Who is Azealia Banks?
Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Harlem, New York. She became famous in 2011 with her hit song “212,” known for its catchy beat and bold lyrics. Azealia is known for mixing rap with house, pop, and electronic music. While many people admire her talent and creativity, she’s also been in the news a lot for her public feuds, controversial opinions, and strong social media posts. Despite the drama, she has a loyal fanbase and keeps making music independently. Azealia is both loved and criticized, but she always stands out in the music world.
Key Information
| Full Name | Azealia Amanda Banks |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1991 (Age 34 as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Harlem, New York City, USA |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress |
| Genres | Hip Hop, House, Pop Rap, Electronic |
| Breakthrough Hit | “212” (2011) |
| Notable Projects | 1991 EP, Fantasea, Broke With Expensive Taste |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated $3 Million |
| Label Status | Independent (Chaos & Glory Recordings) |
Early Life and Background
- Born and raised in Harlem, New York City.
- Lost her father at age two and grew up in an abusive household.
- Left home at 14 to live with her older sister for safety.
- Attended LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts but dropped out to pursue music.
Azealia’s early years were difficult, but she found healing in performing arts. She initially wanted to act but shifted focus to music, writing songs and uploading them to MySpace as a teen.
Music Career and Breakthrough
- Gained attention with early demos like “Gimme a Chance.”
- Broke into the mainstream with her viral hit “212” in 2011.
- Signed to major labels but clashed with them over creative control.
- Released her debut EP 1991 and mixtape Fantasea in 2012.
- Debut album Broke With Expensive Taste (2014) received critical acclaim.
- Follow-up projects include:
- Slay-Z (2016)
- Yung Rapunxel Pt. II (2019)
- Singles like “Anna Wintour,” “Liquorice,” “The Big Big Beat,” and “New Bottega”
Her music is known for blending genres hip hop, house, electronic, and even surf rock—and for her rapid-fire lyrical delivery.
Personal Life and Beliefs
- Open about living with bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD.
- Identifies as bisexual, though she often resists labels.
- Known for her interest in witchcraft and the occult, including controversial rituals.
- Briefly engaged to artist Ryder Ripps in 2021.
- Runs her own brand “CheapyXO,” selling beauty, wellness, and metaphysical products.
Azealia lives unapologetically on her own terms her lifestyle, beliefs, and public image all reflect that independent spirit.
Major Controversies
Azealia Banks is no stranger to controversy. She’s known as much for her online rants as for her music.
Frequent Feuds
- Clashed with artists like Iggy Azalea, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Remy Ma, Zayn Malik, and Lana Del Rey.
- Often accuses others of copying her style or ignoring darker-skinned artists.
Social Media Bans & Language
- Suspended from Twitter multiple times for hate speech.
- Accused of making racist, homophobic, and Islamophobic remarks.
- Banned from festivals after public rants and threats.
Legal Issues
- Arrested for assault after attacking a nightclub bouncer in 2015.
- Bit a female security guard and later completed anger management classes.
- Feuded with actor Russell Crowe after an alleged altercation at a private party.
Politics & Shock Statements
- Flipped repeatedly between supporting Donald Trump and opposing him.
- Made headlines for voting for Trump in 2024, then expressing regret.
- Declared herself a Zionist in 2025, refused to say “Free Palestine” at a UK festival, and was subsequently dropped from events.
Her unapologetic and often offensive tone has kept her in headlines—but also hurt her career prospects.
Net Worth
- Estimated net worth: $3 million
- Income sources:
- Music royalties and touring
- Fashion campaigns with Alexander Wang and MAC Cosmetics
- Personal brand “CheapyXO” (beauty, skincare, and lifestyle products)
- Occasional OnlyFans and direct-to-fan monetization
Despite being dropped by labels and banned from events, she’s managed to sustain herself through independent releases and a loyal fanbase.
Social Media Fanbase
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @azealiabanksforever | 356,000 | |
| X (Twitter) | @azealiaslacewig | 248,000 |
Legacy and Public Image
- Viewed as a trailblazer for genre-fluid female rappers.
- Helped bring house and ballroom elements back to hip-hop.
- Despite her controversies, her music is critically respected.
- Songs like 212 and albums like Broke With Expensive Taste are considered cult classics.
Banks remains a polarizing figure widely admired for her raw talent and individuality, yet equally criticized for her self-destructive public behavior. Her career is a mix of brilliance and chaos, influence and isolation.
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