History of Azealia Banks in Timeline
Azealia Banks is an American rapper and singer from Harlem, New York City. She gained initial recognition through Myspace in 2008 and signed with XL Recordings at 18. Her career involved contracts with major labels like Interscope, Polydor, Parlophone and Warner Records, but she ultimately became an independent artist, founding her own label, Chaos & Glory Recordings. She quit her label in 2023.
May 31, 1991: Azealia Banks Birth
On May 31, 1991, Azealia Amanda Banks was born. She would later become an American rapper and singer.
1991: Early Career and Musical Style
As characterized by AllMusic, Azealia Banks musical style is a combination of hardcore hip-hop, indie pop, and dance music. As of 1991, Banks was known for using profanity in her lyrics.
November 9, 2008: Debut Recording Release
On November 9, 2008, Azealia Banks, under the moniker Miss Bank$, released her debut recording, "Gimme a Chance" online.
2008: Early Music Releases
In 2008, Azealia Banks began releasing music through Myspace before being signed to XL Recordings.
September 2011: "212" Release
In September 2011, Azealia Banks released her debut single, "212", as a free digital download from her website.
December 6, 2011: "212" Official Release
On December 6, 2011, "212" was officially released as the lead single from Azealia Banks' EP 1991.
December 2011: Feature on Scissor Sisters' Album
In December 2011, it was announced that Azealia Banks would feature on "Shady Love", a track on Scissor Sisters' fourth studio album, Magic Hour.
2011: "212" Acclaim
In 2011, Banks's song "212" was recognized as one of the best songs of the year and a defining song of the decade by music publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard.
January 2012: "Bambi" Release
In January 2012, Azealia Banks released the track "Bambi", which was selected as the soundtrack for a Thierry Mugler fashion show in Paris.
January 16, 2012: "NEEDSUMLUV (SXLND)" Release
On January 16, 2012, Azealia Banks released the track "NEEDSUMLUV (SXLND)" online, coinciding with what would have been Aaliyah's 33rd birthday.
May 2012: Fantasea Mixtape Announcement
In May 2012, Azealia Banks announced plans to release a mixtape originally titled Fantastic, later titled Fantasea.
September 25, 2012: "Esta Noche" Release Pulled
On September 25, 2012, Azealia Banks's scheduled release of her second single, "Esta Noche", from Fantasea, was pulled due to sampling disputes.
2012: Broke with Expensive Taste Announcement
Early in 2012, Azealia Banks revealed that her debut album would be called Broke with Expensive Taste, and announced collaborators.
2012: Fantasea II Teaser
In 2012 Azealia Banks announced her next project will be Fantasea II: The Second Wave, a follow-up to the 2012 mixtape Fantasea.
2012: "Slow Hands" Upload
In 2012, Azealia Banks uploaded "Slow Hands", an Interpol cover.
December 31, 2012: "BBD" Release
On December 31, 2012, Azealia Banks released "BBD", a collaboration with Sup Doodle and Apple Juice Kid.
January 2013: "Yung Rapunxel" Announcement
In January 2013, Azealia Banks announced that the first official single from the album Broke with Expensive Taste would be "Yung Rapunxel".
March 2013: "Yung Rapunxel" Release
In March 2013, Azealia Banks released "Yung Rapunxel" on SoundCloud.
May 2013: "ATM Jam" Announcement
In May 2013, Azealia Banks announced that the second single from Broke with Expensive Taste would be "ATM Jam", featuring Pharrell.
November 2013: "ATM Jam" Removal
In November 2013, Azealia Banks confirmed that "ATM Jam" would not appear on Broke with Expensive Taste due to negative fan feedback.
2013: Separation from Interscope and Polydor Records
In 2013, Azealia Banks separated from Interscope and Polydor Records, becoming an independent artist.
2013: "Count Contessa" Previous Release
In 2013, Azealia Banks's "Count Contessa" was previously published on SoundCloud.
2013: "Diamond Nova" as B-Side
In 2013, Azealia Banks's "Diamond Nova" previously served as the B-side to her 2013 single "ATM Jam", featuring and produced by Pharrell.
2013: "1991" Certified Gold
In 2013, Azealia Banks's EP "1991" was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association.
July 28, 2014: "Heavy Metal and Reflective" Release
On July 28, 2014, Azealia Banks released the second single from Broke with Expensive Taste, titled "Heavy Metal and Reflective", on her own label, Azealia Banks Records.
November 7, 2014: Surprise Release of Broke with Expensive Taste
On November 7, 2014, Azealia Banks surprise-released Broke with Expensive Taste under Prospect Park on iTunes.
December 2014: Call for Reparations
In December 2014, Azealia Banks called for over $100 trillion to be paid to African Americans as financial reparations for the enslavement of their ancestors.
2014: Broke with Expensive Taste Release
In 2014, Azealia Banks released her studio album Broke with Expensive Taste.
