Azealia Banks’ discography is a vibrant tapestry of hip-hop, house, and pop, marked by bold lyricism and genre-defying energy. The Harlem native’s unapologetic style and cultural commentary have solidified her as a unique voice in music. Below, we explore her top 10 songs, each a showcase of her artistry, ranked for their impact and creativity. From club bangers to introspective gems, these tracks highlight her versatility in roughly 80 words each.
1. Salchichón
From Yung Rapunxel Pt. II (2022), Salchichón is a fiery reggaeton-infused track bursting with Latin flair. Banks’ confident Spanish verses and rapid-fire flow ride a pulsating beat, blending sensuality with empowerment. Its infectious rhythm makes it a dancefloor must, showcasing her ability to fuse cultural influences seamlessly. Though underrated, this spicy anthem highlights her versatility and knack for crafting vibrant, genre-blending hits that celebrate her bold persona with unapologetic swagger.
2. Luxury
Featured on 2012’s Fantasea mixtape, Luxury is a sleek house-rap gem exuding glamour. Banks’ smooth vocals glide over a pulsing electronic beat, delivering lyrics of opulence and confidence. The track’s polished production and catchy hooks make it a club-ready anthem, embodying her “it girl” aesthetic. Its blend of hip-hop and dance elements showcases her genre-blending prowess, cementing Luxury as a standout for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
3. Liquorice
From the 2012 1991 EP, Liquorice is a vibrant hip-house track celebrating Black womanhood. Over Lone’s futuristic beat, Banks delivers sharp, playful rhymes addressing colorism with wit. Her nod to Nicki Minaj’s flow adds edge, while the song’s electronic vibe ensures dancefloor dominance. Critically acclaimed for its cultural commentary and high energy, Liquorice highlights Banks’ lyrical skill and ability to merge social themes with infectious rhythms, making it timeless.
4. The Big Big Beat
The lead single from 2016’s Slay-Z, The Big Big Beat is a high-octane house-rap banger. Produced by An Expresso, its thumping bass and bold production amplify Banks’ fierce delivery. Lyrics dripping with swagger celebrate her unapologetic persona, making it a club essential. The track’s infectious energy and confident attitude showcase her ability to dominate any soundscape, blending hardcore hip-hop with dance beats for a powerful, electrifying anthem.
5. New Bottega
Released in 2023, New Bottega is a bold, independent hip-hop track reflecting Banks’ resilience. Its confident flow and sharp lyrics celebrate luxury and self-empowerment, with a nod to high fashion. Though its dance remix sparked controversy, the original’s catchy hooks and vibrant energy shine. As an indie release, it underscores her ability to navigate industry challenges while delivering fresh, fierce sounds, making it a standout for its swagger and cultural relevance.
6. Fuck Him All Night
This 2021 track is a sultry, bass-heavy banger blending seduction with raw power. Banks’ playful yet commanding vocals over a hypnotic beat create an intoxicating club vibe. Its explicit lyrics and minimalist production highlight her versatility, balancing sensuality with confidence. A fan favorite, Fuck Him All Night captivates with its infectious rhythm and bold attitude, proving Banks’ knack for crafting provocative, danceable anthems that linger long after the track fades.
7. Fierce
From 2012’s Fantasea, Fierce is a voguing-inspired house anthem produced by Drums of Death. Banks’ commanding flow over a pulsating beat channels ballroom culture, celebrating style and confidence. Its runway-ready energy and infectious rhythm make it a fan favorite, showcasing her ability to fuse cultural movements with music. Fierce lives up to its name, delivering a bold, electrifying track that empowers listeners with its unapologetic attitude and dancefloor dominance.
8. Anna Wintour
Released in 2018, Anna Wintour is a dance-pop triumph honoring the Vogue icon. Banks blends powerful singing with sharp rap over a house-inspired beat, delivering uplifting lyrics of self-empowerment. Its polished production and joyful energy earned widespread praise, showcasing her vocal range and versatility. A standout in her catalog, the track’s infectious vibe and confident message make it a timeless anthem for fans and a testament to her genre-defying artistry.
9. 212
Banks’ 2011 breakout, 212, is a hip-house masterpiece that defined her career. Featuring Lazy Jay’s jittery beats, her ferocious flow and provocative lyrics about New York life captivated globally. Certified platinum in the UK, it charted worldwide and earned acclaim from Rolling Stone as a decade-defining track. Its raw energy and genre-blending style solidified Banks as a bold innovator, making 212 a cultural touchstone and her most iconic release.
10. Gimme a Chance (Acapella – Spanish Part)
From 2014’s Broke with Expensive Taste, the Spanish acapella segment of Gimme a Chance showcases Banks’ linguistic flair. Her confident delivery in Spanish, layered over minimal production, highlights her cultural versatility and vocal strength. This brief but striking moment blends Latin influences with her signature swagger, offering a fresh perspective on her artistry. It’s a testament to her ability to experiment boldly, making this acapella snippet a unique gem in her discography.
Conclusion : Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks’ top 10 songs showcase her as a fearless innovator, blending hip-hop, house, and pop with unmatched charisma. From the explosive 212 to the Latin-infused Salchichón and empowering Anna Wintour, her discography reflects bold lyricism, cultural commentary, and genre-defying energy. Tracks like Luxury and The Big Big Beat highlight her club-ready sound, while Gimme a Chance’s Spanish acapella reveals her versatility. Despite industry challenges, Banks’ artistry remains vibrant, cementing her as a trailblazer whose influence endures in modern music.
