Avant Nova
| Avant Nova | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| EP by | ||||
| Released | July 10, 2026 | |||
| Genres | ||||
| Length | 16:33 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Producers |
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| Slayr chronology | ||||
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Avant Nova is the eighth extended play by American rapper Slayr and his first release under Columbia Records. The release serves as a follow-up to Half Blood (Bloodluxe) (2026) and as the precursor to his upcoming album, Fabula Nova. The EP contains a guest feature from Prettifun.[1][2]
Background
[edit]After Slayr announced Fabula Nova on X, he performed at both Rolling Loud and Summer Smash in Orlando and Chicago, respectively.[3] On June 28, 2026, Slayr announced Avant Nova, originally titling it Prior Nova before changing it to its current name a few days later. The release date was announced on July 6, 2026, with the track list being announced the next day.[1]
The song "I Got Taste" is an extended version of a freestyle that was performed for XXL.[4]
Reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| TheNeedleDrop | 8/10[a][5] |
Avant Nova received positive reception from music critics. HipHopDrops's Hattie Lindert said it "Hits like the pre game signal before the whole arena lights up with those digicore beats that twist and turn through experimental soundscapes full of wild vocal chops that will keep your speakers glitching in the best way".[6] Alexander Cole of HotNewHipHop described the EP as "another step forward" for Slayr, who is "on the verge of mainstream superstardom".[7]
According to Anthony Fantano, he rated the project an eight out of ten, stating that the consistency, quality, and vision that Slayr put into the EP make it a standout EP and one of Fantano's favorite EP's of the year.[5]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Promise" |
|
| 2:47 |
| 2. | "Switch My Swag" (with Prettifun) |
|
| 2:58 |
| 3. | "Nova" |
|
| 2:41 |
| 4. | "I Got Taste" |
|
| 2:22 |
| 5. | "Having Anxiety Is Annoying" |
|
| 2:36 |
| 6. | "Raise My Voice" |
|
| 3:07 |
| Total length: | 16:33 | |||
Notes
[edit]- All track titles are stylized in all lowercase
- "Promise" contains elements from "The Peace" (2026), as written and performed by Underscores.[8]
Personnel
[edit]Credits are adapted from Tidal.[9]
- Slayr – vocals, engineering, mixing, mastering
- Prettifun – vocals on "Switch My Swag"
Notes
[edit]- ↑ According to Fantano, he rated it a "strong 7 to a light 8" out of 10"
References
[edit]- 1 2 Corcoran, Nina (July 7, 2026). "Slayr Readies New Avant Nova EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 July 2026.
- ↑ "12 New Albums You Should Listen to Now: Kelela, Jack White, and More". Pitchfork. July 10, 2026. Retrieved July 10, 2026.
- ↑ Lindert, Hattie (May 7, 2026). "Rolling Loud 2026 Livestream Schedule & Details Announced". Pitchfork. Retrieved 7 July 2026.
- ↑ "slayr – "Avant Nova" review". Legends Will Never Die. July 10, 2026. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- 1 2 Fantano, Anthony (July 25, 2026). "slayr - AVANT NOVA EP REVIEW". TheNeedleDrop. Retrieved 26 July 2026.
- ↑ Lindert, Hattie (July 9, 2026). "slayr – AVANT NOVA (6 tracks)". HipHopDrops. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- ↑ Cole, Alexander (July 10, 2026). "Avant Nova - EP by Slayr". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 10 July 2026.
- ↑ Wang, Steffanee. "Songs You Need In Your Life This Week". The Fader. Retrieved 2026-07-19.
- ↑ "Avant Nova / slayr / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved July 10, 2026.