2014: Controversies
In 2014, it was noted by Complex that Azealia Banks received more attention for her public feuds than for her music.
March 3, 2015: Physical Album Release
On March 3, 2015, the physical album of Broke with Expensive Taste was released.
December 8, 2015: "Count Contessa" Music Video Release
On December 8, 2015, a music video for Azealia Banks's "Count Contessa", directed by Rony Alwin and shot in Bali, Indonesia, was previously released.
2015: Homophobic Remarks During In-Flight Meltdown
In 2015, Azealia Banks used homophobic language during an in-flight meltdown, leading to accusations of homophobia.
2015: Acting Debut Announcement
In 2015, it was announced that Azealia Banks would make her acting debut as the main character in the RZA-directed musical drama film Coco (now known as Love Beats Rhymes).
February 2016: Cleared to Release New Music
As of February 2016 Azealia Banks was officially cleared of her contract and able to release new music.
February 2016: "The Big Big Beat" Release
In February 2016, Azealia Banks released the single, "The Big Big Beat".
March 2016: Cleared to Release New Music
In late 2015, Azealia Banks revealed that she was unable to release new music until March 2016, due to separation from Prospect Park, but as of February 2016 she was cleared to release new music.
March 24, 2016: Slay-Z Release
On March 24, 2016, Azealia Banks released her second mixtape, Slay-Z.
May 2016: Racist and Homophobic Rant
In May 2016, Azealia Banks posted what media outlets described as a racist and homophobic rant against Zayn Malik, resulting in professional repercussions.
July 2016: Admission of Skin Lightening
In July 2016, Azealia Banks admitted to lightening her skin due to skin blemishes and defended the process of skin bleaching.
October 2016: Police Report Against Russell Crowe
In October 2016, Azealia Banks filed a police report against Russell Crowe, claiming assault and use of racial slurs.
October 2016: Retraction of Trump Endorsement
In October 2016, Azealia Banks retracted her endorsement of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, citing concerns about women's rights.
December 2016: Witchcraft Practice Revelation
In December 2016, Azealia Banks posted videos detailing her cleanup of a closet where she claimed to have been practicing witchcraft.
December 2016: Miscarriage Revelation
In December 2016, Azealia Banks revealed that she had a miscarriage and asked her fans for advice and support.
2016: "Playhouse" Teaser
In 2016 Azealia Banks teased the track "Playhouse" by playing the entire song on the live streaming app, Periscope.
2016: Slay-Z Mixtape Release
In 2016, Azealia Banks released her mixtape Slay-Z.
2016: Sibling's Top Surgery
In 2016, Azealia Banks shared that one of her siblings was a trans man and congratulated him on his top surgery.
June 5, 2017: "Chi Chi" Release
On June 5, 2017, Azealia Banks released the song "Chi Chi" intended to be the lead single from Business & Pleasure, but it was later demoted to a stand-alone single.
June 26, 2017: "Escapades" Release
On June 26, 2017, Azealia Banks released the promotional single, "Escapades", from the upcoming album Fantasea II: The Second Wave.
July 2017: Slay-Z Reissue
In July 2017, Azealia Banks reissued Slay-Z to iTunes, Spotify, and other online music stores under her independent record label, Chaos & Glory Recordings.
December 1, 2017: Love Beats Rhymes Release
On December 1, 2017, the film Love Beats Rhymes, starring Azealia Banks, was officially released.
December 2017: Icy Colors Change Teaser
In December 2017, Azealia Banks released a demo of the title track of her upcoming Christmas-themed EP Icy Colors Change.
2017: Film Debut in Love Beats Rhymes
In 2017, Azealia Banks made her film debut in the musical drama Love Beats Rhymes, playing the lead character.
2017: CheapyXO Launch
In early 2017, Azealia Banks launched her online store, CheapyXO, featuring artist merchandise and skin care products.
January 31, 2018: Record Deal with Entertainment One
On January 31, 2018, Azealia Banks announced that she had signed a US$1 million record deal with Entertainment One.
March 9, 2018: "Movin' On Up" Release
On March 9, 2018, Azealia Banks released "Movin' On Up" to iTunes and other streaming platforms as the second promotional single from Fantasea II: The Second Wave.
March 2018: "Anna Wintour" Announcement
In March 2018, Azealia Banks announced that the first official single from her forthcoming album would be "Anna Wintour".
April 6, 2018: "Anna Wintour" Release
On April 6, 2018, Azealia Banks released "Anna Wintour".
May 24, 2018: "Anna Wintour" Music Video Release
On May 24, 2018, the official music video for Azealia Banks's single "Anna Wintour" was released.
August 22, 2018: "Pyrex Princess" Previous Release
On August 22, 2018, Azealia Banks's "Pyrex Princess" was previously released before being taken down.
2018: Icy Colors Change EP Release
In 2018, Azealia Banks released her extended play Icy Colors Change.
