Who Is Azealia Banks? Fast Facts to Know About the Harlem Born MC

From naming a song after Anna Wintour to shocking her fans with a chicken-themed ritual, Azealia Banks is truly a woman of multitudes. Read on to get to know the hip-hop powerhouse.

Who Is Azealia Banks?

Readers who haven’t followed her career may wonder, “What is Azealia Banks famous for?” Known for being talented, outspoken, and unapologetically herself, rapper Azealia Banks is a musical force to be reckoned with. The 5’3 MC who hails from Harlem rose to prominence with the song “212” which she released in September 2011 while still an independent artist. The track stood out for its unique house vibe.

The following year, Banks released an EP, “1991,” which was quickly followed by the mixtape “Fantasea,” according to All Music.

How Old Is Azealia Banks?

Per her IMDb biography, Banks was born on May 31, 1991, making her a Gemini. This means she is 34 years old as of July 2025.

Azealia Banks Dating History

So who has Azealia Banks dated? In 2015, E! News reported Banks was dating “Bring It On” star Jesse Bradford after the two were spotted at a Coachella party.

WDW says Banks has also been romantically linked to Lil Internet, and Dave Holmes.

The star was formerly engaged to 39-year-old conceptual artist Ryder Ripps, with Business Insider reporting the pair broke things off in March 2021. The report said Banks announced the split on her Instagram Stories.

The length of their relationship is unknown, but they didn’t make things public until early February of that same year, when the couple was spotted out together in Miami, per the outlet. Hot New Hip Hop reported Banks referred to herself and Ripps as a “power couple” in the caption of a snap where they posed in COVID masks before things went sour.

What Did Nicki Minaj Say About Azealia Banks?

The “Superbass” rapper and “Liquorice” MC appeared to have a brief falling out, but they have since patched things up in an exchange where they appeared super supportive of eachother.

The disagreement appeared to begin when Banks declined Minaj’s invitation to join the European leg of the Pink Friday Tour, according to Billboard. The outlet says Minaj then posted a tweet about women being “delirious” which fans took as shade towards Banks. Banks shot back with a series of replies critiquing Minaj’s grammar and expressing her disdain for “rap game hierarchy.”

But 5 years later, Billboard says the rappers made up in a heartwarming exchange where Banks called Minaj’s work “really brilliant,” and the Young Money member in turn called Banks “very talented and smart.”