Princess Nokia: 1992 Deluxe Vinyl 2LP

Princess Nokia(neDestiny Frasqueri) manages to succeed where most of the latestbatch of NYC rappers have failed, by nailing a sound that that is so undeniably New York while retaining solid, universal radio and club appeal. Tracks like Saggy Denim (featuringWikifromRatking) and Brick City are primed for Rucker Park courtside boomboxes, and Green Line does exactly what it says on the tin. But theres something for everyone on1992. Frasqueri covers a wide range of styles and cadences, coolly channeling a vintageFoxy Brownover a veryNeptunes-esque beat on opener Bart Simpson before pivoting to full-on ratchet mode on club anthem Tomboy. She breaks down her heritage in a syrupy, pitched-down drawl over a hair-raising beat on the stunning Brujas, and again on Mine, two of the records absolute best tracks. Check out the back-to-back lyrical aerobics in her bestMF DOOMdeadpan on Goth Kid and Reciepts. Perhaps the only thing that could be more New York than this record is throwing a cup of hot soupat some belligerent asshole on the L train,but Nokia has ticked that box as well.1992was originally self-released as a 9-track digital download in 2016, andRough Tradehave done well in expanding it to a whopping 16 tracks on this gorgeous deluxe gatefold edition. Recommended.

• expanded 16-track edition
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• music label:Rough Trade 2017

reviewed byhannibal chew11/2017