Slay-Z

Last updated
Slay-Z
Slay-Z cover.jpeg
Mixtape by
Azealia Banks
ReleasedMarch 24, 2016 (2016-03-24)
Recorded2014–2016
Genre
Length30:05
Label Self-released
Producer
  • David Maurice
  • An Expresso
  • Benga
  • Coki
  • Fame School (Slim & Telli)
  • Guvnor Telli Kray
  • Jamie Iovine
  • Kaytranada
  • Lunice
  • Tony Igy
  • Vyle
  • DJ Yamez
Azealia Banks chronology
Broke with Expensive Taste
(2014)		Slay-Z
(2016)		 Icy Colors Change
(2018)
Singles from Slay-Z
  1. "The Big Big Beat"
    Released: February 19, 2016

Slay-Z is the second mixtape by American rapper Azealia Banks. It was independently released as a free download on March 24, 2016. The eight-song project features collaborations with Rick Ross and Nina Sky; its production was handled by various musicians, including Benga, Coki, An Expresso, and Kaytranada. On July 12, 2017, it was re-released under Banks' record label, Chaos & Glory Recordings, to the iTunes Store and other online music stores.

Contents

Background

Following multiple conflicts with record label Interscope Records, Banks released her debut album Broke with Expensive Taste in November 2014 through Prospect Park. The genre-spanning longplayer garnered positive reviews from music critics, [1] and peaked at number 30 on the US Billboard 200. [2] In July 2015, the rapper announced her departure from the aforementioned company; [3] nonetheless, she revealed the following month that her contract with Prospect Park forbade her from releasing new music until March 2016. [4]

Banks originally devised Slay-Z as a tribute to American rapper Jay-Z. [5] "Can't Do It like Me" was initially composed with American singer Rihanna in mind but was instead released solo. [6] Rick Ross's verse on "Big Talk" was originally intended for a remix of Banks' song "Ice Princess," however it was repurposed for Slay-Z due to label complications. [7]

On March 2, 2016, Banks released "Used to Being Alone" for streaming. [8] [9]

Release and reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Exclaim! 6/10 [10]
HipHopDX 3.7/5 [11]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Pitchfork 7.4/10 [13]
Spin 7/10 [14]
Vice Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg [15]

Prior to the release of the mixtape, Banks deactivated her Twitter handle for sixteen days. The rapper activated it on March 24 in order to announce the release of Slay-Z, which was made available for free download through WeTransfer on that day. [16] She further explained that the release had been motivated by the project's engineer leaking its songs. [17] [18]

Slay-Z received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, it received an average score of 75, based on seven reviews. [19] Britt Julious from Pitchfork said the mixtape was not as good as Broke with Expensive Taste , but it still "shimmered with Banks' skill and personality", with tracks that were not always consistent but nevertheless engrossing. [13] NME magazine's Joe Levine called it a "blast" and praised Banks' ability to "bounce effortlessly between genres". [12] New York Times critic Nate Chinen said "where no one can really surpass her is in the convergence of raw hip-hop and electronic dance music", as on the songs "Used to Being Alone", "The Big Big Beat", and "Queen of Clubs". [20]

In a less enthusiastic review, HipHopDX writer Trent Clark said while Banks' talent was apparent on Slay Z, filler such as "Along the Coast" and "Used to Be Alone" suffered from poor musical choices; he described the latter track's beat as "an epileptic seizure of techno disharmony". [11] Robert Christgau gave the mixtape a two-star honorable mention in his blog for Vice , [15] indicating a "likable effort consumers attuned to its overriding aesthetic or individual vision may well enjoy". [21] He cited "Along the Coast" and "The Big Big Beat" as highlights while calling Banks the "seriously fluent, seriously flaky rapper as the dancefloor diva you love more than her beats—or, obviously, her tweets". [15]

On July 12, 2017, the mixtape was re-released commercially through Banks' label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. [22]

Track listing

Slay-Z – Standard version
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Riot" (featuring Nina Sky)
Fame School (Slim & Telli)3:38
2."Skylar Diggins"
  • Banks
  • Slim
  • Telli
Fame School3:17
3."Big Talk" (featuring Rick Ross)
  • Vyle
  • DJ Yamez
2:44
4."Can't Do It like Me"
2:44
5."The Big Big Beat"
  • Banks
  • Harris
  • Jack Fuller
  • An Expresso
An Expresso3:36
6."Used to Being Alone"
Tony Igy2:39
7."Queen of Clubs"
  • Banks
  • Jamie Iovine
  • Slim
  • Jamie Iovine
  • Slim
4:29
8."Along the Coast"
 Kaytranada 3:12
Slay-Z – (Re-release bonus tracks) [22]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
9."Crown"
 Lunice 3:44

Sample credits

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabelRef.
WorldwideMarch 24, 2016 Streaming Self-released [16]
July 12, 2017 Digital download Chaos & Glory Recordings [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Jones (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Joseph Guillermo Jones II, better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper, record producer and record executive. He is a founding member of the hip hop collective the Diplomats, which he formed in 1997 with fellow Harlem native Cam'ron.

