Iggy Azalea

Biography:

Amethyst Amelia Kelly, professionally known as Iggy Azalea, is an Australian rapper, singer, songwriter, and model who gained international fame with her distinctive style and chart-topping hits. Born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia, she moved to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in music. ​

Early Life and Background

Iggy Azalea was born to Brendan Kelly, a painter and comic artist, and Tanya Kelly, a cleaner. She spent her formative years in Mullumbimby, New South Wales, where she lived in a house constructed by her family using mud bricks. Azalea began rapping at the age of 14 and formed a group with two other girls from her neighborhood. However, she eventually decided to pursue a solo career, feeling that her group members lacked the same dedication. To save money for her move to America, she left high school and worked alongside her mother cleaning hotel rooms and holiday houses. ​

Move to the United States and Career Beginnings

Before turning 16, Azalea traveled to the United States, initially telling her parents she was going on a holiday with a friend. Upon arrival, she informed them of her decision to stay and pursue her music career. She resided in the U.S. on a visa waiver for six years, renewing it every three months by returning to Australia. During this period, she lived in various cities, including Miami, Houston, and Atlanta, collaborating with local artists and honing her craft. ​

Breakthrough and Mainstream Success

Azalea gained public attention after releasing music videos for her songs "Pu$$y" and "Two Times" on YouTube, which went viral. In September 2011, she released her debut mixtape, "Ignorant Art," aiming to challenge societal norms and redefine perceptions of art. Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut studio album, "The New Classic," in 2014. The album featured the hit single "Fancy," a collaboration with British singer Charli XCX, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a global success. This achievement made Azalea the fourth female rapper to reach number one on the Hot 100. ​

Subsequent Projects and Collaborations

Following her initial success, Azalea continued to release music and collaborate with various artists. In 2019, she released her second studio album, "In My Defense," followed by "The End of an Era" in 2021. Throughout her career, she has worked with notable artists such as Ariana Grande on the hit single "Problem," which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, and Rita Ora on "Black Widow," which also achieved significant chart success. ​

Personal Life and Ventures

Azalea's personal life has often been in the public eye. She has been linked to relationships with fellow rapper A$AP Rocky and NBA player Nick Young. In 2020, she welcomed her first child, Onyx, with rapper Playboi Carti. Beyond music, Azalea has ventured into modeling, signing with Wilhelmina Models and becoming the "New Face of Levi Jeans" in 2012. In recent years, she has also explored other business opportunities, including launching her own cryptocurrency, "Mother Iggy" ($MOTHER), and creating content on platforms like OnlyFans, reportedly earning significant income from these endeavors.

Legacy and Influence

Iggy Azalea's journey from a small town in Australia to international stardom exemplifies her determination and resilience. Despite facing challenges and controversies throughout her career, she has remained a prominent figure in the music industry, breaking barriers for female rappers and influencing a new generation of artists.