Listen: NEEDSUMLUV by Azealia Banks

Rising hip-hop young gun Azealia Banks has dropped her new track ‘NEEDSUMLUV’. Produced by Travis Stewart (who is Machinedrum, and half of dubstep duo Sepalcure), the new song samples Aaliyah’s ‘One in a Million’, and in fitting tribute style, its release yesterday also marks the birthday of the late R&B icon who would have turned thirty-three.

The result of the Harlem-hailing rapper’s track ‘NEEDSUMLUV’ is a sugar-drenched illustration of unlucky love punctuated by cutesy melodies and abundant rhythmic delight. A few notches less abrasive than previous tracks like ‘Liquorice’ and '212′, the song doesn’t dismiss her tough girl image, but reworks her into a tough girl with feelings. Banks describes it on her Twitter as “R&B but hella progressive” and also explains it’s “about being a guys other girl. Its about knowing that ur number #2, but still sticking around in hopes of becoming #1.”

Have a listen below: 

NEEDSUMLUV (SXLND) by Azealia Banks

To exacerbate the buzz she’s been getting, Banks has also enlisted Nicola Formichetti – most famous for his roles as Creative Director to Mugler, stylist to Lady Gaga and Fashion Director to Vogue Hommes Japan – to Creative Direct / Style her new video. If Formichetti’s Tweet last week is anything to go by, we can also expect to see a V cover imminently featuring a Formichetti-styled Banks shot by Inez & Vinoodh.

Also head over to Twitter Warz Part One on Oystermag.com, as Banks and Kreayshawn battle it out in 140-characters-or-less.

www.azealiabanksforever.com