We Got It 4 Cheap is a series of mixtapes released by Virginia hip hop duo Clipse and Philadelphia-based rappers Ab-Liva and Sandman, collectively known as the Re-Up Gang. The series produced 3 mixtapes, entitled as volumes. Volume 1 and 2 was released in 2004 and 2005 respectively, and was hosted by DJ Clinton Sparks. Volume 3 was released in 2008, and was hosted by DJ Drama. The main theme of all three mixtapes is drug trafficking, which has always been a Clipse and Re-Up Gang trademark. A compilation album, Re-Up Gang the Saga Continues was released on April 22, 2008. The album consisted of 13 best tracks from the previously released mixtapes, all remixed and remastered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big K.R.I.T.</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1986)

Justin Lewis Scott, better known by his stage name Big K.R.I.T., is an American rapper and record producer. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, he began his musical career in 2005. He was signed to Def Jam Recordings by Sha Money XL in 2010, and first gained recognition following the release of his single "Country Shit" in September of that year. The following year, he guest appeared on T.I.'s promotional single "I'm Flexin'", which became Scott's first entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azealia Banks</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Azealia Amanda Banks is an American rapper and singer. Raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, she began releasing music through Myspace in 2008 before being signed to XL Recordings at age 18. She subsequently signed with Interscope and Polydor Records before separating in 2013. Banks became an independent artist and started her own independent record label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. She later signed to Parlophone and Warner Records before quitting her label in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">212 (song)</span> 2011 single by Azealia Banks featuring Lazy Jay

"212" is the debut single by American rapper Azealia Banks. It features Lazy Jay, the alias of Belgian disc jockey Jef Martens and his brother Toon. Released on December 6, 2011, in the United Kingdom as the lead single for Banks' debut extended play, 1991 (2012), "212" was later included in her debut studio album, Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). Built around Lazy Jay's track "Float My Boat", "212" has been described as a hip house, electro house, and dance rap track. The song reflects Banks' adolescence in Harlem, New York, and features her rapping over cunnilingus.

<i>Instrumentals</i> (mixtape) 2011 mixtape by Clams Casino

Instrumentals is the debut mixtape of American record producer Clams Casino. It was self-released as a free digital download on March 7, 2011. It features instrumentals of tracks that he produced for various rappers, including some bonus songs. In July 2011, Instrumentals was reissued by Type Records as a physical release.

<i>1991</i> (Azealia Banks EP) 2012 EP by Azealia Banks

1991 is the debut EP by American rapper Azealia Banks. It was first released on May 28, 2012, in the United Kingdom through Polydor Records and a day later in the United States by Interscope Records. Its lead single, "212", preceded its release on December 6, 2011. Its second single, "Liquorice", was released on December 4, 2012. Banks also released music videos for every song, including the non-singles "1991" and "Van Vogue".

<i>Fantasea</i> (mixtape) 2012 mixtape by Azealia Banks

Fantasea is the debut mixtape by American rapper Azealia Banks, released as a free download on July 11, 2012.

<i>Broke with Expensive Taste</i> 2014 studio album by Azealia Banks

Broke with Expensive Taste is the only studio album by American rapper Azealia Banks, released on November 7, 2014. In 2011, Banks started working on the album despite not having signed to a record label at that time. A year later, she signed a contract deal with Interscope and Polydor Records to work on the album. However, she felt dissatisfied with the labels' representatives and consequently, she ended the contract with the labels in July 2014 and signed to Prospect Park. After being delayed for over two years, Broke with Expensive Taste was released by Banks herself and Prospect Park via Caroline Records without any prior announcements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azealia Banks discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

