Performing with The Soul Rebels gave him the perfect outlet to bring all those worlds together. Every time he steps on stage, he channels whatever he's feeling in that moment—sometimes fire and ferocity, sometimes smooth and soulful, but always honest. One of his most powerful memories came during the 2025 Super Bowl: playing on one of the world's biggest stages while representing New Orleans and the sound that shaped him. Among the band's songs, "Rebelosis" stands out as a favorite for its horn-driven funk and intensity.
Away from the stage, Waples has a quieter side—diving into Black history, exploring new technology, and relaxing with video games. He doesn't play to force people into one emotion; he plays to create a space where each person can find what they need in the sound. Joining The Soul Rebels was stepping into a legacy he'd admired since childhood, and now he adds his own chapter—carrying New Orleans forward and helping shape the next generation of sound.
TrumpetAlijah Jett
From Gretna, Louisiana on the Westbank, Alijah Jett grew up with music woven into his DNA. It started with a drum set gifted on his fourth birthday and never stopped. Surrounded by family—his father was his first teacher, his older brother inspired him to explore brass—Alijah expanded from drums to trombone and eventually found his voice on the trumpet.
Shaped by heroes like Trombone Shorty, Arturo Sandoval, and above all his dad, Alijah plays with both technical fire and soulful heart. He credits New Orleans for sharpening his edge: no matter the genre, his music always carries that unmistakable New Orleans feel.
Performing with The Soul Rebels is where Alijah comes alive. Though he describes himself as naturally shy, the shyness disappears on stage, replaced by energy that pours straight into the crowd. For him, the highlight is watching audiences light up—and his favorite song is always the one he's playing in the moment. Joining the band also means carrying on a legacy that runs deep: his father's friendship with original member Byron "Flee" Bernard helped inspire him, and now Alijah is adding his own chapter.
Off stage he's passionate about cars, but music remains the center of his vision. He dreams of pushing The Soul Rebels as far as they can go—as a performer, writer, and creator—and names Prince as his dream collaborator. His hope is simple but profound: when people hear his horn, they feel no pain, no matter what they're going through.