Ashlee Bankz

Ashlee Bankz is from Flossmoor, IL, a south-suburb of Chicago and describes herself quite simply, and adequately, dope as fuck.

In a city that is a staple for legendary artists and a hotbed for multiple waves of new talent, infectious rapper Ashlee Bankz knows that she can’t rely on the reputation of Chicago. Instead, she is crafting quality music that will etch her name on the list of your personal favorites and a mainstay in your iPhone streams.  

Born with the first name Ashlee, a combination of life experiences and various abilities paved the road for her career. Growing up in the Chicago area, Bankz first love was the hardwood and not the studio. In a city known for producing quality basketball talent and being the home of His Airness, Bankz was also bit by the basketball jones. However, once her uncle passed in 2007 the passion for the game faded and music rose. Her late uncle carried the nickname LB, due to his resemblance to G-Unit star Lloyd Banks and often urged her to “get the money.” Upon her transition to her the mic; Ashlee adopted the moniker “Bankz” as a tribute.. “At first I was going by Ashlee' Shantice [middle name] but then I came across Ashlee Bankz by looking at a picture of my uncle. It felt like he named me, so I kept the name”she shares. 

Bankz will tell you that she has been through the good and the bad in her life, making her stronger and letting her know that making her own moves can be the key to her success. Bankz is not the typical suburban kid. She has been through trials and been blessed to actually see what it’s like to work for something and see your dreams come true hands on. 

Growing up, Bankz’s favorite genres of music rested in between Hip-Hop and R&B, a fact evident in her work, which displays elements of both in her fan favorites. Inspired by Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, TLC and more, Bankz has studied what’s necessary in order for her to be just as successful as her heroes. 

Ashlee Bankz has spent many years crafting her skills and releasing music, but no release has resonated with her or her fans like 2017’s “I Called You.” The single drew from personal experiences and became a jet pack to her career launching her into rooms and studios with industry elite, coverage in major publications and the ears of major U.S. markets such as her hometown radio staple WGCI. The single was a part of Leave a Message, a project that centers around a relationship that shockingly, to her testimony, left her feelings hurt. The chapter of her life, which then appeared to be a trial eventually resulted in triumph and recognition by a new audience. 

As of late, Bankz has been invited to Coachella, performed at SXSW, A3C and more. These experiences have brought her three key lessons: not reacting to everything, trust who has her best interest at heart and opportunity is everywhere. 

With that project under her belt and eyes on her, Ashlee Bankz is going full speed ahead. Currently treating the booth as her second bed, Bankz is crafting project after project for her name to be just as renowned as those she looks up to. To reach that level she realizes that she must grow with her music or as she states it, “embracing the fact that I understand my feelings because my music is raw and real.”