Chicago’s New Queen of Rap: Ashlee Bankz Talks ‘Switch’ and Claiming Her Spot in Hip-Hop

Ashlee Bankz | Photography by MrPDefined of Mastermind Studios

In today’s rap scene, few artists possess both the lyrical prowess and relentless drive to truly stand out. Enter Ashlee Bankz, Chicago’s next female rap phenom. With her latest single "Switch," Bankz reminds us that she’s not just another voice in the crowd—she's a force to be reckoned with. Influenced by the unapologetic energy of Tupac’s "Hit Em Up," Ashlee proves she’s more than ready to stake her claim in the industry, making it clear that she’s not letting up any time soon. Fresh off opening for Jacquees on his "Sincerely For You" tour and collaborating with Chicago heavyweights like Tink and Lil Durk, her star is undeniably on the rise. Check out our recent interview with Chicago’s hidden gem Ashlee Bankz.

SFND MAG: Thank you for taking the time to interview with us.  We’ve been hearing about you for a while now. We are glad to have you in this issue. How have you been?

ASHLEE BANKZ: Thank you for having me. I’ve been well. I can’t complain growing and glowing! 

SFND MAG: One of your recent singles "Switch" has been described as unapologetically bold, and even draws inspiration from Tupac’s "Hit Em Up." What about that song or video resonated with you, and how did it influence your creative process for “Switch"?

ASHLEE BANKZ: Hit Em Up, is one of my favorite Pac songs. Everything about it from the video to the lyrics is BOLD. Originally when I was creating switch it was based off of raw emotions and how I was feeling at the time. The influence to shoot “Switch” like “Hit Em Up” actually came from my videographer, Ryder Visuals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NO93jpsPuU

SFND MAG: You've opened for Jacquees on his "Sincerely For You" tour, a huge opportunity for any artist. How did that experience shape you as a performer, and what did you learn from it?

ASHLEE BANKZ: The experience was dope! It made me want to sharpen and perfect my craft even more especially performing in a venue such as the House of Blues. I learned, I was right where I needed to be at that exact moment. I was able to see my growth as an artist and get re-inspired again.

SFND MAG: Chicago is home to so many influential artists. What has it been like collaborating with major names like Tink and Lil Durk, and how have those collaborations influenced your sound or career?

ASHLEE BANKZ: At the time when I collaborated with Tink and Durk, everybody was on the come up trying to make it. We all individually had our on sound. Influence wise, I’ve always naturally had my own style and vision. 

SFND MAG: In so much of your music, you exude a high level of confidence, both in your lyrics and visual performance. Has that confidence always been part of who you are, or is it something that has developed as you've grown in your music career?

 ASHLEE BANKZ: I wish my confidence was apart of who I was growing up but no it hasn’t always been. My confidence came from personal growth and healing. My confidence now is one of the best parts of my brand and who I am now as a person. Musically, rather I’ve shown it or not deep down I’ve always been confident within myself such-as knowing who I am and my potential. I wasn’t fully embracing it and confident in trusting myself. There was too much doubt and negative energy around me.

SFND MAG: The Chicago music scene is known for its grit and hustle. How has your journey as a female rapper in the city shaped your perspective on the industry, and what challenges have you had to overcome?

ASHLEE BANKZ: WHEW! My journey has been crazy. I’ve had to overcome a lot. The main challenge I had to face was people playing with my potential and somewhat trying to stop me from becoming who I was called to be. I played the background a lot. I’ve experienced the industry in many different forms but I’ve learned the industry is what you make it. Chicago has definitely molded me and taught me how to move no matter what room I’m in. I learned to play the cards being dealt early and most importantly to listen more than you speak. 

OfficialRosemoor (BTS of Ashlee Bankz Photoshoot)

SFND MAG: In an industry that’s often male-dominated, what drives you to hold your own and continue pushing boundaries as a female rapper?

ASHLEE BANKZ: Life is what drives me to hold my own. I’ve been holding my own since I was 16 years old. The industry being male dominated doesn’t scare me. Once you learn how to move you can control the atmosphere around you. I naturally push the boundaries as a female rapper because I want to see more women standing in their power and I want to be the one to encourage them to do so by being authentic and original. 

