Iggy Azalea talks new album, her being signed, her creative process, and more.

I’m pretty sure by now many of you have heard of Iggy Azalea but if not, let me sum her up for you. Iggy is basically the extremely beautiful, super talented, and definitely fashion forward NEW face of female rap. :) With a hot mixtape titled “Ignorant Art” and a nice buzz, her presence is definitely making a statement. I had the opportunity to interview her, and this is what she had to say.

—I’ve personally been a fan of yours for quite some time now but it seems as though your buzz has increased heavily within the past few months, especially since this latest video of “The Last Song” dropped. It’s definitely been in the works, but how are you adjusting to this new found stardom?
Iggy: To me adjusting to ‘stardom’ isn’t really something I think about too much – I still feel like any other person. Adjusting to the work load has been the challenge, there’s a lot more going on in terms of business and balancing that with being in the studio is hard.

—How do you feel you’re being received by the hardcore lovers of rap?
Iggy: I can’t really say how I’m being received by ‘hardcore’ rap fans because its not something I spend time worrying about. If they like it, I love it and if they hate it, there’s someone else out there who won’t. I make music for whoever wants to listen. Doesn’t matter if you love Gaga, or Nas, I only care that you’re a fan of me too.

—Speaking of “The Last Song,” the viewership of that video skyrocketed with the quickness. What inspired you to do the contest to get the video to 500,000 views?
Iggy: I started the contest so that I can see who’s really supporting, what fans should be winning a free shirt and just a number that’s a deadline for it to close. I think its cool to have things that can’t just be bought, to get a ‘superior pu$$y’ shirt you have to be a true fan, you can’t just buy one.

—Did you expect it to do as well as it has?
Iggy: I thought the video was going to be something on a smaller scale of views that would more so be just a thing for the fans of my mixtape to enjoy. I say that because the song has no hook and its not catchy etc. I think “The Last Song” has done so well, I’m very proud of it and im happy to see so many fans really supporting me and helping to expose my music to the world. They are my hardest workers.

—Being that you’re back in the studio, what are you working on? A new mixtape or are you gearing up for your debut album?
Iggy: I am working on my album “The New Classic“, between now and then I will be releasing some promotional records and visuals as well as some new freestyles, just so that I can get an idea of what the fans love the most, what they want to hear on the album, and also to keep everyone content. My azaleans support me 100% and I think a huge part in keeping them happy is by giving them content.

—Over the last couple of months there have been many rumors regarding who you’re choosing to sign with. You even took to Twitter to explain that everything we (the readers) read, isn’t true. What’s important to you when looking at offers?
Iggy: When you’re asking for a big investment labels want to be sure you’re worth the risk. Also when a company is asking me to invest my time long term and sign with them, I want to be sure I love the people I’m going to be working with.

—Why is it taking you so long to decide?
Iggy: It’s taken a long time to decide because I had a figure in mind that I wasn’t going to compromise on. You cant rush a decision that big. I’ve decided on a label now and I will announce my label home in the next week or so, but for now I will say that I’m very happy with everything and it’s been well worth the wait.

—What do you think sets you apart from not only the female rappers who’ve come before you,but the other girls who are attempting to make a name for their self as well in the rap industry?
Iggy: I always say: I’m not here for anyone’s spot. I’ve got my own spot reserved. What I mean by that is, I’m the only person who can be Iggy Azalea. I have my own story and my own way of doing things, just as other artists have their’s. Everyone is different. I think just being the best me is what sets me apart.

—I’ve heard that Tupac, Andre 3K, Kanye, and even Grace Kelly are some of your inspirations. Do you have any female rap inspirations?
Iggy: I love Missy Elliott. To me she’s an inspiration because she broke the mold. She came at a time when it wasn’t popular to look the way she did but she owned it and she made it cool to just be you. She is a great rapper but she also isn’t afraid to have fun with her lyrics and her visuals. She has songs that are sexual in nature but she did it in a way that made you feel powerful as a woman listening, and I find all those things really inspiring.

—I think all artists have their list of “things” they do to get their mojo flowing. What’s your creative process? What gets Iggy in her mode?
Iggy: Just living life, conversations I have with my friends etc. My dad always says “Don’t get so busy that you forget to just live life.” I think making sure you do things outside of music is healthy for inspiration. Going out and seeing a movie, jogging, having a girls night. LIFE is the biggest inspiration of all.

—What’s one song out NOW that you would’ve loved to be featured on?
Iggy: I would’ve loved to have been on Drake’s song ‘The Motto’ its a really fun song, it’s up tempo and I can see myself on the record.

—A lot of people who are just now getting into you may not know your journey. Can you shed a little light on your journey from Australia to the states, what inspired you to chase your dream, and some of the sacrifices you’ve made to do what you love?
Iggy: I dropped out of school and moved to Miami when I was 16, between then and now I’ve lived in Texas, Georgia and California chasing my dream of being a rapper. I was inspired to come to America because I love hip hop and this is where it was birthed. I wanted to be around the culture and try to surround myself with the best teachers. I’ve made the same sacrifices as anyone chasing a dream whole heartedly, but talking about going without for some reason always makes me feel like I’m complaining, so I don’t.

—And final question, are there any words of advice you’d give to your fans?
Iggy: I’d just say, take the time to learn who you are: faults and all. Once you’ve found yourself and become someone you really love and are proud of: don’t let anyone convince you anything else could be better.

******** Dope interview, and you can see behind the beauty is a master mind. Mad love To Iggy and Peezy for agreeing to do this for me. And shoutouts to Assante, Rashaun, and Kahlib for the help!