Azealia Banks signs a record deal with Universal Music

Image source, bbc

Azealia Banks has signed a record deal with Universal Music.

The rapper, who came third in the 大象传媒 Sound of 2012 list, confirmed the news on her Twitter page.

She wrote: "God just dealt me a new hand today I reaaaaaaaaaaallllly good hand. I am now officially signed to Universal Music.

"Wow I just wanna drink a million bottles of champagne and do a million bell kicks right now. Album in May? June possibly?"

Banks, who is from New York, rose to prominence with her single 212 which began receiving attention from bloggers and music critics in September.

The video for it has since had more than 2.5m hits on YouTube.

Earlier this year, the 20-year-old made the top five on the 大象传媒's Sound of 2012 list - alongside winner Michael Kiwanuka, Frank Ocean, Skrillex and Niki & The Dove.

The annual list aims to highlight the year's most promising new artists and is compiled using tips from music tastemakers.