As I sit here enthusiastically pecking fingers to keyboard, “Gemme a Chance” is gleaming loudly through my speakers. The track breaks down to the tunes of a Latin-Carib rhythm–yeah–with agogo bells and bongo drums blazing. Its infectious uniqueness robs me of the ability to put the highly anticipated project by Azealia Banks—controversial fire cracker she is–in a single categorical genre.The 23 year-old Harlem-raised singer-rapper released the long awaited full iTunes album three years after her popular NYC anthem—“212″ release. With music label setbacks and industry twitter beefs–the album is finally here. And should be taken seriously. Versatile in sound, you can catch Banks dropping lyrics in both Spanish and English all over some infectious head-banging tempos. But serious talk, when that “Heavy Metal and Reflective” track drops—my body breaks out in some sort of uncontrollable EDM trance. Or maybe the dutty wine coupled with a quick twerk–which quickly transitions into something that makes little to any sense, because at that point—who cares who’s watching? Surely….not I.  

Whatever your personal take is on A. Banks—controversies and social media shenanigans aside, Banks’ highly anticipated album is something that any true music lover should consider. The album is packed with international sounds—sure to take you to unforeseen destinations (try Brazil, Tokyo, London, Africa, Berlin to start). No passport needed, just an amazing sound system. Some notable mentions are: “Chasing Tie”, “Ice Princess“, “Heavy Metal and Reflective” and “Gemme a Chance”. You can listen to the full album on Youtube here and purchase it on iTunes or Amazon. I applaud Azealia for her creative and courageous effort and for taking such risk on a sound that stands very much on its own. Undoubtedly, Banks has positioned herself as a great idiosyncratic talent—Broke With Expensive Taste makes the case.