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The $500 Record: Why Azealia Banks' Broke With Expensive Taste Vinyl Is The Rarest Hip-Hop Grail

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The vinyl pressing of Azealia Banks’ debut studio album, Broke with Expensive Taste (BWET), remains one of the most elusive and highly coveted records in modern music collecting as of late 2024. This scarcity is not just a matter of time; it is a direct result of the album’s chaotic, years-long journey to release and the extremely limited nature of its sole physical pressing. The original, and currently only, 2xLP edition was a limited run for Record Store Day (RSD) 2015, and its resale value has skyrocketed into the hundreds of dollars, cementing its status as a hip-hop collector’s holy grail.

For fans and vinyl enthusiasts, the quest for the Broke with Expensive Taste vinyl is a true test of dedication and wallet size. While the digital album finally dropped unexpectedly in 2014 after years of label turmoil, the physical vinyl release was a small, one-time event that has left thousands of collectors on the outside looking in. This deep dive explores the album's turbulent history, the specifics of the vinyl pressing, why its value continues to climb, and the slim chances of a future reissue.

The Tumultuous Journey to Release: From Delay to Debut

Azealia Banks, the charismatic and controversial Harlemite rapper, first burst onto the global scene with the viral 2011 single "212," which instantly established her as a formidable and unique talent. The anticipation for her debut album, initially titled Fantasea, then eventually Broke with Expensive Taste, was immense. However, the album’s path was plagued by constant delays, label conflicts, and public disputes, turning it into one of the most famous examples of an "album in development hell."

The Epic Label Battles and Creative Freedom

The core issue of the album's delay stemmed from Banks’ disputes with her initial label, Interscope Records, and later, Prospect Park. Banks consistently expressed frustration over the labels’ attempts to control her creative direction and the lack of funding for the album’s production. The sheer breadth of genres on BWET—a maximalist blend of Alternative hip hop, dance-pop, Hip house, UK bass, Trap, and even elements of Hardcore Punk and Witch house—made it difficult for traditional labels to market.

The album was finally released in November 2014, not through a major label push, but via an independent, surprise drop on iTunes, following Banks’ split with Interscope. This move, while giving Banks the creative control she craved, also complicated the rights and distribution of the music, a factor that would later impact the vinyl’s scarcity.

  • Album Title: Broke with Expensive Taste (BWET)
  • Artist: Azealia Banks
  • Release Date: November 7, 2014 (Digital)
  • Vinyl Release: Record Store Day (RSD), October 29, 2015
  • Original Label: Prospect Park (for the vinyl) / Caroline (distribution)
  • Key Producers: araabMUZIK, Lone, Kevin James, David Kennedy
  • Total Tracks: 16, including "Idle Delilah," "Gimme a Chance," "Ice Princess," and "JFK (Feat. Theophilus London)."

The Anatomy of the Broke with Expensive Taste Vinyl Pressing

The vinyl edition of Broke with Expensive Taste is a physical artifact of this chaotic history. Its release was a one-off event that, in retrospect, was never meant to satisfy the long-term demand of a major-label debut.

The Limited Record Store Day (RSD) 2015 Exclusive

The only official vinyl pressing was released on October 29, 2015, as a limited-edition exclusive for Record Store Day. This decision instantly capped the supply, ensuring its future rarity. The pressing details are critical for collectors:

  • Format: 2xLP (Double Album)
  • Edition: Limited Edition, often cited as only 1,000 copies worldwide.
  • Packaging: Gatefold sleeve.
  • Color: Standard black vinyl.

Because the album was a critical success—hailed for its fearless genre-hopping and Banks’ masterful vocal delivery—but was only pressed in such small numbers, the demand-to-supply ratio was immediately and permanently skewed. The vinyl quickly sold out and was never repressed by the original label, Prospect Park, turning it into an instant collector’s item.

Why the Price Tag is So Expensive: A Collector's Nightmare

The resale value of the Broke with Expensive Taste vinyl has consistently placed it among the most expensive modern hip-hop records. As of late 2024, sealed copies and near-mint condition versions frequently command prices ranging from $300 to well over $500 on platforms like Discogs and eBay. This exorbitant price is driven by a perfect storm of factors:

1. Extreme Scarcity (The 1,000-Copy Rule)

The most important factor is the extremely low initial pressing quantity. A limited run of 1,000 copies for a critically acclaimed, cult-favorite debut album is simply not enough to meet global demand. This scarcity means that every time a copy is sold, it is a significant event in the vinyl community, driving the price floor higher.

2. The Prospect Park Rights Issue

A major complication is the legal and financial entanglement surrounding the album's rights. Azealia Banks has publicly stated that she has not received proper compensation from the album and has even encouraged fans to stop streaming the original version to hurt the label’s bottom line. She has expressed a desire to re-release a remastered edition herself to ensure the producers, such as araabMUZIK and Lone, receive their due pay. This ongoing, public dispute with Prospect Park makes a simple, standard reissue by the original label highly unlikely, thus protecting the value of the 2015 RSD pressing.

3. Cult Status and Critical Acclaim

Despite the drama, Broke with Expensive Taste is widely regarded as a genre-defining masterpiece. Tracks like "Ice Princess," "Nude Beach A Go-Go," and the Theophilus London-assisted "JFK" showcase Banks’ unparalleled versatility, blending Pop Rap with obscure electronic subgenres like Witch house and Hip house. The album’s enduring quality and the artist’s unique place in music culture guarantee sustained demand from collectors and fans who view it as a necessary piece of music history.

The Future of the BWET Vinyl: Will There Be a Reissue?

The million-dollar question for collectors is whether a future reissue will ever materialize, which would instantly deflate the market value of the 2015 pressing. As of the current date, there has been no official, confirmed announcement from Azealia Banks or a new label for a 2024 or 2025 vinyl reissue. The status of the album’s rights remains the largest hurdle.

Banks' past statements about wanting to self-release a remastered version offer a glimmer of hope. If she were to successfully acquire the rights or partner with a new distributor, a new pressing would be a massive event. However, until that happens, the 2015 Prospect Park 2xLP remains the only game in town.

A Collector's Guide to Finding BWET in 2024/2025

For those determined to own a copy of this legendary record, the search requires patience, diligence, and a substantial budget. Here are the best avenues:

  1. Discogs Marketplace: This is the primary and most reliable marketplace for rare vinyl. Collectors can monitor the "Wantlist" feature to receive notifications when a copy of the 2015 Prospect Park pressing (Catalogue No: 3985012575) is listed. Be prepared for a high price, but also ensure the seller has a strong rating.
  2. eBay Auctions: eBay is a common source, but prices can be highly volatile. Look for listings with detailed photos of the vinyl, the gatefold sleeve, and all inserts to verify condition and authenticity.
  3. Vinyl Subreddits and Forums: Communities like r/VinylCollectors often feature peer-to-peer sales, which can sometimes result in a slightly lower price than major marketplaces, though this avenue requires caution.

Ultimately, the Broke with Expensive Taste vinyl is a powerful symbol of artistic struggle and ultimate triumph. Its rarity is a physical manifestation of the album’s dramatic journey, making it a truly valuable and essential piece for any serious collector of modern music. The high price reflects not just the scarcity of the 2xLP format, but the enduring legacy of Azealia Banks’ groundbreaking debut.

The $500 Record: Why Azealia Banks' Broke with Expensive Taste Vinyl is the Rarest Hip-Hop Grail
broke with expensive taste vinyl
broke with expensive taste vinyl

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