by mariah estran
photo by shakur richardson
If you’ve opened TikTok or X over the last few months, you might have scrolled on Lay Bankz. To be specific, the song “Ick” might sound familiar. The energetic track that does not hesitate to spotlight the sudden, filthy feeling of losing interest in your current lover.
“If I get the ick I just have to remove myself. Ha, I can’t be around what I don’t like,” she shares about the song.
Shortly after gaining massive appeal on social, the 19-year-old released her new EP, Now You See Me. It’s a vivid seven-track project showcasing her diverse range as an artist. She brings in those high-octane club bangers with the track “Throw Dat,” while “Na Na Na” emphasizes her playful side as references to Gwen Stefani’s iconic “Rich Girl” are sprinkled within. The artist then slows it down, shining a light on her R&B craft with “IDFWY” and “Flowers” — a tune that proclaims the importance of sending praise before it’s too late. And rightfully so, Lay Bankz is making her mark, and there’s still much more to come.
Lay Bankz tells us more about Now You See Me, her inspirations, gaining love on social media, collaborations, and what she’s looking forward to next.
There has been so much love for “Ick,” it’s trending — gaining numbers on Spotify. How has it felt to see so many people vibing with the track?
Lay Bankz: “Honestly, it’s all a blessing, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Sometimes it feels very surreal because it’s almost as if you see everything you ever prayed for materializing.”
Getting the “ick” is something many people know about, so I love that you decided to express that. How do you personally handle the ick once it happens?
Lay Bankz: “If I get the ick I just have to remove myself. Ha, I can’t be around what I don’t like.”
You’ve recently released your EP, Now You See Me, which shows such a great range of musical craftsmanship. What did you want this collection of songs to say about you as an artist?
Lay Bankz: “I want people to understand that if you didn’t know me before you will eventually. This is only the beginning of a long journey for me, and I have so much further to go. But I’m destined for everything that I’m blessed with.”
I feel like the name of the EP might have a backstory. What is the meaning behind it?
Lay Bankz: “I honestly named my project Now You See Me because I felt like my entire life no one really saw me for the true artist, entrepreneur, and woman that I am. So with this project my intention was to make it be known who I am and that I’m not here asking for no favors. I want this and I'll forever work for what I want!”
Who would you say are some of your musical inspirations while developing your projects?
Lay Bankz: “Some of my favorite inspirations in music are Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and anything from the early 2000s. Honestly I’ve always admired Aaliyah also.”
You’ve recently been a part of multiple collabs with other artists such as NLE Choppa, KYLE, and now, you have an upcoming feature with UPSAHL. What has it been like being able to work with all these people?
Lay Bankz: “I couldn’t be more happy to work with everyone that I have. All of the artists that I’ve built relationships with over the course of time have been amazing people to me and I’m grateful for all of them. I’m hopeful to work with them again.”
You’ve been working on so much, and I’m sure you have many opportunities coming your way! What is something you are hoping to do next on your musical journey?
Lay Bankz: “Honestly, I’m looking most forward to my next project because I feel like it’s more innovative and personal for me. I gave it a lot of time, thought, and effort, and I’m so proud of it. I’m also looking forward to going on tour; that's something I always wanted to do.”