From Obscurity To Stardom: Iggy Azalea's Journey Before Fame

Who was Iggy Azalea before she became famous? Born Amethyst Amelia Kelly in Sydney, Australia, Iggy Azalea's journey to stardom began with a passion for music and a determination to make it in the industry.

Before her breakthrough in the United States, Iggy Azalea was known for her early work in Australia, where she released mixtapes and collaborated with local artists. In 2011, she relocated to the US to pursue her music career more seriously, and it was there that she gained wider recognition and success.

Iggy Azalea's rise to fame was not without its challenges. She faced criticism and skepticism from some who questioned her authenticity and her ability to connect with American audiences. However, she persevered and eventually broke through with her hit single "Fancy" in 2014, which topped the charts worldwide and solidified her status as a global superstar.

Iggy Azalea's story is an inspiring one, demonstrating the power of determination and perseverance. It also highlights the importance of embracing your dreams and overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

Iggy Azalea Before Fame

Iggy Azalea's journey to stardom was shaped by a number of key aspects:

• Musical Influences: Iggy Azalea cites Missy Elliott, Tupac Shakur, and Lil' Kim as her biggest musical influences.
• Early Collaborations: Before releasing her own music, Iggy Azalea collaborated with Australian artists such as T.I. and Tyga.
• Relocation to the US: In 2011, Iggy Azalea moved to the United States to pursue her music career more seriously.
• Mixtapes and EPs: Iggy Azalea released a number of mixtapes and EPs before her breakthrough single, "Fancy."
• Breakthrough Single: "Fancy" was released in 2014 and became a global hit, reaching number one in several countries.
• Debut Album: Iggy Azalea's debut album, "The New Classic," was released in 2014 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

These key aspects highlight Iggy Azalea's determination and perseverance in pursuing her music career. She faced challenges and skepticism along the way, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful rapper.

Musical Influences

The musical influences that shaped Iggy Azalea's early career played a significant role in her rise to fame. Missy Elliott, Tupac Shakur, and Lil' Kim are all iconic figures in hip hop and rap music, and their influence can be heard in Iggy Azalea's own music.

Missy Elliott's innovative and experimental approach to hip hop had a major impact on Iggy Azalea's sound. Elliott's use of different tempos, rhythms, and melodies helped to shape Iggy Azalea's own eclectic style.

Tupac Shakur's powerful and socially conscious lyrics also had a significant impact on Iggy Azalea. Shakur's ability to speak to the experiences of the marginalized and oppressed resonated with Iggy Azalea, and her own music often reflects similar themes.

Lil' Kim's confident and assertive lyrics were another major influence on Iggy Azalea. Lil' Kim's ability to rap about sex and sexuality in a way that was both empowering and provocative inspired Iggy Azalea to do the same.

The influence of these three artists can be heard throughout Iggy Azalea's music. Her debut album, "The New Classic," features songs that are both catchy and meaningful, and her lyrics often address issues of race, gender, and sexuality.

Iggy Azalea's musical influences helped to shape her into the artist she is today. Her ability to blend different styles and genres has created a unique and distinctive sound that has resonated with audiences around the world.

Early Collaborations

Iggy Azalea's early collaborations with other artists played a significant role in her rise to fame. By working with established artists, she was able to gain exposure to a wider audience and build a following for her own music.

• Networking and Exposure: Collaborating with other artists allowed Iggy Azalea to connect with industry professionals and gain exposure to a wider audience. This helped her to build a network of contacts and establish herself as a serious artist.
• Learning and Development: Working with more experienced artists gave Iggy Azalea the opportunity to learn from their expertise and develop her own skills as a rapper and songwriter. This helped her to improve her craft and create better music.
• Building a Buzz: Iggy Azalea's collaborations with other artists helped to create a buzz around her music and generate anticipation for her own solo projects. This helped to build excitement and interest among fans and industry professionals alike.
• Showcasing Her Talent: Collaborations allowed Iggy Azalea to showcase her talent and demonstrate her versatility as an artist. By working with different artists, she was able to experiment with different styles and sounds, which helped to establish her own unique identity.

Overall, Iggy Azalea's early collaborations with other artists were a key factor in her rise to fame. They helped her to gain exposure, develop her skills, and build a following for her own music.

Relocation to the US

Iggy Azalea's decision to relocate to the United States in 2011 was a pivotal moment in her career. It marked a shift from her early beginnings in Australia to a more focused pursuit of success in the global music industry.

There were several reasons why Iggy Azalea chose to move to the United States. Firstly, the US is home to a thriving hip hop and rap scene, with a large and diverse audience. This provided Iggy Azalea with a much greater opportunity to reach a wider audience and build a following for her music.

Secondly, the US is a major hub for the music industry, with a wealth of resources and opportunities for artists. Iggy Azalea was able to connect with record labels, producers, and other industry professionals, which helped her to develop her career and take her music to the next level.

The decision to relocate to the US was not without its challenges. Iggy Azalea had to leave behind her family and friends in Australia, and she had to adapt to a new culture and way of life. However, she was determined to succeed, and she worked hard to establish herself in the US music scene.

