SHAZAM

Whatever people may say about Azealia Banks, girl can definitely rap, as showcased in this latest platter ‘Jumanji’. Produced by Hudson Mohawke and Nick Hook, ‘Jumanji’ is a luxurious foray into the post-dubstep bass-heavy space, with Azealia’s distinctive voice and the production touching on echoes of early MIA and even some Missy Elliot.

This year has already featured a whole ton of Azealia-related controversies in the news – delaying the release of new material and even cancelling summer appearances due to ‘recording commitments’. “They were all prematurely booked by my old management without any consideration for me and the album I need to finish!” she posted on Twitter, while her new management (Troy Carter, who also manages Lady GaGa) told NME: “Azealia Banks will be performing at the Radio 1 Hackney Weekender and Reading & Leeds Festivals this summer, but has unfortunately had to cancel her remaining UK festival appearances due to recording commitments. Her October UK headline tour will still go ahead as scheduled.”

In January Azealia split from British indie label XL Recordings (home to Adele) citing conflicting creative visions, and signed instead with major label, Universal.

But despite the cancellations and setbacks, the girl has been busy. Her debut album is scheduled for release in September on Interscope, she’s teamed up with Lana Del Ray on the remix of Blue Jeans (LISTEN http://soundcloud.com/smimsandbelle/blue-jeans-ft-azealia-banks), she’s been confirmed to collaborate with Missy and Rye Rye on a remix of MIA’s ‘Bad Girls’, and she’s promised a new mixtape due out in July. We can only hope there are no more delays…

AUTHOR: Helia Phoenix