Iggy Azalea

Over 6.7M+ followers on spotify, Popular for australian hip hop, dance pop, pop music genre.

Born Amethyst Amelia Kelly on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia, Iggy Azalea's rise to fame is a tale woven with determination and undeniable talent. Growing up in Mullumbimby, a picturesque town in New South Wales, Azalea was introduced to art early on by her parents. Her father, a painter and comic artist, and her mother, a hotel cleaner, nurtured her creative instincts. By age 14, she had developed a keen interest in hip-hop, influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur and Missy Elliott. Embracing her passion, she formed a small group with two other girls, although the trio dissolved, igniting her resolve to pursue a solo career. At 16, Azalea made a bold move by dropping out of high school and relocating to the United States to chase her musical dreams. Her journey was fraught with challenges, from navigating a new country to understanding the competitive music landscape. Settling in Miami and later moving through Houston and Atlanta, she immersed herself in a culture that would deeply influence her sound and style. Atlanta, with its rich hip-hop history, became pivotal in shaping Azalea's career, where encounters with influential producers ignited her professional journey. Azalea's audacious step to relocate paid off when her debut mixtape, 'Ignorant Art', released in 2011, garnered attention not just for its bold title but for the raw, unapologetic expression of her identity and experiences. This laid the foundation for her subsequent rise in the industry, marked by resilience and a distinctive style. Her early life and biography echo the narrative of an artist determined to make her mark against all odds, a theme prevalent throughout her growing discography.

Iggy Azalea's musical career is marked by a series of transformative moments that have defined her as one of the most talked-about figures in contemporary rap. Her journey began with the release of 'Ignorant Art' in 2011, a mixtape that captured the industry's attention with its blend of Southern rap influences and assertive lyrics. The track 'Pu$$y' became a viral hit, further propelling her into the limelight. In 2012, Azalea's career took a significant turn when she signed with Mercury Records in the UK, followed by Island Def Jam in the USA. Her debut studio album, 'The New Classic', released in 2014, was a commercial success. It debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, with hit singles like 'Fancy', featuring Charli XCX, which became one of the year's defining anthems. As her career progressed, Azalea's sound evolved from raw, gritty verses to more polished, mainstream appeal. Her second studio album, 'In My Defense', released in 2019, showcased a deeper, more introspective side, reflecting on personal struggles and industry challenges. Throughout her career, Azalea has consistently blended pop sensibilities with core hip-hop elements, carving out a unique space in a genre often dominated by a different narrative. Azalea's journey also reflects a continuous adaptation to the ever-changing musical landscape, embracing digital platforms and social media to maintain relevance and engage with her audience. Her ability to evolve both musically and personally highlights not just her talent but also her astute understanding of an ever-evolving music industry.

Iggy Azalea's discography is a testament to her tenacity and versatility as an artist. Her body of work includes studio albums, extended plays, and mixtapes that have collectively defined her as a hip-hop powerhouse. Her debut mixtape, 'Ignorant Art' (2011), laid the groundwork for her musical style, followed by the EP 'Glory' (2012), which displayed her ability to blend compelling beats with sharp lyrics. In 2014, her breakthrough album 'The New Classic' established her as a formidable force in the industry, with singles like 'Fancy' and 'Work' gaining international acclaim. Azalea's sophomore album, 'Digital Distortion', was initially slated for a 2016 release but faced delays, ultimately being shelved for a release of select singles only. Instead, Azalea returned with 'Survive the Summer' (2018), an EP that reaffirmed her place in the hip-hop echelon, displaying a refined sound marked by the single 'Kream'. In 2019, 'In My Defense', her second studio album, further expanded her narrative, offering a more personal perspective through tracks like 'Sally Walker'. The album debuted under her independent label, Bad Dreams, following her departure from mainstream labels. Despite setbacks, Azalea's tenacious spirit and her continued exploration of sounds and themes highlight her resilience and innovation. Her ability to consistently produce engaging and soulful music has secured her place in modern hip-hop culture, with a discography that continues to resonate with both old fans and new audiences.

Iggy Azalea's impressive catalog of hit songs and her chart performance showcase an artist who has masterfully intersected mainstream success with hip-hop authenticity. Her breakout single, 'Fancy', featuring Charli XCX, became an international sensation in 2014. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks, a record for a female rapper at the time, and was certified 7x Platinum by the RIAA. 'Black Widow', featuring Rita Ora, followed with similar success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving multiple platinum certifications. These tracks not only underscored Azalea's knack for crafting catchy hooks but also showcased her versatility in collaborating with top artists across genres. Other notable tracks include 'Work', which chronicles her journey from Australia to achieving her dreams in the US, and 'Kream', featuring Tyga, which was a notable hit off her EP 'Survive the Summer'. Songs like 'Sally Walker' and 'Started' from her album 'In My Defense' continue to garner millions of streams, reflecting her perpetual appeal. Azalea's chart-topping hits and their commercial performance underscore her ability to consistently deliver music that resonates with a wide audience, blending relatable themes with memorable melodies. Each release offers insight into her life and artistic evolution, further cementing her place in the annals of hip-hop history.

Throughout her career, Iggy Azalea has collaborated with an array of artists, contributing to her reputation as a versatile and dynamic performer. Her collaborations span genres and feature partnerships with some of the most celebrated names in the music industry. One of her notable early collaborations was with renowned rapper T.I., who played a pivotal role in her early career. Azalea's association with T.I.’s label, Grand Hustle Records, led to fruitful collaborations and mentoring that shaped her initial sound and public persona. The dynamic 'Fancy' with Charli XCX became one of Azalea's definitive tracks, while 'Black Widow' with Rita Ora highlighted her ability to blend pop and rap seamlessly. Her track 'Problem', where she featured alongside Ariana Grande, became a global hit, further showcasing her appeal across different musical landscapes. In addition to mainstream pop collaborations, Azalea has worked with artists like Tyga on 'Kream', Diplo in 'Beat Down', and Anitta in 'Switch', displaying her adeptness at crossing genre boundaries. These collaborations not only reinforced her credibility within the hip-hop community but also expanded her reach into diverse music markets. Her ability to adapt and shine in these partnerships is a testament to her artistry and commitment to musical exploration, ensuring that she remains a staple in the industry.

Iggy Azalea's impact on the music industry is underscored by her numerous awards and nominations. Her ability to dominate the charts has earned her significant accolades and recognition within the music community and beyond. Her breakthrough year in 2014 with 'The New Classic' brought her both critical acclaim and commercial success, resulting in several awards for the hit single 'Fancy'. Azalea was nominated for four Grammy Awards in 2015, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year for 'Fancy', a testament to her explosive entry into the music scene. She won the American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist the same year, further solidifying her presence in the industry. Other accolades include Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, which recognized her impactful music videos and chart dominance. Beyond music, Azalea's influence has been acknowledged across platforms, including Teen Choice Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards, reflecting her broad appeal and total influence. Her achievements in the face of industry challenges speak volumes about her resilience and commitment to her craft. Azalea's awards and nominations highlight her ability to blend commercial success with artistic talent, a combination that has earned her a lasting legacy in the hip-hop genre.