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Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress from New York City.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress from New York City. She is best known for her 2011 single "212" and for a career marked by genre-blending music and frequent media attention for her outspoken public presence. Her releases and media coverage have circulated widely in Canada, where she has a Canadian audience.

Early life

Azealia Amanda Banks was born in Harlem, New York City, on May 31, 1991. Public biographies describe her as the youngest of three children and note that she was raised in New York.

Music career

Banks began releasing music online around 2008 and later gained prominence with the single "212". She followed with the EP *1991*, the mixtape *Fantasea*, and her debut album *Broke with Expensive Taste* in 2014.

Public image

Banks has received substantial media coverage for her outspoken interviews and social media posts. This public profile has often been discussed alongside her music career.

Acting work

In addition to recording, Banks has appeared in film projects and is credited as an actress in entertainment databases and biographies.

Key facts

  • Banks began releasing music online in the late 2000s before gaining wider attention with "212".
  • Her music has been described as blending hip hop, dance, and pop influences.
  • She released the EP *1991* in 2012 and the studio album *Broke with Expensive Taste* in 2014.
  • Banks has also appeared in film and has credits as an actress.
  • She has been widely reported on for controversial statements and social media activity.
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Canadian context

Banks has a Canadian audience as an internationally known contemporary hip-hop and pop artist, and her releases and media coverage have circulated widely in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Azealia Banks?
Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress known for her 2011 song "212" and her genre-blending style.
When was Azealia Banks born?
She was born on May 31, 1991.
What is Azealia Banks best known for?
She is best known for "212," which brought her international attention and remains her signature track.
What was Azealia Banks’s first studio album?
Her debut studio album was *Broke with Expensive Taste*, released in 2014.
Has Azealia Banks acted in films?
Yes. She has film credits and is also described as an actress in entertainment databases.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azealia_Banks
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupations, career overview, and debut single/album.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3858360/
    Supports: Birthplace and acting credits.
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/azealia-banks-mn0002837954
    Supports: Career description and musical style.