Svengali is the second studio album by New York rapper Cakes da Killa. It was released on October 28, 2022, through Young Art Records. Cakes da Killa composed the album with Sam Katz and Joshua McCormick.
| Svengali | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | October 28, 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 29:28 | |||
| Label | Young Art | |||
| Producer | Sam Katz | |||
| Cakes da Killa chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Svengali | ||||
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Background
editCakes da Killa writes about dating in New York City through the lens of a svengali, a person who seduces and manipulates others. In an interview with Them, Cakes explains that, while in relationships, he has had to deduce whether he is dating a svengali or if he is acting like one.[1]
The album was originally ready for release in early 2020 but was delayed with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.[1][2] In an interview with Flood magazine, Cakes da Killa shares that the project is about love and draws parallels between relationships between lovers, fans, and music more generally.[3] The album includes interludes that Cakes says are real messages from suitors.[4]
Critical reception
edit| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 81/100[8] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| The Observer |   [5] |
| Pitchfork | 7.8/10[6] |
| Slant Magazine |  [7] |
Svengali was released to generally positive reviews from critics. Pitchfork writer Dylan Green called the album "...a smooth balance of anxiety and aggression, love and lust, confidence and vulnerability."[6] Tara Joshi wrote for The Observer that Svengali is a "sleek, enticing record that certifies Cakes da Killa’s place at the forefront of this sound".[5] Mercy Kassa from Bandcamp Daily said: "Cakes provides a recipe for dancing through both love hangovers and love burnouts".[9]
Track listing
editAll tracks written by Rashard Bradshaw. All tracks produced by Sam Katz.[6]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Overture" | 0:31 |
| 2. | "W4TN" | 2:41 |
| 3. | "Rabbit Hole" | 0:44 |
| 4. | "Svengali" | 2:59 |
| 5. | "Luv Me Nots" | 3:15 |
| 6. | "La Cocaina" | 1:20 |
| 7. | "Mirror Mirror" | 0:26 |
| 8. | "Drugs du Jour" | 2:33 |
| 9. | "Gratitude" | 0:32 |
| 10. | "Ball and Chain" | 2:34 |
| 11. | "Sip of My Sip" (featuring Sevndeep) | 3:18 |
| 12. | "Luv Me Nots (Reprise)" | 2:23 |
| 13. | "Sub Song" | 1:23 |
| 14. | "Think Harder" | 3:08 |
| 15. | "Climax" | 1:35 |
| Total length: | 29:28 | |
References
edit- ^ a b Factora, James (2022-10-28). "Cakes Da Killa Is More Than a "Queer Rapper"". Them. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ Ross, Alex Robert (2022-10-28). "Cakes da Killa is making music for himself again". The FADER. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ Baker, Soren (2022-11-21). "Cakes da Killa Is Here to Hypnotize You". FLOOD. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ Qureshi, Arusa (2022-10-24). "The Quietus | Reviews | Cakes Da Killa". The Quietus. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ a b Joshi, Tara (2022-10-30). "Cakes Da Killa: Svengali review – lusty tribute to queer dance pioneers". The Observer. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ a b c Green, Dylan (2022-11-03). "Cakes da Killa: Svengali". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ Erickson, Steve (2022-10-24). "Cakes da Killa 'Svengali' Review: A Too-Brief Personal Narrative". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.
- ^ "Svengali by Cakes Da Killa", Metacritic, archived from the original on 2022-11-27, retrieved 2022-11-26
- ^ Kassa, Mercy (2022-10-28). "Cakes Da Killa Explores Love on "Svengali"". Bandcamp Daily. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2022-11-26.