Cocaine Model
2014 song by Zhu
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Cocaine Model" is a track by American electronic music producer Zhu from his debut EP The Nightday (2014). Along with "Faded", it was one of his breakout tracks.[3]
| "Cocaine Model" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Zhu | |
| from the EP The Nightday | |
| Released | April 20, 2014 |
| Genre | |
| Label | Mind of a Genius |
Description
The song tells about a globetrotting girl who's wearing French designer label Isabel Marant.[4] She is described as "from Morocco by the way of South Chicago / graduated in the Bay / had her birthday in LA."[5] It features Zhu's "soulful vocals and combining them with techy synths," then transcending into a "groovy bass-line, replete with deep beats."[6]
Reception
The track received positive reviews both at the time of its release and retrospectively. The Independent wrote: "Soft vocals describe a mysterious girl whose globetrotting sounds as exotic as the beats."[7] Conor Clarke of Earmilk described it as "a lighter, more laid-back summer song" than other tracks in the EP.[8] Billboard described it as "contemplative."[9] The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Liz Bowen found its melody "smooth, flowing" and praised Zhu's vocals as "unbelievable" with "his pitch high enough to rival that of Whitney Houston."[10] Pitchfork’s Rebecca Haithcoat said it the track is "as bright and glittery as the sky in Joshua Tree."[11] Aurora Mitchell of The Line of Best Fit called it a "sultry and playful track [that] revels in seductive sampling, shuffling beats backed by a hefty bassline and soulful vocals."[5] George O'Brien, also writing for The Line of Best Fit, described it as "a floating, loungey highlight; a summer soundtrack with typical allure and a sparkling chorus", where "the vocal pines above brilliantly tidy production."[12] Dancing Astronaut's Fred Hwang called it "the hidden gem" of the EP, praising its production and musicianship.[13] Another Dancing Astronaut reviewer, Rachel Narozniak, praied the "sensual filminess" of Zhu's "silky vocals."[14]
In 2017, Billboard ranked it No. 9 among Zhu's best 10 songs. Zhu "layers vibes on vibes here", singing "atop plush pads and dreamy melodies", wrote David Rishty.[15] Steven Mason, writing for Relentless Beats, aruged that what makes it "a great song is the perfect harmony of bouncy house basslines and gloomy synths."[16] Glasse Factory's Kelly Cheng called it a "moody house anthem."[1]
Music video
A music video was released on May 11, 2015. As of December 2025, it has over 78 million views.[17] Directed by Zhu, Ryan Middleton of MusicTimes.com described it as "an avant-garde interpretation of the song."[2] Shot on site at the New York Fashion Week, it follows models, including Shaun Ross.[2] Run The Trap wrote that it has "a real trippy feel."[18]