Princess Nokia: 1992 Deluxe
Princess Nokia
1992 Deluxe
(Rough Trade)
Destiny Frasqueri aka Wavy Spice aka Princess Nokia identifies as a bruja, tomboy, New York Boricua shorty, a feminist, and queer woman who isnāt burdened, but rather empowered by her complexity. Iām 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 āinstant fameā isnāt as instant as people may believe. She began rapping at first, but when she released āYaya,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 Iām already a fan Iāll start with her two singles āTomboyā and āKitana,ā which just screamed female liberation. In a time where thereās so much division and conflict, itās 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. āGreen 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 āSaggy 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 1990ās 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.
āGoth 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. āReceiptsā is her letting you know sheās not hiding behind any gimmicks. Itās all about the craftsmanship. āG.O.A.T.ā is just that. Itās 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. Iām already looking forward to her future releases. Her respect for the art only tells me that sheās here to stay.
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