| "Cocaine Model" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Zhu | |
| from the EP The Nightday | |
| Released | April 20, 2014 |
| Genre | |
| Label | Mind of a Genius |
"Cocaine Model" is a track by American electronic music producer Zhu from his debut EP The Nightday (2014). Along with "Faded", it was one of his breakout tracks. [3]
The song tells about a globetrotting girl who's wearing French designer label Isabel Marant. [4] She is described as "from Morocco by the way of South Chicago / graduated in the Bay / had her birthday in LA." [5] It features Zhu's "soulful vocals and combining them with techy synths," then transcending into a "groovy bass-line, replete with deep beats." [6]
The track received positive reviews both at the time of its release and retrospectively. The Independent wrote: "Soft vocals describe a mysterious girl whose globetrotting sounds as exotic as the beats." [7] Conor Clarke of Earmilk described it as "a lighter, more laid-back summer song" than other tracks in the EP. [8] Billboard described it as "contemplative." [9] The San Diego Union-Tribune ’s Liz Bowen found its melody "smooth, flowing" and praised Zhu's vocals as "unbelievable" with "his pitch high enough to rival that of Whitney Houston." [10] Pitchfork ’s Rebecca Haithcoat said it the track is "as bright and glittery as the sky in Joshua Tree." [11] Aurora Mitchell of The Line of Best Fit called it a "sultry and playful track [that] revels in seductive sampling, shuffling beats backed by a hefty bassline and soulful vocals." [5] George O'Brien, also writign for The Line of Best Fit, described it as "a floating, loungey highlight; a summer soundtrack with typical allure and a sparkling chorus", where "the vocal pines above brilliantly tidy production." [12] Dancing Astronaut's Fred Hwang called it "the hidden gem" of the EP, praising its production and musicianship. [13] Another Dancing Astronaut reviewer, Rachel Narozniak, praied the "sensual filminess" of Zhu's "silky vocals." [14]
In 2017, Billboard ranked it No. 9 among Zhu's best 10 songs. Zhu "layers vibes on vibes here", singing "atop plush pads and dreamy melodies", wrote David Rishty. [15] Steven Mason, writing for Relentless Beats, aruged that what makes it "a great song is the perfect harmony of bouncy house basslines and gloomy synths." [16] Glasse Factory's Kelly Cheng called it a "moody house anthem." [1]
A music video was released on May 11, 2015. As of December 2025, it has over 78 million views. [17] Directed by Zhu, Ryan Middleton of MusicTimes.com described it as "an avant-garde interpretation of the song." [2] Shot on site at the New York Fashion Week, it follows models, including Shaun Ross. [2] Run The Trap wrote that it has "a real trippy feel." [18]