Iggy Azalea is an Australian rapper who has made a name for herself in the music industry, becoming one of the most prominent female rappers in the game. With her unique style and sound, she has broken barriers and achieved success on a global scale. But who is Iggy Azalea, and how did she become a household name?

This article will explore her biography, music, and career, giving you an insight into the woman behind the hits. So, let’s dive into the world of Iggy Azalea and uncover her rise to fame, major achievements, and the impact she has had on hip-hop.

Iggy Azalea: A Brief Introduction

Iggy Azalea, born Amethyst Amelia Kelly on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia, is a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. Standing at an impressive 5’10”, Azalea made the brave move to the United States at just 16 years old to pursue her dream of becoming a rapper. Her unique name, derived from her childhood pet dog, Iggy, and the street she lived on, Azalea Street, has certainly helped her stand out from the crowd. And stand out she has; with her bold personality, unapologetic lyrics, and infectious beats, Azalea has become an iconic figure in modern music.

Iggy Azalea: Complete Discography Table

Below is a comprehensive table of Iggy Azalea’s discography, detailing her singles, collaborations, and notable tracks. This table provides an overview of her musical journey and contributions to the hip-hop scene.

Early Life and Background

Azalea grew up in a small town outside of Sydney, Australia, with her mother, Tanya, and father, Brendan. She has a younger sister, Emerald, with whom she is very close. From a young age, Azalea knew she wanted to be a performer. She was drawn to the world of hip-hop and started writing her own raps at just 14 years old. Her love for the genre was influenced by the likes of Tupac Shakur and Missy Elliott, and she dreamed of one day making it big in the US, the birthplace of hip-hop.

In 2006, at the age of 16, Azalea made the bold decision to move to the US to pursue her music career. She settled in Miami, Florida, and began performing at local clubs and venues. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Iggy Azalea, a combination of her childhood pet’s name and the street she grew up on. Azalea’s unique style and sound quickly gained traction, and she began to build a dedicated fan base.

Rise to Fame

Azalea’s big break came in 2011 when she released her debut mixtape, “Ignorant Art.” The mixtape caught the attention of T.I., a renowned American rapper and record producer. T.I. took Azalea under his wing and signed her to his record label, Grand Hustle Records. With T.I.’s guidance and mentorship, Azalea began to work on her debut album, “The New Classic.”

The lead single from the album, “Work,” became a huge hit, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Azalea her first Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song. The song’s success propelled Azalea into the spotlight, and she quickly became one of the most talked-about artists in the industry. “The New Classic” was released in 2014 and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, making Azalea the first female rapper to reach the top three with a debut album.

Major Achievements

Azalea has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career. She has had multiple Billboard hits, including “Fancy” (featuring Charli XCX), which peaked at number one, and “Problem,” a collaboration with Ariana Grande, which peaked at number two. These songs solidified Azalea’s place in the industry and showed that she was a force to be reckoned with.

In addition to her musical success, Azalea has also made her mark in the fashion industry. She has walked the runway for high-profile designers and has been the face of several campaigns. Azalea was also the first female rapper to be featured on the cover of Elle Canada and has graced the covers of other notable magazines, including Cosmopolitan and GQ.

Musical Style and Influences

Azalea’s musical style is a unique blend of bold and unapologetic lyrics with infectious, upbeat production. Her influences range from old-school hip-hop artists like Tupac and Missy Elliott to more contemporary artists like Kanye West and Rihanna. Azalea’s sound has evolved since her early days, with her more recent music exploring a grittier, more hard-hitting style.

Azalea’s lyrics often touch on themes of female empowerment, her struggles growing up, and her journey to success. She is known for her confident and assertive attitude, which shines through in her music. Her distinctive Australian accent and delivery have become her trademark, setting her apart from other rappers in the game.

Controversies and Criticism

Like many artists, Azalea has faced her fair share of controversies and criticism. She has been accused of cultural appropriation, with some claiming that she exploits black culture for her own gain. Azalea has also faced backlash for some of her lyrics, which have been deemed offensive and insensitive.

In addition, Azalea has been criticized for her handling of certain situations, such as her public feud with fellow rapper Azealia Banks and her response to the Black Lives Matter movement. These controversies have certainly impacted Azalea’s career, and she has worked to address and learn from them.

Recent Projects and Future Plans

Despite the controversies, Azalea remains a prominent figure in the music industry. In recent years, she has continued to release new music and collaborate with other artists. In 2020, she released the track “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” with Tinashe, and in 2021, she teamed up with Tyga for the song “Kream.”

Azalea has also ventured into other business endeavors, including launching her own makeup line and fashion label. She has also made appearances on reality TV shows and has been an advocate for mental health awareness. As for the future, Azalea shows no signs of slowing down. She is reportedly working on new music and has expressed her desire to continue performing and connecting with her fans.

Conclusion

Iggy Azalea is an inspiring figure who has broken barriers and achieved immense success in a male-dominated industry. Her journey from a small town in Australia to becoming a global superstar is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. With her unique style and unapologetic attitude, Azalea has left an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. As she continues to evolve and grow, there is no doubt that Azalea will continue to be a leading force in the music industry for years to come.