What makes Broke with Expensive Taste by Azealia Banks notable?

Broke with Expensive Taste received critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists, including being named one of the best albums of 2014 by publications like Pitchfork. The album’s bold blend of genres not only showcased Banks’ versatility but also influenced a wave of contemporary artists exploring similar genre fusions, further solidifying her impact on the music landscape. Released on November 7, 2014, Broke with Expensive Taste marked Azealia Banks' debut studio album after a series of mixtapes and singles that established her as a provocative figure in the music scene. Following the viral success of her breakout hit '212', this album came at a crucial point when Banks was navigating industry challenges and controversies surrounding her public persona and artistic vision.

Who is Broke with Expensive Taste for?

Broke with Expensive Taste works well if you're into dynamic flow with varied pacing, wave-like energy shifts and vibrant tapestry of sound.

How many songs are on Broke with Expensive Taste?

Broke with Expensive Taste has 16 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Broke with Expensive Taste

Azealia Banks · 2014

60 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant collision of hip-hop bravado and eclectic dance beats, infused with unapologetic attitude and playful lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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212 — As Azealia Banks' breakout single, '212' encapsulates her unique style with its infectious hook and rapid-fire verses, showcasing her lyrical prowess and charismatic delivery.
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Yung Rapunxel — 'Yung Rapunxel' stands out for its aggressive beats and dark themes, illustrating Banks' bold artistic direction while challenging mainstream norms in hip-hop.
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Chasing Time — This track highlights a more introspective side of Banks with its lush production and emotional depth, proving her range as an artist beyond rap bravado.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong writing and production but lacks a fully cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

Azealia Banks employs rapid-fire verses and playful wordplay, frequently switching between singing and rapping within the same track.
Several tracks incorporate unexpected samples and genre influences, such as house and trap, creating a diverse sonic palette.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic flow with varied pacing
wave-like energy shifts
vibrant tapestry of sound
late-night party atmosphere
bold and playful attitude

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek slow, reflective experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 7, 2014, Broke with Expensive Taste marked Azealia Banks' debut studio album after a series of mixtapes and singles that established her as a provocative figure in the music scene. Following the viral success of her breakout hit '212', this album came at a crucial point when Banks was navigating industry challenges and controversies surrounding her public persona and artistic vision.
Stylistic neighbors: M.I.A.· Charli XCX· Rico Nasty