Iggy Azalea Australian-American hip-hop artist and songwriter Date of Birth: 07.06.1990 Country: Australia

1. Early Life and Influences
2. Career Beginnings
3. Rise to Fame
4. Debut Album and Commercial Success
5. Modeling and Endorsements
6. Personal Life
7. Influences and Artistic Style

Early Life and Influences

Amethyst Amelia Kelly, known by her stage name Iggy Azalea, was born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney and raised in Mullumbimby, New South Wales, Australia. Her father, Brendan Kelly, was an artist and comic book creator, while her mother, Tanya, worked as a cleaner. Azalea's interest in music emerged at an early age, inspired by Tupac Shakur's "Baby Don't Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II)" and the works of Beyoncé and Missy Elliott.

Career Beginnings

At 14, Azalea began rapping and formed a group with two neighborhood girls. However, her aspirations were not taken seriously, and she left the group. Determined to move to America, she dropped out of school and saved money by working with her mother as a hotel cleaner. In 2006, Azalea traveled to the U.S. with the intention of not returning home.

Rise to Fame

In the U.S., Azalea obtained a GED and lived under the visa waiver program for six years. She gained recognition after releasing the music videos for "Pu$$y" and "Two Times" on YouTube. In 2012, she signed with rapper T.I.'s label Grand Hustle Records after her mixtape "Ignorant Art" garnered significant attention.

Debut Album and Commercial Success

Azalea's debut studio album, "The New Classic," was released in 2014 and peaked in the top 5 of several global charts. It included the lead single "Work" and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart hit "Fancy." Azalea also featured on Ariana Grande's single "Problem," which reached number two on the Billboard chart.

Modeling and Endorsements

Beyond music, Azalea has pursued a modeling career. She signed with Wilhelmina Models International Inc. in 2012 and has collaborated with brands such as Levi's, Steve Madden, and Forever 21. She became an ambassador for the Australian company Bonds in 2015.

Personal Life

Azalea has been in relationships with rapper A$AP Rocky and basketball player Nick Young. She and Young were engaged from 2015 to 2016. In 2015, Azalea revealed that she had undergone breast augmentation surgery.

Influences and Artistic Style

Azalea's Southern American accent and lyrical style are influenced by her experiences living in the South. Her debut EP "Glory" showcases a focus on hardcore rap, while singles like "Fancy" and "Team" have been categorized as electro-hop. Azalea has cited Beyoncé and Missy Elliott as her inspirations. She also directs several of her own music videos, valuing the visual aspects of her art.