As much as I’d like to assume most people know of Azealia Banks because of her music, that couldn’t be further from reality. The Harlem native is a genuinely talented rapper, singer, and musical artist, but everything she has to offer the music industry often goes under the radar as her controversies make headlines. Now when I say controversy, think small and for lack of a better word, petty. We’re talking Twitter beefs here, folks. Banks is the definition of outspoken, and while I don’t agree with everything she has to say, there is no denying that many of the things she says are thought-provoking. Most people are quick to be dismissive of her rants, deeming them too “radical” or “ignorant”, but I completely disagree. Banks has plenty to offer to the industry, both musically and intellectually. If you’ve missed out, let me catch you up on the times Azealia wasn’t wrong.
On Nicki Minaj’s Wax Figure
Azealia Banks was quick to add her two cents when Madame Tussaud’s created Nicki Minaj’s first wax sculpture, questioning why having Nicki on all fours from her notorious Anaconda music video would be at all respectful. Some may argue that that video is what people know Nicki for, but what would that mean for a Kim Kardashian wax figure?
On the reality of skin bleaching
“Wow, the media only pays attention when I'm doing bad things. While I'm still viewed as some sort of villainous evil black b---h. Maybe I should bleach my skin? Then maybe I'll start getting a bit more respect in hip-hop then."
Banks has openly discussed and posted about her use of skin lighteners and has opened a conversation about racism many refuse to engage.
On reparations for descendants of slaves
“My little white fans will be like, “Why do you want reparations for work you didn’t do?” Well, you got handed down your grandfather’s estate and you got to keep your grandmother’s diamonds and pearls and s--t.”
While many are quick to dismiss the idea of reparations, Banks offers a fair point about white American lineage and inheritance that has never existed among black slaves and descendants.
On American history curriculum
“The history textbooks in the U.S. are the worst if you’re not white. 'The white man gave you the vote. He Christianized you and taught you how to speak English. If it weren’t for him, you’d still be living in a hut.' I could write a book about why black people shouldn’t be Christians. Young black kids should have their own special curriculum that doesn’t start from the boat ride over from Africa. All you know as a black kid is we came over here on a boat, we didn’t have anything and we still don’t have anything. But what was happening in Africa? What culture were we pulled away from?”
This speaks for itself. History is told, written and rewritten by the victors.
On Eminem's "Shady Cxvpher" Lyrics
“You still chose to make a joke of something that wasn't funny. Making fun of a woman who was knocked out cold bc she was unable to defend herself. I have been a victim of domestic violence and it's just not funny .... In any capacity.”
It’s really a wonder why Eminem isn’t called out more often for his blatantly sexist, misogynistic and downright violent lyrics.
In reference to the "12 Years a Slave" film
“I don’t want to see no more white people f---king whipping people in no more movies. Because my black story is deeper than the boat ride over, do you know what I mean?
Well think about it, between Egypt and slavery, what does the modern American entertainment industry teach you about in regards to black history?
On cultural smudging & the 2015 Grammy awards
“I feel—Just in this country whenever it comes to our things like black issues or black politics or black music or whatever there’s always this undercurrent of kinda like a ‘f--k you...there’s always like a ‘f--k y’all n----s. Like y’all don’t really own s--t. Y’all don’t have s--t.’ You get what I’m saying? And That Macklemore album wasn’t better than the Drake record. That Iggy Azalea s--t is not better than any f----n’ black girl that’s rappin’ today.
Though her delivery may have come through as mostly bitterness, Banks raises an interesting point about hip-hop and rap today and how the rise of “white rappers” has almost diluted black culture.
So kudos to you Azealia Banks, it takes a fearless, strong-willed and headstrong person to accomplish the conversations you've started. Whether people like it or not, they're talking about it. Stay woke.
