Paul Oakenfold: "Venus (ft. Azealia Banks) (Ibiza Edition)"

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Azealia Banks. The Harlem rapper has been on my radar since way back when she was featured on the Scissor Sister's "Shady Love" early last year. She's since gone on to release a fantastic mixtape (Fantasea) and a really good EP (1991). While we're still waiting on an actual release of her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, she's still given us some nice treats (ahem, "YUNG RAPUNXEL"anyone?).

Azealia Banks - "No Problems"

Starting 2013 off with a bang is the one and only Azealia Banks, who has recently released not one but two killer cuts from her upcoming debut album Broke With Expensive Taste, which drops in February. The first, "BBD (Bad Bitches Do It)" is absolutely amazing on it's own and features Banks' signature flow and killer beat. I'm still hung up on the drum kit that is just so unbelievably fresh.


The other stems from a bit more controversy: after igniting a feud with Angel Haze over god knows what, Azealia released "NO PROBLEMS," which is a bit more downtempo from "BBD" and reminds me a little more of "1991" from her EP 1991. It's a classic diss track that has the superstar rapper firing back at Haze with some great lines. "You mad bitch/You average"might still be my subtle favorite.

I think I'm a bigger fan of Azealia pissed off at someone than just her throwing down in a box. I can't wait for the fire she brings at Perez Hilton after their Twitter war earlier this morning. Ahhh, Happy New Year.

New Video: Azealia Banks - "Van Vogue"

Following up the second single off her debut EP 1991, rap songstress Azealia Banks has released the video for her third promotional single, "Van Vogue." The track, full of sleek and moody beats, as well as the occasional dog WOOF! is signature Banks, with her stellar delivery and genius lyrical skill. The video is just as perfect, with some stunning production, Azealia playing in some water, and a much more minimalist, glam feel from her video for "Liquorice."Overall it has got some serious bite to it that I'm really digging. The whole Azealia Banks is Queen campaign is pretty dope. I'm curious to see where the "HUNGER" title card at the end goes. Check it out!

Liquorice Bitch

My most recent and still persistent obsession, Azealia Banks, has released a new video for her track, "Liquorice" off her debut EP 1991. The video was shot by the famed fashion photographer Rankin and styled by Lady GaGa's stylist, Nicola Formichetti. In the video for "Liquorice" we see Azealia exploring her Western side while still giving us a dose of girlishness. It all comes together rather nicely and it's been produced beautifully. If you haven't had a chance to check out 1991 yet, I strongly suggest that you do, in addition to the video for "Liquorice."

Jumanji

Yes, it's an underrated Robin Wiliams movie, but no, that's not the purpose of this post. Instead, it's also the title of the follow-up single (to the fantastic "212") released by upcoming rap sensation Azealia Banks.

Although it isn't featured on her debut EP, which was released today, "Jumanji" is a really well-done display of Banks' talent, which I would only expect at this point in her career. Starting with an almost ethereal harp string intro and leading in to a youthful, MIA-reminiscent beat, she is never fearful of where she's going: "Real bitch, all day, Uptown, Broadway," she chants in the chorus.

It's definitely giving her all the more reason to get massive attention and her ability to successfull string together verses, regardless of their sense: "That can and can and continue/Your anti-nanas and cameras," yeah, me neither. Even still, the song has been stuck in my head since it's first listen and it's definitely worth at least a run-through.

Badman

East Londoner Ruby Goe, who's recently rose to fame from the release of her recent video "Get On It", has released another video, this time for her latest track titled "Badman." The track is really very cathy and and exceptionally crafted piece of electronic tuneage, reminding me a bit of post-"Milkshake" Kelis' efforts on Flesh Tone. She also reminds me a bit of an electropop version of little Azealia, which can only mean good things for Ruby. Check out her video for "Badman" below!

How Did I Forget This?

A few weeks ago, my favorite up-and-coming rap troublemaker Azealia Banks released another new track titled "Fuck Up The Fun." Featuring a heavy beat courtesy of none other than Diplo, the track is yet again Banks doing what she does best: spitting out rhymes like no one's business. (She's rather fantastic, isn't she?) This girl is going places, believe it or not, and after her performances at Coachella and that triumphant finish in the Sound of 2012 poll, she's poised to take a more mainstream stance.

A*M*E's New Video

Up-and-coming future pop sensation A*M*E (pronounced like "Amy") has just released the new video for her debut single 'City Lights'. The track, which features Bartoven, is an instant winner, featuring a pulsing pop beat from the 17-year-old Sierra Leone-born songstress. The second I heard the song, I was hooked. It has a great little beat, a good hook and the video has A*M*E all dolled up and looking fly. Can we talk about her lipstick?! Check out the video below and you'll understand:


Kind of a cleaner-mouth, poppy Azealia Banks, right?

212

I am absolutely obsessed with the track '212' by newcomer Azealia Banks. Banks has recently been featured on the Scissor Sister's new track, 'Shady Love.' Well, I decided that this one needed to have some sort of mention. Banks spits the rap just as hard as Nicki Minaj and also has the same amount of courage as Nicki. Plus, her skills are reinforced in her collaboration with Lunice on 'Runnin,' where her flow leads me to as "Nicki who?" Needless to say, I'm obsessed.

212 ft. Lazy Jay by Azealia Banks
And just for good measure, here's Runnin'.

Azealia Banks and Lunice - Runnin' by Azealia Banks

My First Favorite Single of 2012

Is the new track by the Scissor Sisters, 'Shady Love'. I've always been a fan of the Scissor Sisters, and this does little to question the devotion. Jake Shears rapping with up-and-comer Azealia Banks, who was on the shortlist for the BBC Sound of 2012 list, if you recall, absolutely makes the song. "Now she's touching on my booty, and she's rolling all my beatuty, I forget to get my duties, so mmm huh, mmm huh," anyone?

Yeah, I'm obsessed, too.  I also love that the group has slightly tweaked their sound ever so slightly and it's only doing them favors. This also has served as the new buzz track from the band's new album, which as of now is untitled. I am beyond excited to see the work the group has put in to the new album and if can't come soon enough. Til then, enjoy!