One to Watch (1 2 Watch): Azealia Banks

So here it is, my first blog post. This is absolutely a trial run, and is above all an attempt at trying to find some sort of unique ‘internet voice’ that might resonate with our audience.

I have tried to include some audiovisual elements, given the online medium practically demands them. I have also developed a piece under the ‘One to Watch’ banner, which (as we will explore at a later point in this research blog) is designed to add an element of human interest to our project.

Despite this being the internet, I feel I should probably warn that the following artist does make [extensive] use of expletive-laden language. Read on if you dare...

Azealia Banks.

It’s a problem faced by many young artists: how do you make your break, when your music doesn’t fit into the family friendly brief required by many commercial record labels?

For Azaelia Banks, Harlem’s hoodlum heir to the female hip-hop throne, the answer was simple. Release your debut single and film-clip online, in a space where anything goes.

Hard to believe she is just 21 years old, Banks’ first foray into the online music world came in 2010 with her demo-track“L8R”, released on Youtube. It was through this forum that Banks began to develop a small yet loyal following.

In March of 2011, Banks masterstroke struck, with her debut single “212”. Released as a free download on her personal website, the song was well received by existing followers. A further utilization of the Youtube platform – when Banks released the “212” film clip in September of 2011 – sent the song viral.

                                          

                                              WARNING! Foul language ahead.

When a song’s whose most obviously notable feature is a use of the word c***, it’s difficult to imagine any forum, other than the internet, in which it might have become quite so successful.

For Banks, the internet proved the perfect platform from which to gain serious recognition, whilst staying true to her potty-mouthed ways. Unsurprisingly, her online hype lead to a very real contract with none other than Interscope Records.

So for any of you prospective musicians out there who, like Azealia already has, are aiming to feature on the NME “Cool List” within a few months of your first major debut, give the internet a thought.

And whilst I don’t necessarily condone expletive language, I’m not saying it will hurt, either.

You can find out more about Azealia on her personal website: http://www.azealiabanks.com/
Or follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azealiabanksmusic 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AZEALIABANKS

Youtube proves the perfect Hip-Hop hype machine

Keith Cozart, better known by hip hop fans as Chief Keef, is an American rapper out of Chicago, Illinois.

After turning 17 on August 15th of this year, Chief Keef has already amassed millions of views on his youtube channel. However, the story behind his success is relatively unheard of. In December of last year, at just 15 years of age, Chief Keef was involved in a shoot out with police that saw him put under 2 months of house arrest. He spent this time at his grandmother's house. During this period he produced a song and subsequent video under the title 'Bang'. The video went viral among Chicago's highschools and from there Chief Keef's hype grew by the day.

However, the aspiring rapper came to prominence after his video entitled 'I Don't Like', released in March this year, gained the attention of hip-hop mogul Kanye West.  'I Don't Like' and its subsequent remix, produced by Kanye West, have amassed over 25 million views combined in 5 months.

Although, many question the lyrical content and overall talent of Chief Keef himself it is hard to deny the hype surrounding the Chicago native.