Design By Humans
Published On: Tue, Oct 31st, 2017

Princess Nokia: 1992 Deluxe

Princess Nokia
1992 Deluxe
(Rough Trade)

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Destiny Frasqueri aka Wavy Spice aka Princess Nokia identifies as a bruja, tomboy, New York Boricua shorty, a feminist, and queer woman who isnā€™t burdened, but rather empowered by her complexity. Iā€™m totally infatuated with her artistry, music, and overall movement. She has a flair and freedom that comes across in her attitude and delivery in every song.

She released her first song in 2010, so her ā€œinstant fameā€ isnā€™t as instant as people may believe. She began rapping at first, but when she released ā€œYaya,ā€ (an homage to her Taino ancestry) she showed her ability to sing as well. 1992 Deluxe is her third release to date.

Being that Iā€™m already a fan Iā€™ll start with her two singles ā€œTomboyā€ and ā€œKitana,ā€ which just screamed female liberation. In a time where thereā€™s so much division and conflict, itā€™s imperative that we have music and artists who reflect the times. Princess Nokia has a way of meshing nostalgia and current events in one song. She is New York, the culture wrapped into a small pretty frame. ā€œGreen Lineā€ is a perfect example of the smooth but gritty vibe of living in the Big Apple.

The nostalgia is present all throughout the album. One of my other favorites is ā€œSaggy Denim.ā€ It showcases just how cool Princess Nokia really is. She automatically puts me in a moment in time with just her selection of instrumentals. It reminds me of the 1990ā€™s New York scene, and her rhymes depict a reality for many of us who grew up in the city in low income housing. She has so many layers as a woman and as an artist.

ā€œGoth Kidā€ is yet another side, and I love it! It showcases that despite our upbringing we all have layers we can relate to in one another. All in all Princess Nokia is hip-hop. ā€œReceiptsā€ is her letting you know sheā€™s not hiding behind any gimmicks. Itā€™s all about the craftsmanship. ā€œG.O.A.T.ā€ is just that. Itā€™s her greatest song up to date!

On 1992 Deluxe, Princess Nokia provesĀ her longevity, and sets the bar for new artists who are all about the music. Iā€™m already looking forward to her future releases. Her respect for the art only tells me that sheā€™s here to stay.

Ā 

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Princess Nokia: 1992 Deluxe