Iggy Azalea, born Amethyst Amelia Kelly on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia, is a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her unique style and significant contributions to hip hop and pop music. See more of her here.
Growing up in the small town of Mullumbimby in New South Wales, Iggy’s early life was shaped by her artistic family. Her father, Brendan Kelly, was an artist and children’s book author, while her mother, Tanya, worked as a cleaner. This artistic environment fostered her creative inclinations from a young age.
At the age of 12, Iggy developed a deep passion for hip hop, inspired by artists like Tupac, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes. Her fascination with the genre was further fueled by her experiences during a road trip to the United States with her grandparents in 2001. This journey exposed her to the vibrant music scene in cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, igniting her desire to pursue a career in music. However, feeling isolated in Australia, she turned to the internet to connect with the global hip hop community, sharing her raps with friends and seeking feedback.
In pursuit of her dreams, Iggy moved to the United States shortly before her 16th birthday. Initially residing in Miami, Florida, she later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she connected with influential figures in the music industry, including rapper T.I. It was in Atlanta that she began to hone her craft, collaborating with local artists and producers. Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she released her debut mixtape, Ignorant Art, which garnered attention for its bold lyrics and distinctive sound.
Iggy’s rise to fame accelerated with the release of her music videos for “Pussy” and “Two Times,” which went viral on YouTube. These early successes led to a recording contract with T.I.’s Grand Hustle label. In 2014, she released her debut studio album, The New Classic, which received mixed reviews but achieved commercial success, peaking in the top five of several charts worldwide. The album featured hit singles like “Work” and “Fancy,” the latter of which topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “Fancy,” Iggy made history by becoming the first non-American female rapper to reach the top of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
Throughout her career, Iggy Azalea has received numerous accolades, including two American Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and four Grammy nominations. Her collaborations with other artists, such as Ariana Grande on the single “Problem,” further solidified her status in the music industry. In fact, she became only the second artist, after The Beatles, to hold the number one and two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously with her debut releases.
Despite her success, Iggy’s journey has not been without challenges. She faced criticism and scrutiny from the media, particularly regarding her authenticity as a rapper and her public persona. Nevertheless, she continued to evolve as an artist, releasing additional projects like the EP Survive the Summer in 2018 and her second studio album, In My Defense, in 2019. In 2021, she released her third studio album, The End of an Era, marking a significant milestone in her career.
In her personal life, Iggy Azalea has been open about her experiences, including her relationships and struggles with fame. In June 2020, she announced the birth of her son, Onyx, sharing her desire to keep his life private while expressing her love for him. This new chapter in her life has influenced her music and artistic direction.
Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters), Iggy’s striking appearance and distinctive style have made her a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry. Her journey from a small-town girl in Australia to a global music sensation is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. As she continues to navigate the complexities of the music industry, Iggy Azalea remains a significant influence in hip hop and pop culture, inspiring aspiring artists around the world.
