# Azealia Banks

> American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress

**Wikidata**: [Q271385](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271385)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azealia_Banks)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/azealia-banks

## Summary
Azealia Banks is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress known for her influential contributions to hip-hop and pop music. She gained prominence as a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future and has released critically acclaimed albums that blend electronic, jazz, and pop influences. Banks is also recognized for her acting roles and activism, particularly her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.

## Biography
- Born: May 31, 1991, in Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
- Known for: Pioneering a unique fusion of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music
- Employer(s): Polydor, Interscope Records, XL Recordings, MNRK Music Group, Parlophone
- Field(s): Music, Acting, Activism

## Contributions
Azealia Banks has contributed to the music industry through her albums *1991* (2014) and *Fantasea II* (2017), which have been praised for their innovative sound and lyrical depth. She has also produced music under her own label, MNRK Music Group, and collaborated with notable artists across various genres. In addition to her musical work, Banks has appeared in films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her activism has raised awareness for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health issues, making her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and social justice spaces.

## FAQs
**What genres does Azealia Banks work in?**
Azealia Banks blends hip-hop, electronic, jazz, and pop in her music, creating a unique sound that has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

**Where has Azealia Banks released her music?**
Banks has released her music under major labels such as Polydor, Interscope Records, and XL Recordings, as well as her own label, MNRK Music Group.

**What are some of Azealia Banks's notable albums?**
Her most notable albums include *1991* (2014) and *Fantasea II* (2017), which have been recognized for their innovative approach to music.

**Has Azealia Banks acted in any films or TV shows?**
Yes, Banks has appeared in films and television shows, demonstrating her talent as an actress in addition to her musical career.

**What is Azealia Banks known for in activism?**
Banks is known for her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, using her platform to raise awareness and support for these causes.

## Why They Matter
Azealia Banks matters because she has redefined the boundaries of hip-hop and pop music by blending electronic, jazz, and hip-hop influences. Her work has inspired a new generation of artists and has been influential in shaping contemporary music trends. Additionally, her activism has raised important conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, making her a significant figure in both the entertainment industry and social justice movements. Banks' contributions have left a lasting impact on music and culture, influencing artists and audiences worldwide.

## Notable For
- Pioneering a unique fusion of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music
- Releasing critically acclaimed albums *1991* and *Fantasea II*
- Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness
- Appearing in films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress
- Founding her own record label, MNRK Music Group
- Collaborating with notable artists across various genres
- Gaining a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for her innovative sound

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Azealia Amanda Banks was born on May 31, 1991, in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where she developed her passion for music and performance. Banks began her musical career at a young age, performing in local venues and gaining recognition for her unique style and lyrical prowess.

### Musical Career
Azealia Banks gained prominence as a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future, which was known for its experimental and boundary-pushing approach to music. She released her debut album, *1991*, in 2014, which was praised for its innovative sound and lyrical depth. The album featured collaborations with notable artists and showcased Banks' ability to blend electronic, jazz, and hip-hop influences. Her second album, *Fantasea II*, was released in 2017 and further solidified her reputation as a groundbreaking artist.

### Record Labels and Collaborations
Banks has released her music under major labels such as Polydor, Interscope Records, and XL Recordings, as well as her own label, MNRK Music Group. She has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including those in electronic, jazz, and pop genres, demonstrating her versatility and influence in the music industry.

### Acting Career
In addition to her musical work, Azealia Banks has appeared in films and television shows, showcasing her talent as an actress. Her performances have been recognized for their depth and versatility, further expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.

### Activism and Advocacy
Banks is known for her activism, particularly her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. She has used her platform to raise awareness and support for these causes, making her a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and social justice movements.

### Legacy and Influence
Azealia Banks' contributions to music and culture have left a lasting impact on the industry. Her innovative approach to blending genres and her advocacy for important social issues have inspired a new generation of artists and audiences. Banks' work continues to influence contemporary music trends and has solidified her status as a significant figure in the entertainment world.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/qa-azealia-banks-on-why-the-c-word-is-feminine-181176/)
2. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/02/fashion/azealia-banks-a-young-rapper-taking-cues-from-the-street.html)
3. [Source](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/30-bisexual-celebrities_n_4023562)
4. [Source](https://www.idolator.com/7690021/azealia-banks-icy-colors-change-ep-is-not-an-instant-holiday-classic)
5. general catalog of BnF
6. MusicBrainz
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. IMDb
9. Nederlandse Top 40
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/18/new-band-azealia-banks)
12. [Source](https://meduza.io/en/shapito/2019/10/21/meet-azilka-azealia-banks-chooses-new-stage-name-for-performances-in-post-soviet-states)
13. BBC Things
14. [Source](http://www.azealiabanks.com/)
15. The Guardian
16. Genius
17. YouTube API
18. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/azealia-banks)