Azealia Amanda Banks, born on May 31, 1991, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Banks became involved with theater and acting at a young age, and had roles in off-Broadway productions before transitioning to music.

Banks made her debut in the music industry with her single "212" in December 2011, which was met with an overwhelming response and became a top 10 hit. This success led to her signing a major record deal with Interscope. Her music is known for its innovative blend of hardcore hip-hop, indie pop, and dance music, and she has been praised for her ability to effortlessly blend genres.

However, Banks' career has been marked by numerous controversies and public feuds with other artists, which have often overshadowed her musical talent. She has been involved in disputes with artists such as Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, and T.I., among others. These controversies, along with her outspoken social media presence, have led to her being blackballed from the music industry to some extent.

Despite these challenges, Banks' career has not been completely derailed. She has continued to perform and release music, and her 2012 track "Luxury" has gained popularity on TikTok. She has also made appearances at New York Fashion Week and performed at sold-out shows in New York City.

Banks' music and public persona continue to be a topic of discussion and debate, with some fans and critics separating her art from her controversial behavior. Regardless of the controversies surrounding her, there's no denying her impact and talent in the music industry.