Azealia Banks

From a young age, Azealia Banks displayed a desire to perform. From the age of 10, she appeared in off-Broadway productions and became heavily involved with the Tadal Youth Thearer, gaining several leading roles. Studying at Manhattan's (US) prestigious Florello H. LaGuardia High School of Music allowed Banks to develop her musical talents and sense of theatrics, moving away from acting as her focus and instead pursuing her music.

In 2008, Banks' first single release, "Seventeen," caught the attention of XL Records, with the self-produced track also impressing Diplo, before then signing a development deal with XL. After appearing on Major Lazer's single, "Can't Stop Now," her involvement with XL Records came to an end, due to creative differences. Banks persevered, moving to Montreal to record the tracks, "L8R" and the Interpol cover, "Slow Hands." Whilst these made little impact, Banks was soon to find a career-defining single in "212," becoming an international hit in 2011. The bass-heavy track broke Banks to the pop world, receiving widespread critical acclaim for the youngster's powerful track and breaking into the Top 20 in several European countries.

In 2012, she released her first EP, which featured "212" alongside three more tracks the had a distinct house influence. Following the EP, Banks began work on her debut full-length, working with British producer Paul Epworth. Banks also began work on a mixtape, eventually titled Fantasea, a release that was greeted with mixed reviews in 2012. Whilst fans continued to wait for her debut, Banks caused controversy due to ill-advised comments on social media websites, as well as upsetting fellow musicians, resulting in a number of failed collaborations.

Her debut album, "Broke with Expensive Taste," was released in July 2014 unexpectedly, failing to ignite the same praise and success as "212" had brought the artist. After difficulties with record labels, the album was distributed by Banks herself, via Caroline Records. The album displayed an eclectic mix of influences, from electronica to punk. Despite not matching the furor surrounding her earlier singles, the album still charted well in the US, peaking at number 30 on the US Billboard album charts and did receive praise from several media outlets.