What is Azealia Banks's net worth?
Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter with an estimated net worth of $2 million. Known for hits like "212," "Liquorice," and "Yung Rapunxel," Banks has amassed several awards over her career, including New Style Icon at the Billboard Awards in 2011 and Best Single at the 2012 Urban Music Awards. Her confrontations with celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and disputes with artists such as Angel Haze, Elon Musk, and Grimes have also kept her in the public eye.
Early Life
Azealia Amanda Banks was born on May 31, 1991, in Manhattan, New York City, as the youngest of three sisters. She faced hardships early on, losing her father at age two to pancreatic cancer and dealing with an abusive mother. At 14, she moved in with one of her older sisters.
Banks took an early interest in performing arts, including acting, singing, musical theater, and dancing. Discovered by an agent during a production of "City of Angels," she auditioned for several networks but ultimately found no success. Turning to music, she released her debut track "Gimme a Chance" along with "Seventeen" on November 9, 2008.
Career
Banks began her career by signing a development deal with XL Recordings but left due to creative differences. She continued releasing music on YouTube while working odd jobs, including selling keychains and dancing in a strip club.
Her breakthrough came in 2011 with the release of "212," which charted in several European countries. She collaborated with producer Paul Epworth and gained additional attention when her track was featured in a Thierry Mugler show in Paris.
May 2012 saw the release of her first EP, "1991," in the US and UK. Following this, she dropped the mixtape "Fantasea." Throughout 2012, she worked with prominent artists like Lady Gaga and Kanye West, although these collaborations were never officially released.
In 2013, Banks started releasing tracks for her debut album, with singles like "Yung Rapunxel" and "Heavy Metal and Reflective." Her full album, "Broke with Expensive Taste," was unexpectedly released on iTunes in November 2014, followed by a physical release in March 2015.
John Sciulli/Getty Images
In 2015, Banks performed at Coachella and posed for "Playboy." Despite label changes and new music projects, she released her second mixtape "Slay-Z" in 2016.
Banks launched an online store, "CheapyXO," in early 2017, selling skincare products and other merchandise. The store has evolved to include her podcast and spiritual items.
Following a North American tour in late 2017 and several European performances, Banks made her acting debut in the musical drama film "Love Beats Rhymes."
In January 2018, she signed a $1 million record deal with Entertainment One and has continued to release music and collaborate with other artists. In 2020, she started recording a podcast titled "Cheapy's Two Cents." Banks' music style is a blend of hardcore hip-hop and dance, and she often refers to herself as her alter-ego, Yung Rapunxel.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Personal Life
Known for her outspoken views on sexual identity, Azealia Banks identifies as bisexual but opposes labeling based on sexual orientation. She was briefly engaged to artist Ryder Ripps in February 2021, with the relationship ending the following month.
Banks is also a civil rights advocate, pushing for reparations for African Americans to improve educational prospects. She has spoken publicly about her miscarriage in 2016, seeking support from her fans.
Controversies
Aside from her music, Banks is often in the news for her social media controversies. She has made provocative statements about public figures like Sarah Palin and Zayn Malik. Her temporary support for Donald Trump in the 2016 election, followed by an expression of joy after his victory, also drew significant backlash.
