Born in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood in 1991, Banks escaped a difficult childhood by pursuing her love of musical theater. She dropped out of high school and sought a recording career. After several stops and starts, she self-released her debut single, ‘212,’ in 2011. Early the next year, she announced that her debut studio album would be titled ‘Broke With Expensive Taste.’ The album, which finally dropped in late 2014, included the singles ‘Yung Rapunxel’ and ‘ATM Jam,’ featuring Pharrell. The outspoken and brash Banks continues to make headlines for her public beefs with several other celebrities, most notably Iggy Azalea and Lady Gaga.