Iggy Azalea

Background

Iggy Azalea is a female hip hop artist who gained popularity in urban music and later became successful in pop music. Despite being a blonde Australian rapper with a Southern accent, she is one of the most accomplished rappers today. In 2014, she made history by having both the No. 1 and No. 2 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a record previously held only by the Beatles. Her first album, The New Classic, reached No. 3 on the charts and received four Grammy nominations in the same year. Iggy has also been in the news for her relationships, twerking videos on Instagram, and being open about her cosmetic surgery. In 2018, she released the EP Survive the Summer, further establishing herself in the music industry.

Early Life

Iggy Azalea, whose real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, was born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia. Her dad, Brendan, was an artist and writer of children's books, while her mom, Tanya, worked as a cleaner. Iggy grew up in a small town called Mullumbimby in New South Wales, Australia, where only around 3,000 people lived. When she went on a road trip to the United States with her grandparents in 2001, they visited Los Angeles and Las Vegas, which sparked her interest in a life beyond her country in Australia.

Growing up in Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Iggy Azalea was inspired by her father's art, which influenced her own artistic pursuits. Her Aboriginal Australian heritage plays a vital role in shaping her music, as she embraces and promotes Indigenous culture. With a fusion of these cultures, Iggy Azalea's diverse background brings a unique and captivating style to her music. Her hit single "Sally Walker" pays tribute to an Indigenous Australian author, showcasing her respect for Aboriginal culture and the power of storytelling. Iggy Azalea's family background and ancestry are essential aspects of her identity as an artist, allowing her to create a distinct presence in the music industry while honoring her cultural roots.

Iggy used to hate school because she was often judged for her homemade outfits. However, she found joy in her art class. Eventually, she made the bold decision to leave high school and joined her mother in working to save money for her dream of moving to America.

Humble beginnings

At the age of 12, Iggy discovered urban music and became a fan of artists like Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Tupac, who had a profound impact on her. She revealed in an interview with Vogue in 2015 that Tupac's posthumous single with Outlawz, "Baby Don't Cry," made her fall in love with rap music. Living far away from where her favorite music was created, Iggy felt isolated, so she turned to the internet to connect with the urban music community in hope to bridge the distance.

During her journey, the aspiring rapper formed a close bond with another teenager named Derek online. Derek, originally from the Bahamas, became her sole friend, and she valued his opinion greatly. She would share her written raps with him, seeking feedback from someone who was more connected to the rap scene. As their friendship grew, Iggy started planning another trip to the United States.

Moving to the United States

At the age of 16, Iggy traveled to the United States to meet her online friend Derek, whom she considered her closest companion. By that time, she had already left school. Derek, who lived in Miami, picked her up from the airport on July 4th. Being in the birthplace of rap resonated with Azalea, and she called her parents to let them know she wouldn't be returning to Australia.

After her time in Miami, Azalea moved to Houston and eventually settled in Atlanta, fully immersing herself in the local culture and adopting the distinctive accent. After arriving in the US, she obtained her GED and stayed in the country using a visa waiver for six years. Every three months, she went back to Australia to renew it. She worked illegally in the US until February 2013, when she received a five-year O visa. She decided to go by the name Iggy, inspired by her dog. In 2018, Azalea was granted permanent residency in the US.

In 2011, shortly after her relocation to Los Angeles, she released her mixtape "Ignorant Art." The mixtape showcased her raw and fearless style, drawing inspiration from trap music, a subgenre of Southern rap.

The following year, Azalea gained attention when she appeared on the cover of XXL magazine's 2012 Freshmen Class issue, becoming the first non-American female rapper to achieve this honor. The cover sparked a feud on social media with Azealia Banks, who criticized Iggy Azalea for putting the controversial lyrics in her song "DRUGS." Iggy Azalea later apologized for the lyrics, acknowledging her mistake. Despite the controversy, she stood by her accomplishments and highlighted the importance of women supporting each other.

In the same year, Azalea signed with Wilhelmina Models International and became the face of Levi's jeans, expanding her career beyond music and venturing into the world of modeling.

Career Beginnings

Iggy Azalea began her music career by collaborating with Backbone, a member of the hip-hop group 'Dungeon Family' from Atlanta. During this time, she met FKi and Natalie Sims, who would become future collaborators. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles and the following year, she released her first full-length mixtape called 'Ignorant Art.' Her music videos gained popularity, and the album was praised for its boldness.

In 2012, after a serious break and short period as a model, Iggy Azalea returned to music and sought assistance from Southern rapper T.I. for her debut studio album titled 'The New Classic.' However, the album faced delays due to objections from her management at 'Interscope Records' regarding T.I. 's involvement. She eventually released the album in April 2014 under 'Def Jam Recordings.'

To keep her fans engaged, Azalea decided to release an EP called 'Glory’ via her Twitter feed, which included the single 'Murda Bizness' originally recorded and intended for her debut album. She also released another single titled 'Millionaire Misfits' in June 2012. In October of the same year, she released her second mixtape titled 'TrapGold,' produced by 'FKi' and Grammy-nominated producer Diplo.

