It seems Azealia Banks wants a second chance. After a decade of bizarre and troubling antics, endless celebrity feuds and social eruptions, Banks now seeks forgiveness from the public. Using Joe Rogan and his racist comments as fuel for forgiveness. Banks stated:
“Damn, Joe Rogan is about to get a slap on the hand for being grown and knowing not to say the n-word and continue to prosper. I’m still being punished in adulthood for things I said as a kid and have repeatedly apologized for,” said Banks on Instagram. “This is not any attempt to garner sympathy but if he gets the room to learn from ‘mistakes’ and we are acknowledging that people deserve second chances and room to grow, I would’ve really benefitted from having those same opportunities extended to me when I needed them most. I definitely needed that compassion, good will, and support on multiple occasions. Not a pity party but just even the tiniest bit of support could have changed my life on levels deeper than music.”
Azealia Banks, now thirty-years old, is not far removed from controversy. As recent as five months ago Banks took to her Instagram page to criticize artist, Doja Cat. Banks wrote:
“Actually, I’m the bonafide star. Doja makes music for ten year olds and is very derivative,” Banks wrote on her Instagram Story. “Cute girl, but her attempts at witty east coast Roman reloaded flows are pitiful and not in the least amusing, And yes she looked terrible before she lost weight. But azealia & doja are miles more culturally important than any of these weak ass white socialites.”
Is Azealia Banks Right?
In spite of Rogan’s rhetoric on race and COVID-19, Spotify CEO has announced his continued support for “old Joe.” This is after a growing number of musicians such as India Arie and other podcasters abandoned Spotify, removing their content. Expected, yeah! Rogan’s Spotify deal was rumored to be worth more than 100 million dollars and that must be recouped. The general public does not have any contractual obligation with Rogan. So, will the general public give Rogan the same “compassion, good will and support”, Banks speaks of? Will he be cancelled? Only time will tell.
Who Banks seeks “compassion, good will and support” from is unknown. Is she speaking to the public or the actual industry? We are left to assume, however it is well known her notorious antics have far surpassed her musical output. And as recent as five months ago, that hasn’t changed. Let’s hope Ms. Banks accomplishes that narrative change she seeks.