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When an artist decides to use the word ‘Statement’ on the title of a project, you can only think of one thing. She’s here to prove all her self-worth and show that it’s no fluke. This is what Ms Banks is all about as she drops a new extended play, Bank Statement.
The British-Nigerian rapper had earlier announced the coming of her new EP roughly a year ago when she dropped her 2021 alternative-dancehall single, Go Low. Speaking on the intent of the project, Ms Banks says, “a bank statement is necessary to prove a multitude of things, proof of address, proof of income, proof of name etc. My bank statement proves that women are multifaceted, we can be soft, we can be vulnerable but also a boss and tough. My bank statement proves I am versatile, and I can make bangers whilst killing any beat I jump on.”
The 9-track EP has just two features with Tion Wayne and Eight9Fly on Typa Way and Nigerian singer Naira Marley on Party, as well as a broad spread of producers, a list which includes Karma Kid, JD. Reid, KZ, Ebenezer, Magnus Klausen, 2Faded, DA, Rexxie, 4Play, Sammy Soso, and 404Humans.
An open-minded attitude combined with classic lyricism and a love for hookish beats is key when it comes to Ms Banks’ music-making method and this is what she displays on Bank Statement as she uses Afro-pop, R&B, drill, and Latin influences sometimes creating a hybrid of these genres to make a huge statement for herself.
The first track, Bluff starts off with piano synths with Banks transforming into a trap style of rapping as she floats in braggadocio of her art. The Naira Marley-assisted Party shows her African roots using a combination of Hip-hop and Afro-beats to create a party-themed song.
On Typa Way, assisted by Eight9FLY and Tion Wayne, she embeds her hip-hop influences with Eight9FLY’s alluring vocals and hot bars from Tion Wayne to make it an elusive hit. On songs like Drip and Favorite Girl she amps up her slick confident style, proving that there’s nothing she hasn’t got under control coming together to make up a “Bank Statement.”
Listen to Bank Statement here.