Uptown is the first extended play released by RCA Records label executive Kandi. It was released on July 30, 2021, as a teaser of what's to come. Uptown consists of six tracks, mostly sat in the R&B genre, with outside influences from gospel and hip-hop. Lyrically, the album is an homage to the city of Atlanta while also revealing some of Kandi's lifestyle and relationships. The entire EP was self-written and self-produced by Kandi.
The record was released alongside the lead single "Love, Honey". The "Lush Remix" of "Love, Honey", featuring Doja Cat would later be released in November 2021 to further promote the record.
Background[]
In the Summer of 2021, Kandi was signed to RCA Records as an official label representative. Part of her duties would involve releasing music to represent the label. Kandi conceived of a two-part series where she could represent her musical inspirations and pay homage to the city of Atlanta and also The Real Housewives series. The first of these would be the Uptown EP, released on July 30, 2021. The second part of the series Downtown would release on November 5, 2021.
Writing and Recording[]
The writing process for the record would take place starting in June 2021. Kandi would take inspiration from the pilot episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta - before she officially joined the cast. Kandi would then self-record and self-produce the record, completing it that month, before starting work on the songs for Downtown.
Musical Style and Themes[]
Uptown is primarily an R&B record. Kandi has stated that she felt it was important to release her first project in the genre she feels most comfortable and most accustomed to, even though she stresses that she listens to and is experienced in various genres of music. Hip-hop and gospel influences are also heard throughout the EP, focusing on the signature sounds of Atlanta. The EP totals just over 23 minutes in length.
Lyrically, the songs on the EP are intended to describe life in the upper echelons of society, from commentary about the obvious status of wealth, to the things that go on behind close doors. These tracks also reflect Kandi's sexual personality and relationship status.
Songs[]
Uptown features six full length songs, opening with the introductory track "North of the City" - a building track with a mishmash of styles and genres, describing life in an exclusive gated community and all the goings-on that happens up there. The sensual and flirty "Buttercream" continues the record as an upbeat R&B track describing the fluffy and soft texture and wonderful taste of licking up buttercream. The third track on the EP, "Seven Figures", is a fake-out appearing to be about a perfect marriage with a seven figure ring, that is later revealed to be about a divorce and the seven figure settlement - complete with gospel influences.
The EP continues with "It's Beautiful (But It's Broke)"; a flirty song describing various items that were once adored, but are now no longer functional - stemming from tangible items such as a purse or a credit card, to more serious aspects of life like a relationship or a friendship. The penultimate track on the record "You Still Need to Ask Me" is an aggressive, upbeat and defiant number about consent and how it is always required even during a relationship or a marriage. "Love, Honey"; a slow and flirty love song about knowing exactly when love really is true, referencing the adult toy brand of the same name, closes out the EP.
Title and Artwork[]
The album title for Uptown was conceived as part of the two-part series with Downtown. Uptown would represent a more high-class style of living, and the things that go on behind those closed doors and towering gates, while Downtown would nod towards the hustle and bustle of a fast club and city life. The artwork for the EP is a very simple and classy portrait, with a little glamourous sparkle.
Release and Promotion[]
Uptown was released on November 5, 2021, as Kandi's first ever release through RCA Records. The album would be simultaneously available for digital download, streaming and physical purchases.
Singles[]
The album was launched alongside the release of Kandi's debut single "Love, Honey". The song would receive its own "Lush Remix", featuring Doja Cat, later in the year - releasing officially on November 5, 2021.
Additionally, promotional singles were released to further promote the record - including "It's Beautiful (But It's Broke)".
Critical Reception[]
Upon release, Uptown received acclaim from music critics across the industry. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from publications, the EP has a weighted mean score of 75 based on 3 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". Critics signalled "Love, Honey" as their favorite song from the record.
Commercial Performance[]
Uptown debuted at number-one on the Billboard Top Albums Chart, on the issue dated August 1, 2021, with over 76 chart points. Uptown became Kandi's first ever entry on this chart, and her first number-one album. It would be certified Silver on November 7, 2021 and Gold on the following week. Uptown was the 24th best-performing album of 2021.
Charts[]
Weekly Charts[]
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Top Albums Chart | #1 |
| Billboard Digital Albums Chart | #2 |
| Billboard Streaming Albums Chart | #2 |
| Billboard Trending Albums Chart | #1 |
Season-End Charts[]
| Chart (Season 9) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Top Albums Chart | #24 |
Track Listing[]
Uptown - Standard Edition
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "North of the City" | Kandi | Kandi | 3:45 |
| 2. | "Buttercream" | Kandi | Kandi | 3:32 |
| 3. | "Seven Figures" | Kandi | Kandi | 3:52 |
| 4. | "It's Beautiful (But It's Broke)" | Kandi | Kandi | 4:16 |
| 5. | "You Still Need to Ask Me" | Kandi | Kandi | 3:34 |
| 6. | "Love, Honey" | Kandi | Kandi | 4:04 |
| Total length: | 23:03 | |||