Iggy Azalea Thinks She Sparked A Change In Hip-Hop

It can be hard to see yourself as others see you. Iggy Azalea has become, well, embattled. Though her 2014 album, The New Classic, spawned several hits and is nominated for four Grammys, the latter half of the year saw the Australian rapper fielding vitriol from every direction. Azealia Banks, Q-Tip, and seemingly everyone in between took it upon themselves to set Azalea straight, with varying levels of malice and to varying degrees of success.

The point of contention, almost always, is pale and unavoidable. Azalea is white, from Australia, and raps like she is neither. Her detractors say this is at best disingenuous, at worst minstrelsy. Azalea has maintained that she is staying true to both her roots and to the music with which she fell in love.

In a new interview with GQ, believes her presence in hip-hop has been a force for good. "I was a fan of rap music growing up, and I didn't feel like there were enough characters that represented me and my situation," says Azalea. "So I think [my presence is] needed." The "Fancy" rapper goes on to add, "At the very worst, if I have a short-lived career, at least I could say I sparked a change—that I inspired some leniency in what people accept in hip-hop."

Azalea's first arena tour begins in April.

[GQ]

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