Azealia Banks has never shied away from speaking her mind, and her latest target is R&B singer SZA. Over the weekend, Banks took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to publicly criticize SZA for working with RZA, a member of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan. Banks’ anger stems from a claim she made in 2016, alleging that RZA tried to “pimp” her out to actor Russell Crowe during an incident that took place at a Beverly Hills hotel.
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Banks voiced her outrage at SZA in a series of fiery tweets. According to the rapper, she felt betrayed by the singer for collaborating with RZA, especially after SZA had previously asked her to be on the same project. Banks declined the offer, citing her history with the producer. In her tweets, she referenced the 2016 incident, where she accused RZA of trying to set her up with Russell Crowe, an accusation that sparked major controversy.
“SZA is really such an ugly person for having RZA on her album after asking me to be on it,” Banks tweeted. “Me politely and honestly declining, after news of him trying to pimp me out to Russell Crowe broke. That was really a huge slap in the face and truest sign of a b**ch who will always be ugly.”
Banks didn’t stop there. She launched into a tirade of insults aimed directly at SZA, making personal attacks about her appearance and suggesting that the singer had undergone cosmetic procedures to enhance her looks. “Sis can get all the procedures in the world. She’ll always be that insecure fat Muslim girl from New Jersey with the big chin and the gay husband,” Banks wrote, continuing her sharp criticism with further vulgar insults.
The drama between Azealia Banks, RZA, and Russell Crowe dates back to 2016 when Banks accused Crowe of physically and verbally assaulting her at a party held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Banks attended the event as RZA’s guest, but things reportedly took a dark turn. She alleged that Crowe spat on her, insulted her, and even assaulted her. Banks filed a police report, but no charges were ever pressed against Crowe.
While Banks maintains her version of events, other guests at the party, including RZA, denied her claims. In an October 2016 Facebook post, RZA explained that Banks had become loud and aggressive during the event, insulting multiple people and threatening to attack another guest with a glass. According to RZA, Crowe’s actions were in defense against Banks’ violent outburst, and he felt embarrassed by her behavior as she was his guest.
Despite these conflicting accounts, the incident has remained a sore point for Banks, and her latest tweets reignite the controversy. RZA’s collaboration with SZA, particularly after his involvement in the promotional campaign for her 2017 album Ctrl, seems to have reopened old wounds for the rapper.
As of now, SZA has not responded publicly to Azealia Banks’ remarks. However, the incident is likely to stir conversations about past and present collaborations within the music industry, particularly as it relates to lingering feuds and accusations.