January 2019: Xenophobic Remarks About Irish People
In January 2019, Azealia Banks posted xenophobic remarks about Irish people after performing in Ireland.
April 12, 2019: "Playhouse" Release
On April 12, 2019, the promotional single from Fantasea II: The Second Wave, "Playhouse", was released exclusively on SoundCloud.
September 11, 2019: Yung Rapunxel: Pt. II Release
On September 11, 2019, Azealia Banks released Yung Rapunxel: Pt. II through SoundCloud before it was later taken down.
October 2019: Azilka Tour Announcement
In October 2019, Azealia Banks announced that she would perform under the name Azilka during her tour in post-Soviet countries.
December 16, 2019: "Count Contessa" and "Pyrex Princess" Release
On December 16, 2019, Azealia Banks released the promotional singles "Count Contessa" and "Pyrex Princess" on various streaming platforms.
2019: Yung Rapunxel Pt. II Release
In 2019, Azealia Banks released her mixtape Yung Rapunxel Pt.II.
April 2020: "Mamma Mia" Release
In April 2020 Azealia Banks released promotional single "Mamma Mia" on her SoundCloud account.
June 9, 2020: "Black Madonna" Release
On June 9, 2020, Azealia Banks released the lead single from her as-yet-unreleased album Business & Pleasure titled "Black Madonna" featuring producer Lex Luger.
August 8, 2020: Intention to End Life by Euthanasia
On August 8, 2020, Azealia Banks announced her intention to end her life by euthanasia and document the process on film.
December 23, 2020: "Mamma Mia" Release on All Platforms
On December 23, 2020, Azealia Banks released the promotional single "Mamma Mia" on all platforms, where it was previously released on her SoundCloud account since April 2020.
2020: CheapyXO Relaunch
In 2020, Azealia Banks relaunched her online store, CheapyXO, to include her podcast and spiritual items.
2020: Accusations of Homophobia Regarding Gay Men
In 2020, Azealia Banks said gay men were "appropriating horse culture" by using harnesses, ketamine, and sexual lubricant, leading to accusations of homophobia.
2020: Ordered to Seek Mental Health Treatment
In 2020, during a plea deal in Manhattan Court, Azealia Banks was ordered to seek mental health treatment.
2020: Podcast and Promotional Singles Release
Throughout the first quarter of 2020, Azealia Banks debuted her podcast Cheapy's Two Cents and released multiple promotional singles.
January 7, 2021: "Six Flags" Release
On January 7, 2021, Azealia Banks released the single "Six Flags" featuring Slim Dollars.
January 2021: Exhumation of Dead Cat
In January 2021, Azealia Banks received criticism after posting a video of her digging up and cooking her dead pet cat.
February 2021: Engagement to Ryder Ripps
In February 2021, Azealia Banks publicly announced her engagement to American artist Ryder Ripps.
July 7, 2021: "Fuck Him All Night" Release
On July 7, 2021, Azealia Banks released the single "Fuck Him All Night".
2021: Move to Miami
In 2021, Azealia Banks moved from Los Angeles to Miami.
2021: Views on Trans Women
In 2021, Azealia Banks said that trans women are "just gay boys on hormones using male aggression to force their ways into women's spaces."
April 2022: Remarks on Ukraine and Russia
In April 2022, Azealia Banks posted an Instagram story repeatedly chastising Ukraine in the 2022 Russian invasion of the country and praised Russia's president Vladimir Putin.
August 2022: Teasing "New Bottega"
In August 2022, Azealia Banks started teasing her track titled "New Bottega".
January 2023: Departure from Parlophone Records
In January 2023, Azealia Banks announced her departure from Parlophone Records and stated she would release "New Bottega" independently.
January 2023: Praise for Ron DeSantis
In January 2023, Azealia Banks praised Florida's governor Ron DeSantis, stating she felt safer in Florida due to his policies.
March 10, 2023: Release of "New Bottega"
On March 10, 2023, "New Bottega" was released by Sweat It Out, an Australian dance music label, as a collaboration between Torren Foot and Azealia Banks. However, Banks later stated she didn't authorize the release.
November 2023: Accusations Against Diplo
In November 2023, Azealia Banks accused Diplo of sexual coercion during the time they worked together when she was 17 years old.
2023: Views on Gender-Affirming Surgery Funding
In 2023, Azealia Banks argued that state funding for other healthcare issues should take precedence over funding for gender-affirming surgery, which she compared to cosmetic surgery.
2023: Quitting Parlophone and Warner Records
In 2023, Azealia Banks quit her label Parlophone and Warner Records.
July 2024: Attendance at Trump Rally
In July 2024, Azealia Banks attended a rally in support of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in Florida.
2025: Support for Trans People and Criticism of J. K. Rowling
In 2025, Azealia Banks expressed support for trans people and criticized J. K. Rowling for her "paranoid" views on trans women.
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