Lay Bankz

Layia Watkins, known professionally as Lay Bankz, is a dynamic singer-rapper from Southwest Philadelphia whose energetic blend of Jersey‑club, R&B, hip hop, and pop rap has rapidly turned heads. Raised with Eritrean and African American heritage, she began writing at age 10 and dropped her first track, “Passion,” at 15. In 2022, she unleashed a series of viral singles—“Left Cheek (Doo Doo Blick),” “Na Na Na,” and the club‑infused “Ick”—all of which ignited dance trends across TikTok, garnering millions of streams.

In February 2024, Lay Bankz released “Tell Ur Girlfriend,” a synth‑pop/R&B anthem underpinned by Jersey‑club beats that quickly became a TikTok sensation and placed at #58 on the Billboard Hot 100—her first entry on the chart. That same year, she launched her debut album After 7, a bold statement of maturity and authenticity, following her 2023 EP Now You See Me. Critics from Essence, Pitchfork, Billboard, and XXL praise her polished yet punchy production, genre-defying vocal delivery, and fearless lyricism drawn from real-life experiences.

Bankz credits early musical influences such as Beyoncé, Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott for shaping her artistry, honed through piano, violin, vocal lessons, and poetry in childhood. More than a viral star, she balances authentic storytelling with a drive to innovate and break barriers. As she continues to tour festivals, build communities around her music, and experiment across soundscapes, Lay Bankz stands as an electrifying emblem of Gen Z creativity—refusing to be boxed in and always ready to deliver unforgettable energy.