Rocky Snyda’s 10/10 Would Recommend: The Princess of Flatbush Gives Us An Album for Summer
The Princess of Flatbush released 10/10 Would Recommend her debut EP from LLC4 Records on April 17th. 10/10 Would Recommend is an ambitious melange of hip-hop with dance, house, and more as we journey through the Rockyverse. Recorded in just three weeks, the album shines through its versatility, well-curated production, and Rocky’s overarching message to have a good ass time. Rocky’s package celebrates the fusion of dance music, house, and straight hip-hop. My bias extends towards those who venture in and out of a specific sound. Fuck being shoe-boxed into a certain sound; make what you want.
The first two tracks take us to the dance floor. “WHO AM I” and “Gimme My 10s” give us Azealia Banks’ “Anna Wintour” without the bob crop top, fresh boob job, or unnecessary beef. This is, of course, a compliment. “WHO AM I” gives us a bait and switch halfway in, but this seems intentionally done as a symbol of the journey of this album. You don’t know what you’re gonna get, but just know that you’re gonna get a lot. This too is a compliment.
“Sneaky” is a chill RnB bop with its muted trap drums and electric piano treatment. I appreciate the layers in the background - the synths and the bass elevating the second half of the song. “Target Practice” is for the hotties and you’ll understand as soon as you hear it. I’m almost waiting for that iconic “ah!” but it never comes. “3” features frequent collaborator Carter Brown for yet another bop as they talk about their shared infatuation for some girl in this track that captures the essence of 2022 New York. “Weekender” takes us to the ballroom. “I’m only in town for the weekend” she says on this heavy hitting track. The Jay-R feature only elevates the level of cunt.
It’s after the ninth track “Rockyverse” where some of that energy feels shaky. “MASSIVE” and “Winners Remorse” don’t feel so necessary. Closing track “Johnson”restores the energy slightly dropping all the cute and camp for a harder, more rugged Rocky and the adlibs are fun. Yet, the first nine tracks still make the strongest case for the project.
In my short time living in New York, I’ve seen Rocky just a handful of times, and each time her energy has always seemed very grounded. While her orange hair always stands out, her deep voice has always seemed very laid back. From train cyphers to video premieres at OS, she’s worked in tandem to build up to this moment and it’s paid off in this project. Years later, the bars have elevated and 10/10 Would Recommend feels like a good reward for consistency and commitment to her artistry.
The cover features five different versions of Rocky, all rocking (intended) her signature tangerine hair. Orange is my favorite color so I’m definitely fucking with it. My particular favorite is the blonde ombre buss down followed by miss mullet, but each of these looks eat. These different looks also seem to point to the versatility of the album and the different people you can hear on the tracks. So, yes, give the girl her tenz. She’s worked hard for them.
You can buy the album via iTunes (because buying music will always be important. Or you can stream it on those services where you stream.