Lay Bankz

Lay Bankz, born Layia Watkins, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Philadelphia who began writing rhymes as a child, citing influences ranging from Michael Jackson to Bruno Mars. Her sound blends rap, pop, and R&B with playful, hook-driven energy, tailored for a generation raised on short-form video, and she built her early audience largely through viral moments on TikTok.

Her signing to Artist Partner Group accelerated that momentum, and the single «Tell Ur Girlfriend» became a genuine breakout hit, spending multiple weeks atop Billboard's TikTok Top 50 chart. Follow-up tracks like «Ick» and «WOULD YOU?» showcased both her confident, sassy delivery and a more melodic, vocally driven side, broadening her appeal beyond a single viral hit.

She released her debut EP, «Now You See Me», in August 2023, followed by her debut album, «After 7», in May 2024. The album's title carries personal significance for her, tied to recurring moments in her life connected to the number seven — including turning points, personal growth, and loss — giving the project an autobiographical thread beneath its upbeat production. Together, her catalog positions her as one of the more distinctive young voices in the current wave of internet-born rap and R&B artists.