American rapper Azealia Banks has released one studio album, two extended plays (EPs), three mixtapes, twenty-six singles and twelve promotional singles. At the age of seventeen in November 2008, Banks adopted the stage name Miss Bank$ and signed to XL Recordings. However, she ended the contract with the label quickly afterwards due to conflicting ideas. In 2009, Banks released several songs onto the internet for free download, including "Gimme a Chance" and "Seventeen". Following her departure from XL Recordings, Banks dropped her stage name, opting to use her legal name, Azealia Banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yung Rapunxel</span> 2013 single by Azealia Banks

"Yung Rapunxel" is a song recorded by American singer/rapper Azealia Banks for her debut studio album titled Broke with Expensive Taste. Interscope Records released the song as the album's first single to mainstream radio on April 16, 2013. The track contains an interpolation of the song "No More Drama" by R&B singer Mary J. Blige. On March 11, 2013, the song was made available for online streaming via SoundCloud. The song was performed by Banks during the Glastonbury Festival in June 2013.

Jon Kevin Freeman Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Connor, is an American rapper and record producer. Connor has released various mixtapes and an album effort during his career including the Jay-Z inspired The Blue Album, and the Eminem inspired The People's Rapper LP. His debut studio album, Unconscious State was released in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, where he did not release an album. In 2015, he garnered notoriety for being featured on Dr. Dre's album Compton (2015) as well as The Game's album The Documentary 2.5 (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dej Loaf</span> American rapper and singer (born 1991)

Deja Monét Trimble, known professionally as Dej Loaf, is an American rapper and singer from Detroit, Michigan. She is best known for her 2014 single "Try Me" and its 2015 follow-up, "Back Up". The latter received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and served as lead single for her debut extended play ...And See That's the Thing (2015), which was released by Columbia Records. Both songs, along with her guest appearance on Kid Ink's 2015 single "Be Real", peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut studio album, Sell Sole II (2020), was met with positive critical reception despite failing to chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Azealia Banks videography</span>

American rapper Azealia Banks has appeared in twenty-three music videos, two films, one television program and two commercials. As a teenager, Banks studied at the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan. A film opportunity arose through the school, and at the age of fourteen, Banks featured in the film The American Ruling Class, portraying a singer and a dancer in a cameo role. In 2010, Banks' first music video was released for a demo track titled "L8R", which would go on to be included on her debut mixtape Fantasea two years later. The following year, Banks' second music video was released for her breakout single "212", and has since amassed over two-hundred million views on Banks' official YouTube channel. During the promotional campaign of Banks' debut EP 1991, all songs on the project received a video treatment, including her sophomore single "Liquorice", shot by acclaimed director Rankin. Months after the video for "Liquorice" was released, an alternate version was leaked. In July 2012, Banks released her debut mixtape Fantasea. To promote the mixtape, Banks released three music videos for tracks on the project, "Luxury", "Atlantis", and "Fierce", the latter being shot with clothing company ASOS.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Big Big Beat</span> 2016 single by Azealia Banks

"The Big Big Beat" is a song recorded by American rapper Azealia Banks for her second mixtape Slay-Z (2016). It was released as the lead single from the mixtape on February 19, 2016 after Banks had announced the mixtape in the previous May. Production of the song was handled by new producer An Expresso, while the song was penned by Banks alone. The song contains an uncredited sample of The Notorious B.I.G.'s voice. Lyrically, the track discusses staying true to your roots when you become famous.

<i>Jeffery</i> (mixtape) 2016 mixtape by Young Thug

Jeffery is the fourth commercial mixtape by American rapper Young Thug. It was released for retail purchase on August 26, 2016, by 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The mixtape features guest appearances from Travis Scott, Gucci Mane, Gunna, Quavo, Offset, and Wyclef Jean. It also features production from TM88, Wheezy, and Young Thug himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jumanji (Azealia Banks song)</span> 2012 promotional single by Azealia Banks

"Jumanji" is a song recorded by American hip hop artist Azealia Banks for her debut mixtape, Fantasea (2012). The song was released as a free promotional single, available for digital download and streaming via Banks's SoundCloud, on May 11, 2012. "Jumanji" is composed as a tropical track with musical influences including kuduro, dancehall, and calypso music. Instrumentally, the song features a trumpet, a timpani, a harp, and calypso steel drums. The song also features Banks rapping over a beat that was compared by music critics to the work of English musician and producer, M.I.A. Lyrically, the song describes Banks' involvement in media scandals and, as she described, "keeping true to herself". "Jumanji" received acclaim from music critics, who complimented the overall production and Banks's rapping flow. Banks has performed the song live several times, as part of the Mermaid Ball, as well as at the Glastonbury Festival 2013, and Club Nokia in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown (Azealia Banks song)</span> 2017 promotional single by Azealia Banks

