Azealia Banks Channels Grace Jones For 1991 Art

New kid on the block Azealia Banks channels androgynous fashion icon Grace Jones on the artwork for her upcoming EP titled 1991.

Sporting long curly red hair and vampy purple lips, the 20-year-old rapper flaunts her sensual dark complexion by going topless for the saucy art. Clad in a black leather skirt, with matching full finger elbow-long gloves, Azealia shades half her face in a broad-brimmed hat.

The EP is expected to have its digital release on 29 May and physical release on 12 June. Checkout the tracklist below:

1. 1991
2. Van Vogue
3. 212
4. Liquorice

Photo Via Instagram

 

Beyonce Runs The World

Late last week a fake fan made promo picture for Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)” surfaced on the net. The picture featured a very androgynous Ethiopian model Liya Kebede, who’s resemblance to Beyonce was very uncanny in the black and white close-up shot.

Although at first most fans were convinced it was Bey, it soon emerged that it was Kebede in a Vogue shoot done back in February 2009. But now the official artwork for Beyonce’s first single off her upcoming album is here.

The full body shot sees a vivacious Beyonce under a building, with her fist up in the air. She is wearing a yellow V-neck Pucci dress, which accentuate her curves and let’s be honest Beyonce owns the hourglass shape. Her face is almost unseen, as it disappears amid external bright lighting.

Truth be told, the promo picture is a little disappointing and the fan made Grace Jones-esque photo was more exciting and fitting than this official shot. I was expecting something over the top, risqué and more Sasha Fierce than Beyonce to coincide with the song’s thumping, girl power theme.

The catchy dance banger song was produced by Switch, Shea Taylor and Beyonce herself. She also co-wrote the song with the help of The-Dream.

The fan made promo shot featuring model Liya Kebede.

 

No one does androgyny better than Jessie J

In the 80s, male artists such as David Bowie, Boy George and Prince kept us enthralled with their androgyny. More so, no male iconic idol personified androgyny better than Michael Jackson, with his falsetto vocals and effeminate demeanor. In recent years, female singers such as Beyonce (If I Were a Boy) and Rihanna (Rude boy) have also embraced androgyny. But perhaps consistent female androgynous acts have been Lady Gaga, Grace Jones and Ciara.

Now a new female act that embodies sheer androgyny has entered the fray in the form of Jessie J. Her tough, masculine and strong traits on her debut single “Do it Like A Dude” oozes complete sex appeal.

Her aggressively stunning performance in the music video for the song makes it quite easy to mistake her for one of the boys. What makes Jessie’s take on sexual ambiguity even sexier is that she does it with confidence. Why wouldn’t she? After all the British songstress is openly bisexual.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that Jessie’s recently found stardom is just a result of an overexposure rouse. This Essex born singer has worked her way to the top. For starters she studied music at the celebrated BRIT School, with alumni such as fellow established UK singers Adela and Amy Winehouse.

Jessie was also the supporting act for Cyndi Lauper during her 2008 UK tour. Earlier this year she won the prestigious Critics’ Choice award at the BRIT Awards, joining past winners Adele and Florence and the Machine.

Above all, throughout the years Jessie has managed to make a name for herself as an established songwriter, penning lyrics for Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and Rihanna. The most successful song she ever co-wrote being Miley Cyrus’ 2009 hit “Party in the USA”.

You cannot help but fall in love with Jessie’s powerful strong voice, which is similar to that of Lily Allen. Her voice convey three emotions – sexy, sassy and sultry.

The 22-year old caused a huge frenzy with the release of her first single “Do it Like A Dude” last year November, which she originally wrote for Rihanna after hearing “Rude Boy”. The song managed to peak at No.2 on the British Singles chart.

Her second single “Price Tag” featuring rapper B.o.B demanded just as much success. The up-tempo reggae influenced song is Jessie’s successful record to date, after it debuted atop the British Singles chart. The song also managed to accomplisg the important feat of preventing Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” from debuting at No.1 in the UK.

Jessie’s freshman album “Who You Are” was scheduled for a late March release, but due to demand, she pushed forward the release date to 25 February in the UK.

With artists such as Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue and JLS proclaiming themselves as fans, there is no doubt that Jessie J should be on everyone’s 2011 “Artists-To-watch” list.