Azealia Banks: Bisexual Rapper Puts Her Sexuality in the Public Eye

Azealia Banks, an emerging rapper from Harlem, N.Y., known for infectious tracks like '212' and 'Liquorice,' spoke with the New York Times about her rising career and in the process, revealed that she was also a bisexual woman. While sexuality has little to do with her talents as an MC, the information she offered proves she's confident in herself, which translates in her lyrics.

"I'm not trying to be, like, the bisexual, lesbian rapper," she stated. "I don't live on other people's terms."

Hip-hop hasn't always taken kindly to the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual communities with homophobic remarks being sputtered out by rappers like Odd Future frontman Tyler the Creator. Despite gay slurs he's made, his sophomore LP, 'Goblin,' still managed to score a No. 5 position on the Billboard 200.

But not every MC throws out ignorant jabs when it comes to gay men and women. Last year, Fat Joe admitted that hip-hop was controlled by a "gay mafia." While some may have taken offense to his sentiments, he was just offering up his positive thoughts on the matter. "If you're gay, rep your set."

Banks recently spent several days in Europe, where she met famed designer Karl Lagerfeld. She traveled to Paris and celebrated with Lagerfeld as he showcased Karl, his new budget line. The rhymer's next video for 'Liquorice' will be directed by stylist and designer Nicola Formichetti.