Opulence
EP by
ReleasedMay 6, 2014 (2014-05-06)
Recorded2013–14
Length14:58
LabelRCA
Producer
Brooke Candy chronology
The Mixtape
(2013)
Opulence
(2014)
Sexorcism
(2019)
Singles from Opulence
  1. "Opulence"
    Released: April 22, 2014

Opulence is the debut extended play (EP) by American rapper Brooke Candy, released as digital download by RCA Records on May 6, 2014.[1][2] The EP is preceded by the release of title track and lead single "Opulence" and is Candy's first major label release. The EP features production from Diplo, Kool Kojak, Jesse Shatkin and Shea Taylor among others, including a feature with producer Cory Enemy and songwriting work from Mozella, Jesse Saint John and Sia, the latter also serving as executive producer of the project.[3]

Background and promotion

Candy caught Sia's attention, and she contacted her via Instagram with the purpose of writing one song for her. Sia ended up executive producing Candy's debut record, helping her to get a record contract and to find, in Sia's words: "[a] decent, nice, honest management, and [to] help [her] make the art [she] want[s] to make from a place of positive mental health and love".[4] Candy signed with RCA in February 2014.[5] She later joined Columbia's UK roster.[6] The first single and title track was performed on April 3, 2014, at Nicola Formichetti's debut Diesel fashion show in Venice.[7] It was later released on April 22, 2014, as a digital download[8] along the premiere of its official music video directed by Steven Klein and styled by Formichetti.[9][3][10] The song is featured in a scene of CSI's fifteen season episode "Under My Skin"[11] and is part of the soundtrack of the basketball video game NBA Live 15.[12]

Critical reception

The EP was generally praised by critics. Kevin Apaza from Direct Lyrics said "five songs featuring hard-hitting synths, fierce and risqué lyrics, and a swagger by Brooke that can't be duplicated. She's making us excited about female rappers again. There just have to be more options than Nicki or Iggy!".[13] Ashley Emma NG from Best Fan also praised the project, saying "Opulence brings a fresh sound that is all Brook[e] Candy. Some may not understand her lascivious and unconventional attitude, but you can't help but respect her hustle. Her confidence is indestructible, and not once does it come off as cocky."[14]

Track listing

Credits taken from Qobuz.[15]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Opulence"
2:19
2."Pop Rock"Shea Taylor2:56
3."Bed Squeak"
3:40
4."Feel Yourself (Alcohol)" (featuring Cory Enemy)
Cory Enemy3:46
5."Godzillionaire"
Shatkin2:55
Total length:14:58
Notes
Sampling credits
  • "Feel Yourself (Alcohol)" samples the 1997 song entitled "Alane" recorded by Wes.

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[16] 48

References

  1. ^ "Opulence EP by Brooke Candy". Apple Music. 2014-05-06.
  2. ^ "Brooke Candy To Release Opulence EP On May 6th". RCA Records. 2014-04-28. Archived from the original on Nov 29, 2014. Retrieved 2014-06-25.
  3. ^ a b "Brooke Candy preps debut EP, does sex-and-violence in 'Opulence' video". Fact. April 28, 2014.
  4. ^ Brooke Candy (March 8, 2016). "Brooke Candy: Sia is One of the Most Important Artists In the World Right Now". Noisey.
  5. ^ "Dynamic Rapper / Singer Brooke Candy Signs with RCA Records". RCA Records. 18 February 2014. Archived from the original on Sep 24, 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  6. ^ McCaskill, Clark (11 July 2014). "Brooke Candy drops this fire Cory Enemy remix of "Opulence" [Premiere]". EARMILK.
  7. ^ FUCKFROSTI (April 15, 2014). "Brooke Candy debuts "Opulence" at Formichetti's debut Diesel fashion show in Venice". Oh No They Didn't.
  8. ^ "Opulence - Single by Brooke Candy". Apple Music. 2014-04-22.
  9. ^ Courtney E. Smith (June 2, 2014). "How Brooke Candy's Artful 'Opulence' Video Primes Her for Pop Stardom". Radio.
  10. ^ Robbie Daw (April 28, 2014). "Brooke Candy's "Opulence" Video Will Give You Nightmares: Watch The Steven Klein-Directed Clip". Idolator.
  11. ^ "CSI (TV) // Opulence (Brooke Candy)". Songs Music Publishing. Archived from the original on Mar 19, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  12. ^ "NBA LIVE 15 Soundtrack - Complete Track Listing". EA Games. October 14, 2014. Archived from the original on May 31, 2017.
  13. ^ Kevin Apaza (May 12, 2014). "Review: Brooke Candy - 'Opulence' EP". Direct Lyrics.
  14. ^ Ng, Ashley Emma (May 14, 2014). "ALBUM REVIEW: Brooke Candy – 'Opulence' EP". Best Fan. Archived from the original on Mar 19, 2017.
  15. ^ "Opulence EP - Brooke Candy". Qobuz. May 6, 2014.
  16. ^ "Brooke Candy Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 24, 2014.