Last Updated on 12 months by Francis
Amethyst Kelly is a talented Australian rapper and singer, better known by her stage name Iggy Azalea. She rose to fame in 2014 with her debut album “The New Classic” and has since become one of the most recognizable and influential female artists in the music industry. In this article, we’ll dive into Iggy Azalea’s background, early life, and rise to fame, shedding light on who she is as an artist and person.
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The Early Years
A Star is Born
Amethyst Kelly, better known by her stage name Iggy Azalea, was born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia. She was born to Tanya and Brendan Kelly, who were immigrants from New South Wales. Her father was an artist and a comic book writer, and her mother worked in a hotel.
A Rough Childhood
Iggy Azalea had a difficult childhood. Her family struggled financially, and her parents split up when she was very young. Her father moved to the United States, and her mother raised her and her younger sister in a rough part of Sydney. As a child, she was bullied and ostracized by her peers because of her appearance and her love for hip-hop music.
A Passion for Hip-Hop
Despite the challenges she faced, Iggy Azalea developed a deep passion for hip-hop music. She began writing her own lyrics at a young age and was heavily influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur and Missy Elliott.
The Rise to Fame
Moving to America
In 2006, when Iggy Azalea was 16 years old, she dropped out of high school and moved to the United States to pursue a career in music. She initially settled in Miami, where she worked illegally and struggled to make ends meet.
Making a Name for Herself
In 2011, Iggy Azalea released her first mixtape, “Ignorant Art,” which gained a significant following on social media. She followed this up with her second mixtape, “TrapGold,” which caught the attention of record labels. In 2012, she signed with Grand Hustle Records, and in 2014, she released her debut album, “The New Classic,” which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite her success, Iggy Azalea has faced numerous controversies and criticisms throughout her career. She has been accused of cultural appropriation and has faced backlash for her use of African American Vernacular English in her lyrics. In 2015, she canceled her Great Escape Tour due to poor ticket sales, which led to rumors that her career was in decline.
The Legacy of Iggy Azalea
A Voice for Women in Hip-Hop
Despite the controversies she has faced, Iggy Azalea has been a trailblazer for women in hip-hop. She has broken down barriers and paved the way for other female rappers to follow in her footsteps. She has also used her platform to advocate for women’s rights and equality.
An Inspiration to Fans
Iggy Azalea’s music has inspired countless fans around the world. Her lyrics about overcoming adversity and pursuing your dreams have resonated with many people, particularly young girls and women. She has been a role model and a source of inspiration for those who have faced similar challenges in their own lives.
A Lasting Impact on Hip-Hop
Iggy Azalea’s impact on hip-hop will be felt for years to come. She has brought a fresh perspective to the genre and has challenged traditional notions of what a rapper should look and sound like. Her contributions to hip-hop will be remembered as an important part of the genre’s history.
FAQs for Who Was Born Amethyst Kelly
Amethyst Kelly is an Australian rapper, singer, and songwriter who is better known by her stage name Iggy Azalea. She was born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, Australia. Iggy Azalea gained recognition for her music after moving to the United States in 2006.
Why did Amethyst Kelly choose the name Iggy Azalea?
Amethyst Kelly chose the name Iggy Azalea because Iggy was her childhood nickname, and Azalea came from the name of the street she grew up on. She officially changed her name to Iggy Azalea before her move to the United States in 2006.
When did Iggy Azalea first become popular?
Iggy Azalea gained popularity after releasing her music videos on YouTube in 2011. Her first music video, “PU$$Y,” went viral and garnered millions of views. She signed a record deal with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Records in 2012, and her debut studio album, “The New Classic,” was released in 2014.
What are some of Iggy Azalea’s biggest hits?
Iggy Azalea has had several popular hits since her debut, including “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX, “Black Widow” featuring Rita Ora, and “Problem” with Ariana Grande. She has also released successful albums such as “In My Defense” and “Survive the Summer.”
What awards has Iggy Azalea won?
Iggy Azalea has won several awards for her music throughout her career, including a Billboard Music Award, an MTV Video Music Award, and a People’s Choice Award. She has also been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
