Youngest, Yet Hardest: Erica Banks
August 4th, 2019
Erica Banks, known as the hardest female rapper coming out of Dallas, Texas, is on her way to the top of the rap game. She's one of the youngest but she's working to outshine every competitor that comes her way. Erica would definitely be in great company in the rap game alongside other artists such as Megan Thee Stallion.Erica is only 20 years old already having released two mixtapes within the same year and she's only been rapping consistently for over a year now. Seeing such a young, hard working, motivated rapper in the industry it was only right we reached out to do an interview and find out who is the amazing, talented Erica Banks.
Who/ what inspired you to rap?
I started writing poetry when I was 10 years old. In Middle School, I would battle rap with the boys and crush them. By the time I got to High School, it evolved into poetry. I recorded my first song in July of 2018 and it’s been an awesome ride.
How does it feel to be an upcoming rapper, female, out of Dallas?
It feels amazing. The love and support that I have received from my city is sometimes overwhelming. I love my city. It’s crazy to hear them say that I am the hottest female artist in the city. That’s love!
What was it like growing up for you?
I was the typical girly girl. I am also a daddy’s girl. I am the only girl of three. I have an older brother and a younger brother and of course being the only girl, I’m the Boss, LOL!
You’ve dropped two mixtapes within 2019, what motivated you to go that hard? Most people don’t drop two mixtapes within the same year.
My motivation is my fan base and all of the love that they show me. I also go hard for my mom. She is and has always been my biggest supporter. She is also my Manager. I want to change the game for female rappers and show that we have something to say as well.
Where do you see yourself in 2 years in the rap game?
My goal is the BET Awards. I would love to perform there. Although my Mom says that the Grammy’s is the goal. I would eventually like to get into producing and writing for other artists.
I love the fact that you’re so young and being such a hard, creative rapper. What motivated you to even come out rapping so hard, so young?
Most of my music comes from personal experiences. I feel like when it comes from personal experiences the passion comes through and it is more relatable. You entire delivery is different because it’s coming from your soul. A lot of my fans will tell me that they can relate.
If you had the opportunity to feature on a song with one artist who would it be?
I would love to work with Missy Elliott
Who is the real Erica Banks, aside from the music?
Aside from the music, I’m just a regular girl who decided to follow her dreams and become a rapper. I stepped out of college with a 4.0 GPA to pursue my dreams. My parents were not happy with my decision in the beginning, but once they saw the passion that I had for it, they were on board with it. They have been super supportive.
Would you consider yourself an inspiration to other young females trying to break out into rapping?
Absolutely! I was that little girl one upon a time in middle school idolizing Nicki Minaj. I took a chance on me and it planned out. I hope that when they see me, they see the greatness in themselves and they take the same chance that I took.
Off your latest album, Pressure, what’s your favorite song?
WOW!!! That’s a hard question to answer. I like all of them.
What more can we expect from Erica Banks?
I’m already working on my next project. Right now, I’m doing a Texas Promotional Tour and a lot of new music. My grind doesn’t STOP!
With inspirations like Nicki Minaj and admirations from artists such as DaBaby, TrapBoyFreddy, Camp Zeroo, and a few others, we can only expect great things. As of now, you can stream Erica's latest music video down below!
