Anna Wintour (song)
| Company type | Single |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 6, 2018 |
| Founder | Azealia Banks |
| Products | Single |
| Parent | Entertainment One Music, Chaos & Glory |
Anna Wintour is a single released in 2018 by American rapper and vocalist Azealia Banks. It debuted on April 6 under the labels Entertainment One Music and Chaos & Glory, serving as the lead track from her mixtape Fantasea II: The Second Wave. The production was handled by Junior Sanchez, with songwriting credits shared among Banks, Sanchez, Dorian Strickland, Kevin James, and Shug. The song takes its name from the editor-in-chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour, and explores themes related to personal empowerment. Its accompanying music video, which premiered on May 24, 2018, achieved over one million views within two days.
Production
During her tenure with Interscope Records, Junior Sanchez was assigned to remix Banks's 2014 song "Ice Princess" from the album Broke with Expensive Taste. This track was originally titled "Anna Wintour," which accounts for the sample incorporated into the final version. Initial plans considered featuring artists such as Mel B and Nicki Minaj, but these collaborations did not materialize due to conflicting schedules. Banks explained her decision to name the track after Anna Wintour by expressing admiration for Wintour’s embodiment of feminine strength and confidence, perceiving her as a commanding figure rather than an intimidating one.
Critical reception
Shaad D'Souza of Noisey characterized "Anna Wintour" as an energetic vogue-inspired tune that includes some of Azealia Banks' most charming lyrics, praising its optimistic vibe and potential to mark a strong beginning for her new artistic phase. Myles Tanzer from The Fader applauded Banks' vocal range, highlighting her soulful high notes, smooth flow, intense screams, and aggressive rap delivery.
Dazed selected "Anna Wintour" among its top 20 tracks of 2018, spotlighting Banks' talent in creating dancefloor hits and suggesting the song represented an artistic progression for her forthcoming album. Placing it 25th in its Fifty Best Songs of 2018 list, The Line of Best Fit commended the infectious 90s house rhythm paired with Banks’ fusion of pop and rap elements that feel simultaneously nostalgic and innovative.
Included in Pitchfork’s 100 best songs of 2018, the track was noted for Banks’ dynamic portrayal as a house diva, fierce spirit, and cold-blooded persona. The review emphasized how the song reworks Junior Sanchez’s Ibiza-inspired beat into a raw burst of energy and stands out among self-empowerment anthems due to its complexity, reinforcing Banks’ distinctive charisma akin to that of its namesake’s magnetic presence.
Music video
The music video for "Anna Wintour" was unveiled on May 24, 2018. It showcases Banks performing choreography within a deserted warehouse setting and was directed by Matthew Pasterisa, a choreographer and longtime backup dancer for Banks. Prior to the video’s release, Banks addressed accusations that it bore resemblance to Kanye West’s 2016 video for "Fade", asserting that Teyana Taylor had appropriated choreography from Pasterisa without proper acknowledgment until legal proceedings ensued. Taylor refuted these allegations and invited Pasterisa to provide his perspective; he clarified that although he was not directly involved with "Fade," he nonetheless received credit.
Track listing
- Digital download
- "Anna Wintour" – 4:33
Charts
Template:Single chart| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
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