Release of debut mixtape "Ignorant Art"

Iggy Azalea made a significant impact on the music industry with her debut mixtape "Ignorant Art" in 2011. This influential project showcased her unique style and laid the foundation for her successful career.

The mixtape fearlessly explored different genres, combining rap, pop, and electronic music. Tracks like "Pu$$y" and "My World" demonstrated Iggy Azalea's skills as a talented lyricist and innovative artist.

Critics praised "Ignorant Art" for its infectious hooks, clever wordplay, and fearless approach to addressing social issues. While the mixtape received acclaim, it also faced criticism for cultural appropriation and misrepresentation of black culture. Iggy Azalea used these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning in her subsequent projects.

The New Classic

Azalea's debut album was slated for an October 2013 release, but in an interview with Australia's Herald Sun she revealed that due to other commitments such as supporting Beyoncé on her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour, her record label would not allow her to release The New Classic until March 2014.

In November 2014, Azalea reissued her album 'The New Classic' with the new title 'Reclassified.' The album featured five new songs, including 'Beg for It' and 'Trouble.' Her second studio album, 'Digital Distortion,' was initially scheduled for release in July 2016 but was postponed to 2017 due to her breakup with her longtime boyfriend Nick Young.

'The New Classic' album showcased Iggy Azalea's distinct fusion of rap and pop, highlighting her talent as both a rapper and songwriter. It gained immense popularity with chart-topping hits like "Fancy" and "Work," making Azalea a well-known figure.

Critics praised the album for its memorable hooks, irresistible beats, and Azalea's self-assured performance. "The New Classic" marked a significant milestone in her career, launching her to global fame and solidifying her position as a prominent female artist in the hip-hop genre.

In August 2018, Azalea released her EP 'Survive the Summer' under 'Island Records,' featuring 'Tokyo Snow Trip' and 'Kream.' In the same year, she established her own record label, initially named 'New Classic Records.' In July 2019, her second studio album 'In My Defense' was released under her rebranded recording label, now called 'Bad Dreams.' The album received mixed to negative reviews from music critics.

Recognition and signing with T.I.'s Grand Hustle label

Iggy Azalea's talent caught the attention of T.I.'s Grand Hustle label, a significant milestone in her journey. This partnership provided validation, increased exposure, affiliation with an established brand, and valuable industry support.

Signing with T.I.'s label solidified Iggy Azalea's credibility, gaining validation from an experienced rap artist and entrepreneur. It also brought greater visibility and exposure, opening doors to collaborations and expanding her fan base.

Joining T.I.'s Grand Hustle label aligned Iggy Azalea with a respected brand, strengthening her image and creating positive associations. The partnership also provided access to industry expertise, connections, and guidance, supporting her growth as an artist.

The signing laid a strong foundation for future business opportunities, propelling Iggy Azalea's remarkable career from her humble beginnings in Mullumbimby. Her mixtape "Ignorant Art" broke barriers and set the stage for ongoing success.

Collaborations

Iggy Azalea's career has been marked by significant chart success and collaborations with talented artists, including Ariana Grande. These collaborations have showcased her versatility as a rapper and propelled her to new levels of fame. Her work with Ariana, in particular, has received high acclaim and resulted in multiple chart-topping hits.

Their collaboration began with the hit single "Problem" in 2014, which reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song highlighted their unique vocal styles and marked a turning point in Azalea's career.

In addition to her past collaborations with Ariana, Azalea has achieved multiple chart successes throughout her career. Her song "Fancy" featuring Charli XCX topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2014, demonstrating her rap skills and ability to create catchy pop-infused tracks that resonated with audiences worldwide.

These collaborations with Ariana have contributed to Azalea's chart achievements and solidified her position as a prominent figure in contemporary rap music. They have allowed both artists to showcase their talents and reach new levels of success together.

Three top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100

Iggy Azalea has achieved an impressive feat in the music industry with three top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100. These songs have solidified her position as a prominent figure in the industry, garnering recognition and acclaim.

Her collaborations with renowned artists have played a bit of a vital role in the success of these tracks. They feature catchy hooks and infectious beats that captivate listeners, contributing to their widespread popularity and radio airplay.

Each of these top ten hits has secured a place among the most successful songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They have received significant radio play, digital downloads, and streaming numbers, establishing their status as successful singles.

Iggy Azalea's lyrical content explores themes of empowerment, self-expression, and personal experiences, resonating with a diverse audience. The accompanying music videos have also played a crucial role in capturing audience attention and boosting the popularity of these hit singles.

With her track record of success, Iggy Azalea can further enhance her career trajectory by exploring innovative musical styles and collaborations. Capitalizing on her visual storytelling abilities through visually stunning music videos can elevate her brand and expand her fanbase. By consistently delivering high-quality music and engaging with her audience, she can continue to thrive as a prominent figure in the industry.

Label Conflicts and Independent Career

Canceled second album "Digital Distortion"

Iggy Azalea's second album, "Digital Distortion," was canceled due to challenges and creative differences, impacting her career trajectory and disappointing fans. However, she persevered and released the EP "Survive the Summer" in 2018, showing her resilience. She also established her own label, Bad Dreams, through a distribution deal with Empire, regaining artistic freedom and control. Despite setbacks, Azalea's determination to pursue music remained strong, and "Survive the Summer" showcased her ability to bounce back and thrive. This EP marked a significant chapter in her career, highlighting her growth as an artist and solidifying her position in the music industry.

