Yung Rapunxel

Last updated
"Yung Rapunxel"
Azealia Banks - Yung Rapunxel single cover.png
Single by Azealia Banks
from the album Broke with Expensive Taste
ReleasedApril 16, 2013 (2013-04-16)
Recorded2012
Genre
Length3:45 (single version)
4:00 (album version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Azealia Banks
  • Kevin "SB" James
  • Premro Smith
  • Chadron Moore
Producer(s) Lil Internet [1]
Azealia Banks singles chronology
"Liquorice"
(2012)
"Yung Rapunxel"
(2013)
"Heavy Metal and Reflective"
(2014)
Music video
"Yung Rapunxel" on YouTube

"Yung Rapunxel" (stylized as #YUNGRAPUNXEL) 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. [2] [3] The song was performed by Banks during the Glastonbury Festival in June 2013.

Contents

Background and release

"Yung Rapunxel" was originally set to be released on March 26, 2013. [1] However, on March 28, 2013, it was announced that the single would drop on April 16, 2013. The first single from Broke With Expensive Taste was initially planned to be "Miss Amor/Miss Camaraderie".[ citation needed ] Nevertheless, on January 28, 2013, Banks acknowledged that the first single was going to be "Yung Rapunxel". [4] [5] The original release date, which was the February 12, was delayed to March, and then again, delayed to April 16, 2013. On March 9, the artwork for the single was released via Banks' Twitter account. [1]

Michael Depland from MTV Buzzworthy described "Yung Rapunxel" as a 1990s Hi-NRG-influenced hip house song, which is built on a busy witch hop beat. [6] Meanwhile, The Guardian 's Alex Macpherson detailed the track as an industrial number. [7] The title comes from the alter-ego of the singer based on the character Rapunzel.

Critical reception

Spin's Marc Hogan wrote that the song "comes across as a reinvention for her, though it doesn't have quite that track's instantly memorable catchphrases... [That] Finally, Banks has left seapunk behind to go where she belonged all along: another galaxy". [8] MTV's Michael Depland believed that on the track, "A bona fide hip-house banger, Azealia rhymes slickly (and NSFW-ly) over a busy witch-hop beat", that Banks is "back spitting fire over a manic '90s HI-NRG-influenced track, which is cut in between muffled hollers". [6]

Music video

Shooting for the music video began on February 22, 2013, and was continued into March. [9] [ unreliable source ] The official music video was released on April 16, 2013. [10] The video was created by visual artist Jam Sutton.[ citation needed ] The video features a mostly black-and-white setting, including police running through mist, owls with yellow and red eyes flying in suspended motion, Banks riding a mechanical bull, a rotating Yin & Yang symbol, a disembodied hand with an eye embedded in the palm floating in mid air and Banks with mouths for eyes.[ citation needed ]

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
Australia Urban (ARIA) [11] 25
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [12] 30
UK Singles (OCC) [13] 152

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
Canada [14] April 16, 2013 Digital download Polydor
United States [15] Interscope

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jared Evan</span> American singer-songwriter

Jared Evan Siegel is an American singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer. He signed with Polow da Don's record label Zone 4, an imprint of Interscope Records, in 2009. He wrote and produced the song "Frozen" for the accompanying soundtrack to the 2009 documentary film More Than a Game. In 2010, he released the single "In Love With You" with the label.

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

Azealia Amanda Banks is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. 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' 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>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">Pour It Up</span> 2013 single by Rihanna

"Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United States on January 8, 2013, as the second US single, and third overall single from the album. It was later also sent to contemporary hit radio radios in the country. "Pour It Up" written by Rock City and producers Mike Will Made It and JBo. It is a club, trap, and R&B song with a minimal hip hop beat. Rihanna brags about her wealth, which serves as both a strip club anthem and a declaration of independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Believe It (Meek Mill song)</span> 2013 single by Meek Mill featuring Rick Ross

"Believe It" is a song by American rapper Meek Mill from his debut studio album, Dreams and Nightmares (2012). The song features a guest appearance from fellow rapper Rick Ross. It was produced by Young Shun, who served as a songwriter alongside the rappers. The song was released to US urban contemporary radio stations as the fourth and final single from the album on February 19, 2013, through Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. Lyrically, it has themes of struggle and triumph.

<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">Tunnel Vision (Justin Timberlake song)</span> 2013 single by Justin Timberlake

"Tunnel Vision" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, with additional writing by James Fauntleroy. "Tunnel Vision" was digitally released on June 14, 2013 by RCA Records as the third single from the album. It is a mid-tempo R&B song with EDM influence and instrumentation featuring Timbaland's signature ad-libs, record-scratching, heavy drums, melodic bass, orchestration and synthesizer. Its lyrics proclaim Timberlake's tunnel vision for his love interest, with several voyeuristic references.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harlem Shake (song)</span> 2012 single by Baauer

"Harlem Shake" is a song recorded by American DJ and producer Baauer. It was released as his debut single on May 22, 2012, by Mad Decent imprint label Jeffree's. The uptempo song—variously described as trap, hip hop or bass music—incorporates a mechanical bassline, Dutch house synth riffs, a dance music drop, and samples of growling-lion sounds. It also samples Plastic Little's 2001 song "Miller Time", specifically the vocal "then do the Harlem shake", which is an allusion to the dance of the same name. Baauer added a variety of peculiar sounds to the song so that it would stand out.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Watching Movies</span> 2013 single by Mac Miller

