Overview

Azealia Amanda Banks (born May 31, 1991) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, she began releasing music through Myspace in 2008 before being signed to XL Recordings at age 18. Banks became an independent artist and started her own independent record label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. Banks’s song “212” was called one of the best songs of 2011 and one of the defining songs of the decade by music publications, including Rolling Stone and Billboard. She has since released three mixtapes, a studio album, and two extended plays. In 2017, Banks had her film debut in the musical drama Love Beats Rhymes, portraying the lead character. Banks’s works have garnered acclaim from critics, drawing on various sounds including house, rap, pop, electronic music, and avant-garde. Throughout her career, Banks’s social media presence and outspoken views, especially on U.S. politics and race, as well as disputes with other artists, have attracted significant controversy.

Chaos & Glory Recordings

Owner

What Is Azealia Banks’ Net Worth

Azealia Banks, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. This figure represents the culmination of her earnings from various ventures within the entertainment industry, including music sales, live performances, and entrepreneurial activities. Banks gained initial recognition through the online release of her music, eventually leading to mainstream exposure and commercial success.

Early Career and Musical Achievements

Banks’ journey in the music industry began with the release of her tracks “Gimme a Chance” and “Seventeen” online in 2008. While she briefly signed a development deal with XL Recordings, she later chose to pursue her career independently due to creative differences. This led to a period where she supplemented her income by selling keychains and working as a dancer. The breakthrough moment arrived with the release of “212” in late 2011, a song that achieved chart success across Europe, boosting her visibility and laying the groundwork for future projects. In 2012, one of her tracks was selected as the soundtrack for a Thierry Mugler show in Paris, further establishing her presence in the fashion and music scene. May 2012 saw the release of her first EP, “1991,” in both the US and the UK, with some of its four tracks charting in the United States. A few weeks later, she released a mixtape entitled “Fantasea.” In 2013, Banks released the single “Yung Rapunxel” which was the first single from her debut album. Following the release of the second single from the album, “Heavy Metal and Reflective,” in July, Banks unexpectedly released the full album, “Broke with Expensive Taste,” under the Prospect Park production company on iTunes in November of 2014. The physical album was later released in March of 2015.

Her debut album, “Broke with Expensive Taste,” was released in November 2014. In February of 2016, Banks released the first single off her second mixtape, “Slay-Z,” which was released in March of 2016. In January of 2018, Banks signed a $1 million record deal with Entertainment One. Since then, she has released a number of tracks and singles and continued collaborating with other artists. She also began recording a podcast in 2020 entitled “Cheapy’s Two Cents.” Banks’ musical and rapping style has been described as a combination of hardcore hip-hop and dance music.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Other Income Streams

Beyond her music career, Azealia Banks has also ventured into entrepreneurship. In early 2017, she launched her online store, “CheapyXO,” which featured skincare products and merchandise. Banks has continued working on the branding and content of the website, relaunching it in 2020 to include her podcast as well as more spiritual items. These ventures contribute to her overall financial portfolio, providing additional income streams beyond her music-related activities. The exact revenue generated from “CheapyXO” is not publicly available, but it represents a diversification of her income sources.

Personal Life and Background

Azealia Banks was born on May 31, 1991, in Manhattan, New York City. At the age of 14, Banks moved out of her mom’s house to live with one of her older sisters. Outside of home, Banks was interested in acting, singing, musical theater, and dancing. She was discovered by an agent who watched her star in a production of the musical “City of Angels.” The agent then sent her auditions to a variety of networks but was ultimately unable to secure any work. She then decided to stop pursuing acting and started writing music and rapping. She never finished high school but instead began working on her debut recording, “Gimme a Chance,” which she released online on November 9, 2008, in addition to the track “Seventeen.”

Key Career Highlights and Performances

Azealia Banks’ career has been marked by several significant milestones. Her performance at the 2015 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival was a notable highlight, showcasing her talent to a large audience. Additionally, her appearance in the April 2015 edition of “Playboy” magazine further broadened her public profile. These events, while not directly quantifiable in terms of monetary value, contributed to her overall brand recognition and marketability. These performances and features helped to solidify her position in the entertainment industry and maintain a consistent presence in the public eye, which is essential for sustained financial success.

Controversies and Public Image

Banks is well-known for an infamous online spat with celebrity blogger Perez Hilton that unfolded on Twitter when Hilton sided with Banks’ rival, Angel Haze, in a dispute between the two rappers. She has also publicly feuded with Elon Musk and his girlfriend Grimes. In addition to her music, Banks is perhaps most well-known for becoming entangled in social media controversies. She has made inflammatory comments about public figures like Sarah Palin and Zayn Malik of One Direction. She also experienced backlash after supporting Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, though she later retracted her support. However, following Trump’s win, Banks took to Twitter and described herself as “elated.”

Additional Details

In February of 2021, Banks announced she was engaged to Ryder Ripps, an artist, though she confirmed the following month that they had broken up. She has been an advocate for many civil rights causes involving African Americans. She has demanded that the United States pay reparations to African Americans due to the enslavement of their ancestors. She has stated she thinks such an effort would help improve educational prospects for black Americans. In 2016, Banks sought support from her fans after having suffered a miscarriage.

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