Rapper Azealia Banks Relocates to Israel Amidst New Music Project
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
American rapper Azealia Banks is moving to Israel, a decision that contrasts with her previous statements vowing never to return. The move comes as she works on new music with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel and follows a period of public support for Israel, despite past criticisms of alleged racism and rudeness. Banks had previously stated she would not return after a 2018 incident but visited again a year ago, expressing support for Israel during wartime.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rapper Azealia Banks is relocating to Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Banks previously vowed never to return to Israel after a 2018 incident.
- She is currently working on new music with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel.
- Banks has publicly supported Israel, particularly during the recent war.
- She previously criticized Tel Aviv residents and alleged racist treatment.
American rapper Azealia Banks has announced her decision to move to Israel, a move she previously stated she would never make. Banks, 35, expressed surprise at her own decision, writing on X, "If you had told me years ago that I would end up moving to Tel Aviv and also enjoy it, I would have told you that you were crazy." This relocation coincides with her work on new music with Israeli producer Yinon Yahel and follows a period of public support for Israel.
Banks, known for her 2011 hit "212," had previously declared in 2018 that she would not return to Israel after experiencing what she described as racist treatment. She recounted being detained at Ben Gurion Airport due to her skin color and alleged an incident on a plane involving another passenger. At the time, she criticized Tel Aviv residents for hostility and rudeness, though she distinguished them from her fanbase, stating, "Never, ever, ever will I return to Israel. I love my fans, but you will have to fly to me because your country is crazy."
Exactly one year prior to this announcement, Banks made a surprising return for a performance in Tel Aviv, which coincided with news of hostage returns. The controversial artist, known for provocative statements, visited Israel during the wartime period and has been a vocal supporter, posting numerous messages in favor of Israel and the IDF. However, she has also engaged in aggressive anti-Israel rhetoric in a series of tweets.
During her previous visit, Banks wore a "Netanyahu - Strong Right" shirt and explained her support, stating in an interview with N12, "It's important to me because all this 'Free Palestine' at shows, it feels like kids cheering on school shooters. Imagine that. Kids cheering for fucking school shooters. No, no. And it's especially strange to me because music, festivals, crowds - all of this is supposed to be a safe space. A place where you go to forget that you're poor, fat, gay, or whatever weighs you down. So when someone intrudes on this euphoria of people and does that, it's just madness to me. I don't care about the political motive."
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