Creation of her own label, Bad Dreams, through a distribution deal with Empire

Iggy Azalea elevated her career by creating Bad Dreams, her own label through a distribution deal with Empire. This move granted her creative control and independence in releasing music. It marked a significant milestone, showcasing her entrepreneurship and determination to shape her artistic vision. By establishing her label, she joined other artists who have taken control of their destiny, breaking free from traditional record labels. With Bad Dreams, Iggy explored new genres, collaborated widely, and showcased her diverse talents. This decision empowered her to push boundaries and assert her unique style.

Awards and nominations received by Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea, the talented artist from Mullumbimby, New South Wales, has achieved notable recognition in the music industry. Her impressive career includes receiving prestigious awards and nominations, such as Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. She has also gained immense popularity on YouTube, with millions of views on her music videos. These achievements highlight her impact, unique style, and ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Iggy Azalea's success is a testament to her talent, determination, and captivating performances.

Popularity on YouTube and music video views

Iggy Azalea's online presence is constantly happening, captivating audiences with her electrifying music and engaging social media presence. Iggy Azalea's online presence was booming with constant updates and interactions, making her virtual world a happening place. She is captivating audiences with her electrifying music and engaging social media presence. This is most prominent on YouTube, where her music videos garner extensive views. She currently has over 2.8 million followers on her YouTube.Her visually captivating content and catchy lyrics have cultivated a large and dedicated following, establishing her as a prominent figure in the digital music realm. With each release, Iggy Azalea continues to captivate viewers with her artistic storytelling and energetic performances. Her impact on popular culture is evident through her high view counts and the diverse range of fans she attracts worldwide. Iggy Azalea's career has made a lasting impression, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Relationships

Azalea started dating rapper A$AP Rocky in 2011 and got a tattoo of his mixtape title, "Live. Love. A$AP," on her fingers. However, she removed the tattoo after their breakup in 2012. In June 2015, she announced her engagement to L.A. Lakers basketball player Nick Young. Unfortunately, the relationship ended after 12 months due to alleged infidelity on his part.

In 2018, Iggy began dating Playboi Carti but broke up several times over the years. They have a son named Onyx. Iggy accused Carti of cheating and not acknowledging their son. She felt pressured to stay in the relationship but eventually ended it to protect her child's well-being.

Nude Photo Leak

In March 2019, Azalea made a comeback to the charts with the release of "Sally Walker," the first single from her album "In My Defense." The album's second single, "Started," came out in early May.

Shortly after, Azalea made headlines again when topless photos of her from a 2016 GQ photoshoot surfaced online. In a lengthy statement on social media, which she later deleted along with her accounts, she expressed feeling shocked, embarrassed, violated, and angry. She explained that she had only agreed to pose for photos where she was covered up, and she vowed to take legal action against those responsible.

OnlyFans Account

Azalea surprised fans by joining the OnlyFans platform, despite previously stating she would never sign up for it. In a now-deleted tweet from April 2021, she expressed her support for the platform but stated her personal decision not to participate. However, in January, she explained her change of heart, citing the opportunity for creativity and collaboration with OnlyFans on her project called "Hotter Than Hell." The project includes photos, videos, merchandise, and more features. As of now, Azalea charges a monthly subscription fee of $25 for access to her OnlyFans page.

Net Worth

Iggy Azalea is an Australian rapper and musician with a net worth of $15 million. She gained worldwide attention in 2013 with her hit single "Work." Since then, she has sold over 50 million albums and 22 million singles globally.

Trivia

• Iggy Azalea moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in music.

• Azalea gained public recognition after releasing the music videos for her songs "Pussy" and "Two Times" on YouTube.

• Her debut studio album, The New Classic (2014), reached the top five on several charts worldwide. The album peaked in the Top Three in Australasia and North America, spawning the hit singles "Fancy" and "Black Widow."

• Azalea has received numerous awards and nominations, including two American Music Awards and four Grammy Award nominations.

FAQs

Who is Iggy Azalea and what is her profession?

Iggy Azalea, whose real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, is an Australian rapper, songwriter, and model. She gained recognition for her music videos on YouTube and has since released multiple albums, singles, and EPs.

Has Iggy Azalea received any awards for her music?

Yes, Iggy Azalea has received several awards for her music career. Her accolades include two American Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, a People's Choice Award, four Teen Choice Awards, and four Grammy Award nominations.

Can Iggy Azalea be considered an independent artist?

Yes, Iggy Azalea became an independent artist after switching labels and creating her own label called Bad Dreams through a distribution deal with Empire. This allowed her to have more control over her music and career.

What are some of Iggy Azalea's notable collaborations?

Iggy Azalea has collaborated with various artists throughout her career. Some notable collaborations include "Problem" with Ariana Grande, "Pretty Girls" with Britney Spears, and "Black Widow" with Rita Ora.