by Yvonne Morales
In the city rich with a diverse cultural scene that blends old-world charm with modern innovation, Philadelphia, Lay Bankz knew who she wanted to be since she started singing at the age of three. Bankz emphasized the influence of urban Philly beats shaping her sound, “Party music has been a thing on the East coast since I was a baby. Comes back and goes away, the only difference is that my childhood plays a big role in me, leading to this sound and [who I am].”
17 years after belting her first note, Bankz’s belief in herself has paved a clear sense of her ability and the narrative she has come to create as she’s a part of the wave of artists redefining the next-gen of Hip Hop & Rap.
In a historically male-dominated industry, gate kept by record labels, streaming services, critics and more Bankz broke the barriers with her rise to popularity after amassing a huge following and influence on Tik Tok. Her gritty storytelling, raw lyrics and rhythmic intensity created fun and sticky trends.
Bankz's career reached new heights when her 2024 hit single “Tell Ur Girlfriend” hit the Billboard Top 100. The catchy, old-school R&B track is complemented by Bankz’ unapologetic and determined persona shining through her visuals. With a TikTok to her music that went viral where her dog, Seven, was dancing along with Bankz.
Seven, a special number for Bankz as she believes it’s a number that has represented the success she has experienced in her career. It soon became the spark for her album “After 7”, Bankz’s first album release.
“After 7” encompasses Bankz’ personal experiences starting from when she was 18. It unravels what she endured in the last year as a creative woman, expressing moments of love, life and friendship.
Going deeper into the album, Bankz explores more emotional themes. In “7 days and 7 nights” she embodies the phase of being in love. Bankz sings about feeling so high off of life, and recalls the recording of the song. “There are videos of me jumping around the studio because I felt so on top of the world. Being loved by someone you love is an ultimate feeling.” “7 days and 7 Nights” is one of a number of tracks that had Bankz pondering on whether she wanted to release it or not due to their vulnerability. They soon became songs she loved, due to their ability to challenge her and contribute to her artistic development.
Other tracks like “On My Soul” integrate Bankz' ability to be real, and as we call her, a “certified baddie”, a quality that she attributes to have been a push for her to persevere regardless of what anyone thinks of her, a mindset that she carries with her in her life and her music.
When asked for the key to not caring what others think and “doing you”, Bankz mentions what she finds are key points being, “Personal upkeep and knowing who you are. Loving yourself unconditionally, and don’t let anyone determine how you feel about yourself. I don't need anyone to tell me I'm that girl.” And she most certainly is that girl!
And now what comes after 7? ATE. And that's exactly what she did in her recent Video Music Awards pre-show performance as well in her song collaboration with famous rap artist Saweetie and Flo Milli for the WNBA on ESPN playoff.
In her personal life, Bankz has so much in-store with the hint of a new album coming up, the continuance of refining her dance ability, finding her next sound and of course blocking out any haters. As Bankz says, “Everyone has haters, and if you don't have haters, you’re not popping.” And throughout it all, Bankz will always find time to hone her creative process, as it has had her master her ability to talk out what she has gone through, with Bankz always finding time to freestyle, her truest form of her music, and self.
Nonetheless, Bankz is open for what is to come and is still exploring what will be in store for her, “I’m trying to find what my next sound is going to be like, I am still working hard and determined. There is a lot to come from me.”
Bankz makes it clear that her viral prowess does not contribute to her sound, change her sound, or how she approaches music creation. She credits all her years of hard work and perseverance to pave the way for her growth and where she finds herself now, as she considers it all a blessing.
“I’ve been doing it for super long, it's about consistency and what works for you, you have to convince other people to believe in that as much as you believe in it.”
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