Azealia Banks Is Not Pleased With Australia, ‘One Of The Most Culturally Stale White Nations On The Planet’

When it comes to Australia, Azealia Banks isn’t feeling the love.

In a series of Instagram Stories shared yesterday (May 7), Banks wrote about how her recent single “New Bottega” was handled in Australia, claiming a “piss poor remix of my master track” was released over there instead of the preferred version. She writes more about the song and her record contract before going after Australia and its music industry more generally.

“I don’t think they realize how unimportant they are as far as music culture goes because they’re deluded with the idea that their whiteness makes Australia an A Market, when it’s truly a C-D market,” Banks said. “Brazil is a MUCH more important market for music than australia lmao. (this is mostly because Australia has an an extreme dearth of internationally appetizing talent outside of Kylie minogue , INXS & AC/DC, {tame impala is just cheesy to me, and wolfmother is excellent – but clearly an American rock tribute band}.”

She continued, “Australia doesn’t really have many music acts that anyone truly cares about on a global scale because they’re in a vacuum of off-brand British culture,” noting she thinks they have “actually created one of the most culturally stale white nations on the planet.”

Read Banks’ full posts below.

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“Sidebar: I’m reading this article in the Guardian about the ever dwindling and insignificant Australian music industry and have SO MANY THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS, but the delusions of the Aussie music execs quoted in this article is f*ckkkng astonishing and making it clear to me how sheer jealousy, racism and desperation allowed @sweatitoutmusic to purposely sabotage a bonafide hit in lieu of their fragile fragile egos and DESPERATE attempts to try and steal my IP. The Australian music industry is so devoid of internationally appealing talent they literally harrased, threatened, menaced and corruptly stole my IP. Let’s take a deep dive.

the version of my song New Bottega, the Australians released as The final composition is actually a piss poor remix of my Master Track , and should not be titled ‘New Bottega’.

There’s no language stating that any ‘left over ideas’ do not belong to me. Because they essentially treated the fully mixed mastered single as a discard, when they had it in their possession the entire time, the song splits were not papered once done,
and they have nothing with my signature confirming ‘New Bottega’ as the song that qualifies the parameters of the initial contract.

They left it as ‘TBD’ which was stupid on their part. So they basically denatured my intellectual property, cherry picked what they wanted from it and fraudulently presented it to the world AS the song EYE wrote. And they released it, so that is the only version of the song they have claim to. My Sony atv deal explicitly states that I am not allowed to assign control of my publishing/vocals etc to any entity. Again I was very f*cking sick when I signed the deal and really just signed it so They would stop calling me at 2am and let me rest. The fact that they are steadfast on trying to have ownership over something that is going to make them no money without my involvement is asinine. They fact that they are so obsessed with owning my vocals but adamant about treating me poorly and adamant about not investing in such a massive song (the tik tok stats and best of year end lists literally proved that the product works, what’s the point in changing it?) is literal stupidity. Whatever remix they released is not ‘New Bottega.’ So they don’t have the right to title their remix track as such. ‘New Bottega’ is my intellectual property, and time has proven that these aussies have zero clue how to market this song, absolutely no knowledge of the big business that is American female rap, or how to engage with Azealia Banks and leverage the power of her already established international fanbase to their advantage… here I am LITERALLY telling them how to get my fans excited- and they re taking it an insult.

For the record. ‘New Bottega’ by Azealia Banks Is a hiphop record. It is not a dance record. Categorizing it as a dance record was their first wrong marketing move. Clearly -There is a cultural dissonance here. HipHop is the most profitable genre of music in the world right now. EDM is f*cking dead For people so thirsty to try and own the rights to my vocals , you’d THINK they had some huge money play to go along with all of the empty and baseless threats to sue me. (lmao, can’t sue me for not participating in promoting garbage.) if they were good crooks – they would have at least kept their racism under wraps long enough to have taken my photo and shot a video to have assets to promote their bullshit with) For all of the dsp c*cksucking @sweatitoutmusic did in effort to try and prove to me that their marketing strategy was better than mine – registering it as a dance song Was the most anti-algorithmic sh*t an algorithm dickrider could have done. F*cking stupidity.

Australia’s media /music /entertainment industry isn’t exactly heralded by the heads of government or anyone in the world as a coveted cultural export, I don’t think they realize how unimportant they are as far as music culture goes because they’re deluded with the idea that their whiteness makes Australia an A Market, when it’s truly a C-D market. Brazil is a MUCH more important market for music than australia lmao. (this is mostly because Australia has an an extreme dearth of internationally appetizing talent outside of Kylie minogue , INXS & AC/DC, {tame impala is just cheesy to me, and wolfmother is excellent – but clearly an American rock tribute band}

Australia doesn’t really have many music acts that anyone truly cares about on a global scale because they’re in a vacuum of off-brand British culture. Could be do to with it being geographically so out of the way and how aggressive, barbaric, oppressive and violent they have been in regards to the very existence of native black peoples that they’ve actually systematically stomped out their country’s own ability to develop its own music/arts culture – to instead look to England and the USA for ideas to regurgitate not realizing that the reason the Australian music industry and Australian culture is so trash is BECAUSE of their country’s historical post colonial obsession with I guess, trying to prove to England and the Monarchy that they -a legion of convicts/mentally insane social rejects – were in fact a proper white/Anglo-saxon society – using the massacre/ subjugation of black/indigenous peoples (manifest destiny bullshit) and theft of their land as a marker of national strength

But they have actually created one of the most culturally stale white nations on the planet.

The fact that these aussie music execs are COMPLETELY OVERLOOKING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS PURPOSEFUL ETHNIC CLEANSING OF NATIVE PEOPLES AND THEIR INABILITY TO PRODUCE MUSIC ANYONE ANYWHERE CARES ABOUT IS F*CKING COMEDY .

Someone has GOT to tell the Australian music industry that Absolutely no one on earth takes it seriously. Like, they HAVE to understand how untalented/uncultured and unneeded they are to the greater global arts community, realize musical talent is just not in the gene pool, and redirect those funds to the aboriginal peoples of the continent and just pack their shit up and go back to Europe. LMAO. Y’all stomped all the blackness out of Australia – which is why your music exports suck and we don’t feel bad for you lmfaooooooo.”



source https://uproxx.com/music/azealia-banks-australia-culturally-stale-white-nation/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.