SFND MAG: What role does your personal life or experiences play in shaping the music you create? Can you give us a glimpse into some of the real-life stories behind your lyrics?

ASHLEE BANKZ: My personal life plays a huge role in my music. All of my music is true and comes from personal experiences. My personal experiences is what helps me to create. A real life story behind my lyrics include my song “Switch”. Switch is a southern term used down south, we would get in trouble & my great grandma would make us go pick out our switches and then basically your “a—whooping” was handed to you depending on what you did, such as not being respectful etc. “Switch” was inspired by real life events, I fired off in the song “Switch” letting it be known when it comes to me, don’t let it come to me because I’m going to take it there every time!

SFND MAG: You've mentioned that you're not letting up. What is it that fuels your persistence, and how do you keep pushing forward, even in the face of obstacles?

ASHLEE BANKZ: As of lately, its been my loved ones telling me to keep going and their prayers helping me to stay afloat. In the midst of obstacles, I lean on heavy prayer and the higher power.  My life naturally fuels my persistence. I don’t know what it’s like to not keep going. I was raised differently. My grandparents play a huge role as there wisdom always sticks with me no matter what I’m going through, “Keep going forward & not backwards” 

SFND MAG: Most recently you released  "E-Book"  which is making waves. Tell us what was the inspiration for this single?

ASHLEE BANKZ: E-book was inspired by me. Yak beats sent the beat and instantly I gravitated towards it. The inspiration came naturally as if I was talking to myself and re-walking through my journey of becoming giving game to any one who listens that I’m living proof on how to boss your life up. I was giving away my game in e-book from real life experiences. 

SFND MAG: What's next for Ashlee Bankz? Do you have plans for a full project or album in the near future, and if so, what can fans expect from it?

 ASHLEE BANKZ:  Everything. First I’m taking over Chicago, brining in new energy then next I’m going  Worldwide. I’m building my personal brand  up and then I’m looking forward to expanding through different ventures. A bunch of new music, shows, and dope content is on the way! I’m dropping a project on Halloween as well as many more In the future. The sky is the limit for me. I’m focused on growth and elevating. This Ashlee Bankz run is my favorite one yet as I’m in a new/greater era of me. 

Ashlee Bankz | Photography by Moonmedia

SFND MAG: Many artists cite specific moments or achievements as their “I’ve made it” milestones. Have you had any moments like that yet, or is there a particular goal you’re still striving toward?

ASHLEE BANKZ: I haven’t made it yet. A particular goal I am striving towards is working with Chris Brown, Drake, Beyonce, Jay-z, and Future just to name a few. There’s so much I want to do and haven’t done yet, but I will. Recently, I’ve gotten a bunch of sync placements for TV/Film an have gotten my hands into that world an that was an “I’ve made it” moment for me and a goal I scratched off of my list especially being independent. 

SFND MAG: How do you balance staying true to your roots while also evolving with the changing landscape of hip-hop and the music industry?

ASHLEE BANKZ: I stay grounded through my loved ones. I’m humble because I’ve seen the worst in people and never want to become like what I’ve experienced. I don’t try to fit in or be something I’m not especially in the music industry. I grow with the times but most importantly I stay true to me. 

SFND MAG: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring female artists looking to break into the industry, what would it be?

 ASHLEE BANKZ: Prioritize & trust yourself, be a student, and most importantly learn and understand YOUR business. Be loud about YOU and have the confidence to back it up. Always be yourself, stay hungry for more but never thirsty. 

SFND MAG: Are there any other artists out there that you would describe as So FN Dope. If so, tell us why.

ASHLEE BANKZ:  Ashlee Bankz, not because she’s me and I’m her but because its true. A Diamond in the rough turned into a hidden gem. Secondly, Shantina Lynet, she’s one of my closest friends  but her soul/aura is beautiful and her music matches it. There’s a bunch of artists I think are dope but those are the two I’ll leave you with. 

SFND MAG: Thanks again for interviewing with us.  Keep doing what you do. See you at the top.

ASHLEE BANKZ: Don’t forget the Champagne!! 

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