Azealia Banks Defies Controversy, Releases 'Broke With Expensive Taste': Album Review

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It seems the element of surprise is Azealia's signature style.

Three years after the release of her hit "212", the bold and beautiful Banks finally dropped her debut, full length album, "Broke With Expensive Taste", to the stunned delight of long awaiting fans.

Remember when "Broke With Expensive Taste" was supposed to drop in fall 2012? The drama surrounding Banks' struggle with record labels is no secret, and in the wake of the controversy, the rapper/singer has made more headlines for her sassy antics than her kick ass tunes--but all that is about to change.

Sixteen tracks are built of steady beats with quirky kicks--characteristic of Banks' inimitable music--and chained together with her poetic lyrics.

It's a mix of fiercely spun rap and hip hop beats with feisty, electronica hints that prove Banks is an original ready to take the scene by storm.

The album features the previously released "212", HEAVY METAL AND REFLECTIVE, YUNG RAPUNXEL, and CHASING TIME, though includes a track list of brand new beats that seem to follow Banks' own trend of tumultuous surprise rather than find a cohesive one way lane.

BBD is the "bad bitch" anthem.

Banks makes it clear she does not give a f*** about anyone who dares hate her.

She uses clever wordplay and a slew of perfectly placed syllables to bang out heavy handed statements, while she shows off a softer, sentimental side of herself with SODA, a spunky, upbeat take on the break-up song.

NUDE BEACH A GO-GO is Azealia's playful take on Ariel Pink's version of the song, and is a playful spot light of her album.

It's an amusing addition compared to the more intense tracks like BBD and HEAVY METAL AND REFLECTIVE.

The album ends with MISS CAMARADERIE, a sweet and upbeat song that would have perfect placement as the soundtrack for a fleeting and romantic meeting at a dance club.

It's swift and stylish--like Banks herself--and closes out the album with a feel good vibe.

Azealia Banks leaves nothing to the imagination and doesn't hold back on "Broke With Expensive Taste." Those who have been waiting anxiously for the release should be satisfied and happy with artist's put together, dynamite debut.

On a personal note--I am not much of a rap or hip hop fan. I'm more likely to switch the station in search of Taylor Swift's latest hit, and I'm not much of a T-Swift fan either.

But Azealia Banks knocks my socks off, and this album may just have me converted.

It's tight, polished and ultimately stocked with bad ass beats I can get behind. I know what I'll be listening to on repeat for the next few weeks.