Watching Movies is a song by American hip hop recording artist Mac Miller. The song was released on May 25, 2013 as the second single from his second studio album Watching Movies with the Sound Off. The song was produced by Sap and by Miller under the alias Larry Fisherman. "Watching Movies" peaked at number 33 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. A music video by Rex Arrow and Larry Fisherman was created for the single that features Miller succumbing to the materials associated with hip-hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heavy Metal and Reflective</span> 2014 single by Azealia Banks

"Heavy Metal and Reflective" is a song recorded by American rapper Azealia Banks for her debut studio album Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). It was released as the second single from the album on July 28, 2014. Production of the song was handled by Lil Internet, who previously worked with Banks on her 2013 single "Yung Rapunxel", while writing came from Banks and James Strife. The track received generally mixed reviews from critics, who complimented the song's overall sound, but were critical of Banks' vocals. To promote "Heavy Metal and Reflective", Banks released a music video for the song on August 5, 2014, directed by Rob Soucy and Nick Ace, in which Banks escapes from being kidnapped and left in the desert, before leading a motorcycle gang through the terrain, arming herself with pit bulls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chasing Time (song)</span> 2014 single by Azealia Banks

"Chasing Time" is a song recorded by American rapper Azealia Banks for her debut studio album, Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). It was released as the third single from the album on September 22, 2014. Production of the song was handled by Andrew "Pop" Wansel, while it was written by Banks, Ronnie Colson, Warren "Oak" Felder, Jonathan Harris, Steve Mostyn, Kelly Sheehan and Pop Wansel. Lyrically, the track discusses Banks recovering from a breakup.

"Ice Princess" is a song recorded by American rapper Azealia Banks for her debut studio album Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). It was released as the fourth single from the album on March 23, 2015. Production of the song was handled by AraabMuzik, while it was written by Banks, Kevin James, and Jonathan Harris. "Ice Princess" contains a sample of "In the Air", originally produced by progressive house DJ Morgan Page. Lyrically, Banks brags about her wealth, with Jordan Sargent of Pitchfork Media describing it as Banks "spitting knotty rhymes about her diamonds". "Ice Princess" garnered praise from music critics, with one describing the song as "Banks at her best". To promote the song, an accompanying music video for the track was released on March 31, 2015. It features Banks ruling over a kingdom of ice warriors, flying through the sky destroying anything colorful while turning everything into ice.

<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">BBD (song)</span> Single by Azealia Banks

"BBD" is a song recorded by American rapper Azealia Banks for her debut studio album Broke with Expensive Taste (2014). It was released as the first promotional single from the album on January 1, 2013. Production of the song was handled by Apple Juice Kid, with Sup Doodle providing co-production for the track. Banks, Jonathan Harris and Kevin James all contributed to the song's writing. Critical reception of the song was generally positive, with critics claiming the song to be one of the first party anthems of the new year. Banks clarified on her Twitter account that "BBD" was not the first official single from Broke with Expensive Taste, writing "Y'all know i love dropping songs tho! Lol".

<i>Slay-Z</i> 2016 mixtape by Azealia Banks

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.

<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. 1 2 3 Minsker, Evan (March 9, 2013). "Azealia Banks Shares Terrifying "Yung Rapunxel" Artwork, Goes Off on the Stone Roses". Pitchfork . Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  2. Minsker, Evan and Laura Snapes (March 11, 2013). "Listen: Azealia Banks: "Yung Rapunxel"". Pitchfork . Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  3. Corner, Lewis (March 11, 2013). "Azealia Banks unveils debut single 'Yung Rapunxel' - listen". Digital Spy . Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  4. Clements, Ashley (January 28, 2013). "Azealia Banks announces new single 'Yung Rapunxel' and release date". Gigwise . Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  5. "Azealia Banks announces new single, 'Yung Rapunxel'". Fact. January 28, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Depland, Michael (March 11, 2013). "New Song: Azealia Banks, 'Yung Rapunxel' (NSFW)". MTV Buzzworthy. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  7. Macpherson, Alex (November 11, 2014). "Azealia Banks: Broke With Expensive Taste review – the album she wanted to make". The Guardian . Retrieved November 11, 2014.
  8. Hogan, Mark (March 11, 2013). "Azealia Banks Blasts Off on House-Rap Screamer 'Yung Rapunxel'". Spin . Retrieved March 14, 2013.
  9. Twitter/@AZEALIABANKS: Struggling to wake-up :( ..... But I'm shooting the video for #YUNGRAPUNXEL TODAY! Gonna be trippy as fuck!!!!
  10. Minsker, Evan (April 16, 2013). "Watch Azealia Banks' Crazy "Yung Rapunxel" Video". Pitchfork . Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  11. "The ARIA Report" (PDF). Pandora Archive (1210). Australian Recording Industry Association. May 6, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-07. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  12. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  13. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  14. "iTunes – Music – Yung Rapunxel – Single by Azealia Banks". Canada: iTunes Store. Archived from the original on February 19, 2015.
  15. "Yung Rapunxel [Explicit]". Amazon. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015.