Iggy Azalea's relocation to the US was a key factor in her rise to fame. It gave her the opportunity to reach a wider audience, connect with industry professionals, and develop her career. Her success story is an inspiration to other aspiring artists who are willing to take risks and pursue their dreams.

Mixtapes and EPs

Mixtapes and EPs played a crucial role in Iggy Azalea's rise to fame before her breakthrough single, "Fancy." These releases allowed her to showcase her talent, build a following, and experiment with different musical styles.

Mixtapes are typically self-released and contain a collection of songs, often including freestyles and collaborations with other artists. EPs are similar to mixtapes, but they are usually shorter and more focused, often containing a cohesive set of songs that explore a particular theme or sound.

Iggy Azalea released a number of mixtapes and EPs in the years leading up to her breakthrough. These releases helped her to gain recognition within the hip hop community and build a loyal following of fans. Her mixtapes and EPs also allowed her to experiment with different musical styles and develop her own unique sound.

For example, her 2011 mixtape, "Ignorant Art," featured a mix of hip hop, pop, and R&B influences. Her 2012 EP, "Glory," showcased her more introspective and personal side. And her 2013 mixtape, "The New Classic," featured a more polished and commercial sound that would eventually lead to her breakthrough.

Iggy Azalea's mixtapes and EPs were essential to her development as an artist and her rise to fame. They allowed her to connect with her audience, experiment with different musical styles, and build a strong foundation for her career.

Breakthrough Single

Iggy Azalea's breakthrough single, "Fancy," was a pivotal moment in her career. It was the song that catapulted her to international fame and solidified her status as a global superstar. The song's success was due to a number of factors, including its catchy melody, its clever lyrics, and its star-studded music video.

"Fancy" was released in 2014 and quickly climbed the charts around the world. It reached number one in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The song was also a critical success, winning Iggy Azalea a number of awards, including an American Music Award and a Grammy Award nomination.

The success of "Fancy" had a major impact on Iggy Azalea's career. It helped her to break into the mainstream and reach a wider audience. It also established her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Prior to the release of "Fancy," Iggy Azalea had been working hard to build her career. She had released a number of mixtapes and EPs, and she had collaborated with a number of other artists. However, it was "Fancy" that finally brought her the mainstream success that she had been working towards.

The success of "Fancy" is a testament to Iggy Azalea's talent and hard work. It is also a reminder of the importance of having a breakthrough single. A breakthrough single can be the difference between a successful career and a career that never takes off.

Debut Album

The release of Iggy Azalea's debut album, "The New Classic," was a major milestone in her career. It was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and it marked her arrival as a major force in the music industry.

• Critical Acclaim: "The New Classic" received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising Iggy Azalea's rapping skills and her ability to craft catchy pop songs. The album was also a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over one million copies worldwide.
• Commercial Success: The success of "The New Classic" helped to solidify Iggy Azalea's status as a global superstar. The album spawned several hit singles, including "Fancy" and "Black Widow," which both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• Musical Evolution: "The New Classic" showcased Iggy Azalea's musical evolution. The album featured a more polished and commercial sound than her previous mixtapes and EPs, and it demonstrated her ability to appeal to a wider audience.
• Cultural Impact: "The New Classic" had a significant cultural impact. It helped to introduce Iggy Azalea to a global audience and it played a role in the rise of female rappers in the mainstream. The album also inspired a number of other artists, including Cardi B and Nicki Minaj.

The release of "The New Classic" was a major turning point in Iggy Azalea's career. It marked her arrival as a major force in the music industry and it helped to solidify her status as a global superstar.

Frequently Asked Questions about Iggy Azalea Before Fame

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about Iggy Azalea's early life and career.

Question 1: Was Iggy Azalea born in the United States?

No, Iggy Azalea was born in Sydney, Australia, on June 7, 1990.

Question 2: What was Iggy Azalea's original name?

Iggy Azalea's original name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly.

Question 3: What were Iggy Azalea's musical influences?

Iggy Azalea cites Missy Elliott, Tupac Shakur, and Lil' Kim as her biggest musical influences.

Question 4: When did Iggy Azalea move to the United States?

Iggy Azalea moved to the United States in 2011 to pursue her music career more seriously.

Question 5: What was Iggy Azalea's breakthrough single?

Iggy Azalea's breakthrough single was "Fancy," which was released in 2014 and reached number one in several countries.

Question 6: What was the name of Iggy Azalea's debut album?

Iggy Azalea's debut album was "The New Classic," which was released in 2014 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Summary: Iggy Azalea's journey to fame was shaped by her determination, perseverance, and musical talent. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, she never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful rapper.

Transition to the next article section: Iggy Azalea's rise to fame is an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. Her story demonstrates the importance of hard work, dedication, and never giving up on your dreams.

Conclusion

Iggy Azalea's journey to fame is an inspiring story of determination, perseverance, and musical talent. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, she never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful rapper.

Iggy Azalea's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She is an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere, and her music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.