Lay Bankz

Lay Bankz Artistfacts

  • June 11, 2004
  • Lay Bankz was born Layla Watkins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Southwest Philadelphia with Eritrean roots, her music reflects a vibrant mix of influences: Jersey Club's frenetic energy blending with smooth R&B vocals and a dash of catchy pop-rap, creating a sound that's all her own.
  • Bankz started singing at the age of 3. She remembers grandma's Sunday cleaning soundtrack of old-school R&B and Beyoncé blasting from the car speakers on preschool runs.
  • This future star wasn't waiting around. By 15, she'd already released her first track, "Passion." Right after that, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, alongside the rise of TikTok. "I said to my friends, 'Listen, I'm gonna be TikTok famous,'" Bankz told The Philadelphia Inquirer. "I don't know about y'all but I'm about to lock in, I have nothing else to do."
  • Social media became Lay Bankz's playground, especially TikTok, where she amassed a huge following. She uses the platform to connect with fans, share her music and showcase her killer dance moves – another key ingredient in her captivating performances.
  • In 2022, Lay Bankz signed with a major talent agency, Artist Partner Group. That same year, she unleashed her debut single under the label, "Left Cheek (Doo Doo Blick)," which quickly gained traction.
  • 2024 was the year Lay Bankz truly exploded. "Tell Ur Girlfriend" dropped in February, and with a viral dance trend taking off on TikTok, the song became a global sensation.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.