If you thought that 2020 couldn’t get any better in the music realm, you were sadly mistaken and should be ashamed of yourself. One of the UK’s fastest rising hip hop stars and London based lyricists Ms Banks has made her way into the industry in one of the best ways possible — a cosign from the one and only Nicki Minaj. Over recent times, Banks has also caught the attention of superstar Cardi B, which only heightened her rising stature. Today, the rapper gifts us with a memorable package titled Bank Statement and it should most certainly be added to your playlist by now.

In recent times, Nigeria has been rocked by days of nationwide protests over police brutality, following widespread claims of kidnapping, harassment and extortion by a controversial police unit known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). While these tragic events has caused uproar through the world, Ms Banks was one of the many public figures to speak out against the events in Lagos in a brief Instagram post. Unfortunately, the platform flagged her post as false information (this is not surprising at all): “What is happening in my country rn is truly heartbreaking, yesterday was unbearable. I’m praying for Nigeria, a change has to come, you have left us no choice!!! #ENDSARS #endpolicebrutality”

Regarding her new mixtape, the 26 year old MC spoke with The Forty-Five about the meaning behind the title Bank Statement:

“To me, a bank statement is like proof. It’s the proof you use for bills, when people need to know how much money you’re making, all that… and I feel like this tape is going to be the proof for me. I’m making a statement and showing you that I’m here to stay.”

Judging from the sound of the tape, it’s crystal clear that Ms Banks plans to double down on her declaration that she isn’t going anywhere — at least any time soon.