"Crown" is a song recorded by Azealia Banks. It was released on February 17, 2017. Production of the song was handled by Lunice, while the song was penned by Banks alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Wintour (song)</span> 2018 single by Azealia Banks

"Anna Wintour" is a song recorded by American singer and rapper Azealia Banks. It was released on April 6, 2018, by eOne and Chaos & Glory as the planned lead single from her mixtape Fantasea II: The Second Wave. Production of the song was handled by Junior Sanchez, while the song was penned by Banks, Sanchez, Dorian Strickland, Kevin James, and "Shug". The song is named after Anna Wintour, who is the editor-in-chief of Vogue, and is about self empowerment. The music video was released on May 24, 2018, and surpassed 1 million views in 48 hours.

References

  1. ↑ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (March 24, 2016). "Azealia Banks' Long, Twisted Road to 'Broke With Expensive Taste'". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 14, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  2. ↑ Balfour, Jay (November 12, 2014). "Hip Hop Album Sales: T.I., Azealia Banks, Joe Budden". HipHopDX . Archived from the original on November 14, 2014. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  3. ↑ J. Horowitz, Steven (July 21, 2015). "Azealia Banks Announces Split From Prospect Park Management – UPDATE". Billboard . Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  4. ↑ Van Nguyen, Dean (August 10, 2015). "Azealia Banks claims she is unable to release new music until March due to label dispute". NME . Archived from the original on April 3, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  5. ↑ Gamble, Lone (February 24, 2016). "Azealia Banks drops new track 'The Big Big Beat'". Dazed . Archived from the original on February 28, 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  6. ↑ Sherman, Maria (March 24, 2016). "Azealia Banks Drops 'Slay-Z' Mixtape Feat. Rick Ross: Download It Now". Fuse . Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Azealia Banks & Charli XCX Interview on The Candy Shop on Be@ts 1 04/22/16". Youtube. Beats 1. Archived from the original on 10 May 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  8. ↑ Richards, Will (March 2, 2016). "AZEALIA BANKS SHARES NEW TRACK 'USED TO BEING ALONE'". DIY . Archived from the original on March 8, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  9. ↑ Minsker, Evan (March 2, 2016). "Azealia Banks Releases "Used to Being Alone," Appears to Take More Shots at Iggy Azalea". Pitchfork . Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  10. ↑ Harmony, A. (March 29, 2016). "Azealia Banks Slay-Z". Exclaim! . Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  11. 1 2 Clark, Trent. "Azealia Banks – 'Slay-Z'". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 11, 2016.
  12. 1 2 Levine, Nick. "Azealia Banks – 'Slay-Z' Review". NME. Archived from the original on April 15, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2016.
  13. 1 2 Julious, Britt (March 30, 2016). "Azealia Banks: Slay-Z". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on April 2, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  14. ↑ Weiss, Dan (April 6, 2016). "Review: The Azealia Banks-Industrial Complex Is Laid Out in Full on 'Slay-Z'". Spin . Archived from the original on May 12, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  15. 1 2 3 Christgau, Robert (May 20, 2016). "Baton Rouge, Big Beats, and Beyoncé Expert Witness with Robert Christgau". Vice . Archived from the original on July 8, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  16. 1 2 Monroe, Jazz (March 24, 2016). "Azealia Banks Releases Slay-Z Mixtape". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  17. ↑ Grebey, James (March 24, 2016). "Download Azealia Banks' New Mixtape, 'Slay-Z,' For Free Right Now". Spin . Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  18. ↑ Platon, Adelle (March 24, 2016). "Azealia Banks Returns to Twitter, Delivers Download Link to Her 'Slay-Z' Mixtape". Billboard . Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Slay-Z Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More". Metacritic. March 24, 2016. Archived from the original on April 29, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  20. ↑ Chinen, Nate (March 30, 2016). "New Albums From Azealia Banks and Anoushka Shankar". The New York Times . Retrieved May 20, 2016.
  21. ↑ Christgau, Robert (2000). Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the 90s . St. Martin's Griffin. p. xvi. ISBN   0312245602.
  22. 1 2 "Slay-Z by Azealia Banks on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on August 30, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  23. ↑ Weinstein, Max (July 13, 2017). "Azealia Banks Keeps It Real About Being Shut Out of the Music Industry". XXL Magazine. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.