Career Timeline of Azealia Banks: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Azealia Banks made an impact.

Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Her debut single "212" achieved significant recognition, including being listed in Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." Banks is also known for her controversial social media presence and outspoken views, which have garnered substantial media attention.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1991: Debut EP Release

In 1991, Chris Dart of Exclaim! reviewed Banks's debut EP 1991, noting her remarkable rapping speed and the marriage of club-friendly beats and smart lyrics.

December 2014: Call for Reparations to African Americans

In December 2014, Azealia Banks called for over $100 trillion in reparations to be paid to African Americans, citing U.S. reparations to Native American communities and German reparations to Jewish survivors of the Holocaust as precedents. She urged young African Americans to take an interest in such issues, suggesting that reparations could improve educational prospects for black Americans.

2016: Festival Performance Canceled

In 2016, Azealia Banks had her performance at a music festival canceled due to her remarks about Zayn Malik.

2018: Collaboration with Grimes and Claims Against Elon Musk

In 2018, Azealia Banks and Grimes announced a music collaboration. Banks claimed Grimes left her alone with Elon Musk in Los Angeles for days, likening the experience to the movie Get Out. She also accused Musk of benefiting from apartheid via Twitter during her stay.

October 2019: Announcement of Azilka Persona for Post-Soviet Tour

In October 2019, Azealia Banks announced that she would perform under the name Azilka (Russian: Азилька) during her tour in post-Soviet countries. This marked a temporary shift in her performing identity.

2021: Move to Miami, Florida

In 2021, Azealia Banks moved from Los Angeles to Miami, citing disillusionment with the performative liberal politics of LA and adding that she felt "was safer" in Florida. She has praised Florida's governor Ron DeSantis for his perceived focus on practical issues.

August 2022: Teasing of "New Bottega"

In August 2022, Azealia Banks began teasing a track titled "New Bottega" to her audience. This was the initial announcement of the song.

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2022: Cancellation of Brisbane Show and Boycott of Australia

In 2022, Azealia Banks canceled a show in Brisbane hours before performing due to a previous incident where a bottle was thrown at her. She announced she would not tour Australia again, citing racism as a factor making her "utterly miserable".

January 2023: Departure from Parlophone Records and Independent Release Announcement

In January 2023, Azealia Banks announced via an Instagram Story that she had left Parlophone Records and would instead release "New Bottega" independently.

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March 10, 2023: Release of "New Bottega"

On March 10, 2023, "New Bottega", a collaboration between Azealia Banks and Australian house producer Torren Foot, was released by Sweat It Out, an Australian dance music label.

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2023: Criticism of "New Bottega" and Australian Music Industry

In 2023, after the release of "New Bottega" by Torren Foot featuring Azealia Banks, Banks criticized the released version on Instagram, comparing it to the original mix. She then criticized Australia's music industry, deeming the country "unimportant" and its culture "trash".

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2025: Move to and Criticism of Stockholm

In 2025, Azealia Banks announced she was moving to Stockholm to collaborate with Swedish DJ Kornél Kovács. After moving, she criticized the city's social scene and nightlife over multiple tweets.

2025: Removal from Milkshake Festival Lineup

In 2025, Azealia Banks was removed from the Milkshake Festival lineup due to backlash over her opinions on the LGBTQ community. She then insulted Swedish singer Loreen and accused her of anti-Semitism after Loreen was added to the lineup.