How did Azealia Banks become our go-to pop culture expert?

“Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day.”

This content was originally made for TikTok but adapted for this post.

Speaking honestly, I missed Azealia Banks’ musical prime during the mid-2010s. I have phases with hip hop, dipping in and out as a devoted fan through the years. I was in high school and heading to college, so I was mostly listening to mainstream rap. Predominantly men, and of course the usual Nicki Minaj features.

Since joining TikTok, the algorithm has pushed Banks’ content a lot. Deciphering I’m either a fan, or at least would have if I wasn’t so distracted back then.

In the female rap space, Azealia Banks is this mythical folklore figure. Her mix of house music and hip-hop altered and expanded the landscape of hip-hop. Her fanbase is still here, making sure her legacy is never forgotten. Truly a pioneer, a deeply talented individual, but also flawed.

Recently, the public has moved from checking for Banks' music to more so her dissertations on Instagram. They are sometimes insightful takes on trending popular culture, but usually a hit or miss depending on if you like the person she’s dragging. Which makes me wonder if the general public cares about her more than a comedic relief.

I worked the pop culture beat for a media outlet a while back. I pitched a few topics that day like I usually do to my editor. This was at the height of the whole Taylor Swift and Matty Healy controversy. My editor insisted on me writing about Banks' comments on Healy like most outlets were doing that day. I thought my written piece was trashy and click baity, but was more annoyed with the general portrayal of Banks. These white folks, particularly white gays, just see her as some unhinged and comedic spirit animal. Nothing more.