TKAY MAIDZA
releases new EP
LAST YEAR WAS WEIRD, VOL. 2

BUY/STREAM HERE

+ shares video for feature track
“YOU SAD”

WATCH HERE

OUT NOW VIA DEW PROCESS/4AD

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Continuing her global rise to stardom, ARIA & BET-nominated rapper, singer-songwriter and designer Tkay Maidza today releases her highly anticipated EP Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 out via Dew Process/4AD. Arriving as the second chapter in the Last Year Was Weird trilogy, the EP holds an eclectic mix of influences showcasing the versatility and talent of the Zimbabwean-born, Adelaide-raised hip hop Queen.

Breezing through blends of bounce, dark trap, alt-R&B, neo-soul, and her signature modern hip-hop, Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 presents a compelling new stride in Tkay Maidza’s creative vision. Volume 1 in the trilogy signified her ability to finesse a multitude of styles, with Volume 2 now bringing forth Tkay’s artistic refinement at its finest, cementing the rapper’s reign as Australia’s most beloved hip-hop innovator.

“My Flowers” opens the EP with a hip-hop kick and snare, driving Tkay’s transitions between R&B hooks and a sharp flow amidst smooth production. Continuing the groove is “24k”, setting an energetic pace with bounce-infused rhythms and Tkay’s 90s/00s soul-reminiscent harmonies alongside technical raps that smack each beat. Up next, 2020’s returning single “Shook” steers through diverse realms of new and old-school beat-driven rap, her lyrical prowess oozing confidence as Tkay never falters in a hook of infectious energy.

The ARIA-Award nominated “Awake” follows featuring international rap star JPEGMAFIA, who’s sinister flow meets Tkay’s fiery bars to elevate the frenetic Trap instrumental and an ultimate delve into her own ‘maintenance insomnia’. Carrying on the hard-hitting canvas, “Grasshopper” nods to conquering in both an industry & world that is unfavourable to women, with production led by a distorted melody and graced by compact flows, whiffs of double-time and slick lyrical flexes, “Butterfly with the doors, now we doing gold”. Next up, “You Sad” lifts the mood with acoustic riffs and alt-pop melodies, accompanied by a bubbly music video directed by Jocelyn Anquetil (King Krule, Ashnikko), that sees Tkay blissfully ignoring a string of late-night calls within a garden dreamscape. The funk-infused “PB Jam” follows, creating a lower-groove soundscape dazzled with commanding basslines, syncopated rhythms and Tkay’s chants that guide every sway. 70s pop ballad “Don’t Call Again” glistens with funky synths and basslines, mellowed production and Tkay’s souled vocals, perfectly meeting a commanding feature verse from American rapper, singer-songwriter and producer Kari Faux to round out the EP.

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It has been a remarkable year for the Australian hip-hop legend, launching from 2019’s “Awake” featuring JPEGMAFIA, which received an ARIA-Award nomination for Best Hip Hop Release, and earth-shattering single “IDC IF U BE DED”. The 2020 release of lead-single “Shook” came alongside the exciting news of Tkay’s international label signing to 4AD, joining musical luminaries Grimes and Purity Ring. After being added to triple j & a wealth of community radio, the track’s accompanying music video, directed by Jenna Marsh (Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj), made viral waves and garnered support from NME, Rolling Stone AU, The Guardian and more. Most recent single “Don’t Call Again” kept the momentum leading to the EP release, receiving further praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Clash and more.

Today one of the most recognised names in Australian hip-hop, Tkay Maidza emerged from Adelaide at just 17 years old in 2013. 7 years later, she has remained in the company of hip-hop’s greatest, pulling together a rolodex of sought after collaborators including Run The Jewels’ Killer Mike, rap sensation DUCKWRTH and French producer extraordinaire Martin Solveig. Placing herself firmly in the fashion sphere, Tkay has an ongoing relationship with Stella McCartney, recently performing at their virtual festival #StellaFest, performing in Milan last year as a musical guest for the Spring 2020 presentation and being soundtracked for the 2017 poignant fashion waste campaign.

Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2 EP is the follow up to Tkay Maidza’s 2018 Last Year Was Weird (Vol. 1), the second chapter in a highly-anticipated trilogy from Tkay’s vault. Cracking the sphere of global hip-hop icons, immerse yourself in this landmark achievement from the Tkay Maidza uprise.

LAST YEAR WAS WEIRD, VOL.2
is out now
via DEW PROCESS/4AD

BUY/STREAM HERE

WATCH “YOU SAD” HERE

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LAST YEAR WAS WEIRD, VOL. 2
TRACKLIST

1. My Flowers
2. 24k
3. Shook
4. Awake feat. JPEGMAFIA
5. Grasshopper
6. You Sad
7. PB Jam
8. Don’t Call Again feat. Kari Faux

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Follow TKAY MAIDZA
WEBSITE – FACEBOOK
TWITTER – INSTAGRAM

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AMNPLIFY – DB