Azealia Banks‘ “Liquorice” has been floating around since December. Somehow, it still felt fresh when the Rankin-directed music video premiered yesterday afternoon. Though nineties dance music nostalgia is on the rise in this day and age, few artists (let alone rappers) are channeling the dance music associated with the ballroom scene… And yet this is only part of what makes Banks’ vision unique.
She hearkens back to a time in hip-hop when lyricism was more than just tired metaphors and even-more-tired hashtag rap. There’s a certain amount of care she puts into every verse, chorus and bridge that hasn’t been seen since the golden age of Missy Elliott.
As an entirely biased super-fan, I acknowledge that others might consider this an overestimation of Banks’ abilities. I also acknowledge that they are probably wrong, and they don’t realize that Azealia has more than a few tricks up her sleeve before her debut album Broke With Expensive Taste drops this fall. Be as skeptical as you want right now. But you’re gonna love this chick before you know it.
– Dewitt
Photo credit: Nicola Formichetti
Click through to watch the music video for “Liquorice”:
I love Azealia and I love this song, but her hair in this video was a bad choice. Natural is the way to go.
She makes me think of Missy Elliott who I adore & miss.
COME BACK MISSY!!!
i love her as well, but i have to say it.. her mouth in that picture looks like marc dylan’s asshole.