7 Questions with Alfred Banks (Interview)

Photo credit: @govphotovideo

Multi award-winning, Grammy-nominated New Orleans rapper/singer Alfred Banks has garnered many accolades as well as accomplishments over the years of his career. Accomplishments and accolades such as having his music featured in film, television and commercials, as well as being listed as a Blavity Top 6 Indie Rapper.

Additionally, Alfred has completed three legs of a North American tour with the Grammy-winning musical group Tank and the Bangas. If that isn’t impressive enough, he’s performed internationally in Europe at Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival and starred in a Volkswagen ad campaign that featured his song “HomeComing.”

Speaking of live performances, Alfred Banks has a couple of notable ones under his belt, including SXSW, A3C, JazzFest, and BUKU Music + Art Project. He has supported tours from international bounce icon Big Freedia, former XXL freshman Mickey Factz, plus Rap legend Devin the Dude, and has completed several headlining tours of his own.

In 2017, Banks released ‘The Beautiful’ album. which debuted at #12 on iTunes’ Rap/HipHop” chart, #3 on Bandcamp’s Rap chart, and #79 on Billboard’s “HeatSeeker” chart. His most recent project, 2026’s ‘YesterMonth’ has accumulated 65,000+ streams to date.

According to Alfred, the album is about “using your past as a platform to build your future. Not living in the past, but just using it as fuel to propel us to the next accomplishment.” Which is something he can speak of first hand.

All we’re trying to say is Alfred Banks is kind of a big deal and you should get to know him. Check out our Q&A with the New Orleans legend in the making below.

Describe the moment you fell in love with Hip Hop.

I fell in love with Hip Hop the moment I heard my oldest brother Orlandas Banks rap for the first time. That truly made me want to try it and see if I could be as good as him.

Out of all the projects you’ve released, which one means the most to you?

My most recent project, ‘Yestermonth’ means the most to me because it’s me working thru lots of pain, legal issues, depression and anxiety to put it out. And, I got to create it with my bro Luther Vandals.

What are your thoughts on New Orleans' contribution to Hip Hop?

I think new Orleans’ contributions to Hip Hop gets overlooked way more than people want to admit. We have two of the most important rap labels of all time from there in No Limit and Cash Money. We need our flowers!

What do you attribute to your success?

I attribute my never say die attitude to my success. I refuse to lose. I refuse to be forgotten. And, I truly love what I do.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

My proudest accomplishment to date was being the star of a Volkswagen commercial. It changed my life from a career standpoint and a financial standpoint. It definitely made getting booked easier. Lol.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?

I wish more people knew how much I love Marvel’s The Punisher. That’s my favorite comic character. I have almost 100 of his comics!

Who do you do it for?

I do this for the memory of Orlandas McArthur Banks. My oldest brother and biggest inspiration. May he rest in peace.