Banco (Sir Michael Rocks album)

Banco
Studio album by Sir Michael Rocks
Released July 29, 2014 (2014-07-29)
Recorded 2013–2014
Genre Hip hop
Length 49:49
Label 6 Cell Phones
Producer Sir Michael Rocks
Sir Michael Rocks chronology
While You Wait...
(2013)		 Banco
(2014)
Singles from Banco
  1. "Memo"
    Released: December 17, 2013

Banco is the debut studio album by American rapper Sir Michael Rocks. The album was released on July 29, 2014, by 6 Cell Phones.[1] The album features guest appearances from Twista, Casey Veggies, Iamsu!, Robb Banks, Pouya, Mac Miller, Trinidad James, Too Short and Chuck Inglish.

Background

In a July 2014, interview with Nah Right he spoke about how he chose the features for the album, saying: "Well, the way I go about picking features, I always try to pick people that are going to add something to the song who would serve a necessary purpose on this song. I don’t ever take a feature because so-and-so is hot or I need to get with ‘em. It doesn’t even work like that. Niggas don’t even give me features like that. I’m definitely not about to do that. I just pick people who serve a purpose on a song and make the song better, and some people are friends of mine and people I admire and respect, so I just pick people who make the song better and serve a purpose on it."[2]

In the same interview, he explained the song "Fuck Seaworld", saying: "Well, “Fuck Seaworld” actually came from me watching the documentary Blackfish. It’s a documentary about SeaWorld and the mistreatment of the whales and dolphins and the abuse. It’s like these whales are highly intelligent creatures with huge brains and social systems that they’re used to. They’re used to being in families of 10 or more and they’re used to communicating vocally. They’re very smart, intelligent animals, and Seaworld keeps them in these little pools the size of a bathtub to us. These are huge animals that are used to swimming more than 100 miles per day and they’re in this little bathtub, and it’s like, “What the fuck?” Blackfish kind of pointed out that this is barbaric and it’s super old school. I’m surprised that we still do this and people are still entertained by having these huge whales clap and do a backflip in a pool for a couple fish. It’s kind of just fucked up, and I watched that and I just wanted to say something. I was fired up about it and I just wanted to say something man. [Laughs.] And that’s what happened."[2]

Release and promotion

On December 17, 2013, the album's first single "Memo" was released.[3] On January 14, 2014, the music video was released for "Memo".[4] On June 19, 2014, the music video was released for "Playstation 1.5".[5] On July 15, 2014, the music video was released for "Fuck SeaWorld".[6] On July 23, 2014, the music video was released for "Bussin'" featuring Casey Veggies and Iamsu!.[7]

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Consequence of SoundB-[8]
Exclaim!7/10[9]
HipHopDX[10]
RedEye[11]
XXL3/5 (L)[12]

Upon its release Banco was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Jesse Fairfax of HipHopDX stated "The choice of shrouding his trademark oddity in stock cuts and sheer confidence is a curious one, but Banco remains entertaining for the most part. Sir Michael Rocks gets by without saying much or offering anything particularly introspective because of a sometimes excellent presentation. But until these faults are addressed it’s hard to envision him elevating past the cusp of stardom."[10] Erin Lowers of Exclaim! said, "While the definitive setting of Banco is Chi-Town's disruptive powers and anger, Mikey Rocks brings forth the warming soul that soothes it. Having already established a career within the boom-bap realm, Sir Michael Rock's reinvention as a solo artist rips apart the blueprints he once laid and sets a foundation that may lead straight to el Banco."[9] Michael Blair of XXL stated, "There are undeniable moments of prosperity within Banco, and it’s impossible to not vibe with Sir Michael for owning his lyrical distinction as confident as he does his luxurious wardrobe. But upon completion of the album, Banco unquestionably leaves the listener yearning for a certain type of production that more appropriately suits his lyrical capacity."[12] Adam Kivel of Consequence of Sound said, "The most important track on the album, though, is the star-studded “Ain’t Nothin Like”. With production courtesy of rapidly rising DJ Mustard and features from partner in crime Inglish and Bay Area legend Too Short, this one bodes well for the Kids’ long-awaited reunion. That said, with each solo release, Rocks continues to solidify his identity outside of the duo, while also pushing the desire for the reunion even further. Though elements of it seem somewhat unconnected, Banco should go a long way towards making the solo stuff just as much of a hot commodity."[8]

Track listing

No. TitleProducer(s) Length
1. "Intro"  Reno 3:41
2. "Memo"  Reno 3:41
3. "Some Ish" (featuring Twista)Blended Babies 5:23
4. "The Docks Skit"    1:28
5. "Bussin'" (featuring Casey Veggies & Iamsu!)Reno 4:24
6. "Playstation 1.5"  Sir Michael Rocks 1:59
7. "Drug Dealer"  Reno 3:02
8. "Kill Switch" (featuring Robb Banks & Pouya)Reno 3:43
9. "Dino Feeding Skit"    1:14
10. "Lost Boys" (featuring Mac Miller & Trinidad James)Larry Fisherman 5:39
11. "One Time"  Tye Hill 4:13
12. "Cold Sore Skit"    1:37
13. "Fuck SeaWorld"  Sir Michael Rocks 2:45
14. "Ain't Nothing Like" (featuring Too Short & Chuck Inglish)DJ Mustard 3:28
15. "Francois"  Reno 3:27
Total length:
 49:49

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[13] 118
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[14] 21
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)[15] 13
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[16] 19

References

  1. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Banco by Sir Michael Rocks". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  2. 1 2 "Interview: Sir Michael Rocks Talks Solo Identity, Banco, and Favorite Miami Strip Clubs". Nah Right. 2014-07-25. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  3. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Memo - Single by Sir Michael Rocks". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  4. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks - "Memo"". HipHop DX. 2014-01-15. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  5. ↑ Frydenlund, Zach (2014-06-19). "Premiere: Sir Michael Rocks Announces "Banco" Release Date, Drops "Playstation 1.5"". Complex. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  6. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks - "Fuck SeaWorld"". HipHop DX. 2014-07-17. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  7. ↑ Eakin, Marah (2014-07-23). "Sir Michael Rocks is "Bussin" in a new video". Avclub.com. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  8. 1 2 Cosores, Philip. "Sir Michael Rocks – Banco". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  9. 1 2 Lowers, Erin (2014-08-12). "Sir Michael Rocks - Banco". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  10. 1 2 Fairfax, Jesse. "Sir Michael Rocks - Banco". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  11. ↑ Wilkins, Ernest (July 29, 2014). "Sir Michael Rocks' 'Banco' works when it's weird". RedEye. Tribune Company. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  12. 1 2 "Sir Michael Rocks Continues To Establish His Own Identity On 'Banco'". Xxlmag.com. 2014-07-29. Retrieved 2014-07-30.
  13. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks – Chart history" Billboard 200 for Sir Michael Rocks. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks – Chart history" Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for Sir Michael Rocks. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks – Chart history" Billboard Top Rap Albums for Sir Michael Rocks. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Sir Michael Rocks – Chart history" Billboard Independent Albums for Sir Michael Rocks. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
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