Net Worth | $15 million |
---|---|
Full Name | Amethyst Amelia Kelly |
Known as | Iggy Azalea |
Born | 7th of June in 1990 |
Place of birth | Ryde Hospital, Sydney, Australia |
Age | 33 years old (as of 2023) |
Nationality | Australian |
Zodiac sign | Gemini |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Religion | Christianity |
Height | 5′ 8″ (1.78 m) |
Weight | 154 pounds (70 kg) |
Occupation | Rapper, model |
Years active | 2011–present |
Notable work | The New Classic |
Notable awards | 2x American Music Awards |
Amethyst Amelia Kelly, the creative force behind the stage name Iggy Azalea, is a multifaceted Australian talent who has left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment. At the tender age of 16, she embarked on a life-altering journey, leaving her native Australia behind to chase her dreams in the United States. This decision set the stage for a career that would earn her international acclaim as a rapper, songwriter, and model.
Azalea’s rise to fame was punctuated by a series of bold moves, beginning with the release of her early music videos for songs like “Pussy” and “Two Times” on YouTube. These videos caught the attention of a global audience and served as a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft. Her tenacity led to the release of her debut mixtape, “Ignorant Art,” in 2011, marking the inception of a promising career.
Shortly thereafter, Azalea signed a pivotal recording contract with American rapper T.I.’s Grand Hustle label, further solidifying her place in the music industry. Her debut studio album, “The New Classic,” released in 2014, made waves internationally, securing her a spot among the top five on various charts. While opinions within the industry were mixed, Azalea’s album soared to the pinnacle of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, an achievement that underscored her trailblazing status as the first non-American female rapper to attain such recognition.
The success of “The New Classic” was propelled by hit singles like “Work” and the chart-topping “Fancy” featuring Charli XCX, both of which earned prominent positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Azalea’s collaboration with Ariana Grande on the 2014 single “Problem” further solidified her presence in the music scene, as it ranked at number two, just behind “Fancy.” This extraordinary feat saw Azalea join the elite ranks of The Beatles as the only musical act to simultaneously hold the number one and two spots on the Hot 100 with debut appearances on the chart. Furthermore, she achieved another milestone by securing three top-ten hits concurrently on the Hot 100 with the aforementioned songs and the album’s fifth single, “Black Widow,” featuring Rita Ora.
Azalea’s journey in the music industry has been marked by highs and challenges alike. Despite facing conflicts with her label and personal struggles, she persevered, releasing the EP “Survive the Summer” in 2018 under Island Records. Her determination eventually led her to become an independent artist, launching her label, Bad Dreams, through a distribution deal with Empire. Her sophomore album, “In My Defense,” arrived in 2019, followed by the EP “Wicked Lips” later that year and her third studio album, “The End of an Era,” in 2021.
Azalea’s illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, including two American Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, a People’s Choice Award, four Teen Choice Awards, and four Grammy Award nominations. Her official YouTube channel boasts a staggering 3.4 billion views, with 15 music videos crossing the 100 million-view mark on Vevo.
This article unravels the extraordinary journey of Iggy Azalea, a trailblazing artist who has transcended boundaries and achieved remarkable success in the world of music and entertainment. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, talent, and unwavering passion.
Biography
Iggy Azalea, whose real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly, was born on June 7, 1990, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. As of 2023, she is 33 years old. Born under the sign of Gemini, she has consistently displayed the duality and adaptability associated with her zodiac sign.
Raised in a Christian household, Azalea’s early years in Sydney provided her with a solid foundation and a diverse cultural backdrop. Her Australian nationality is a point of pride that she carries with her throughout her international career. From these early beginnings, she would go on to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.
Azalea’s unique blend of Australian upbringing and her bold American dream culminated in a career that transcends borders, languages, and musical genres. Her journey from Sydney to the United States became the launchpad for a remarkable career that continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Amethyst Amelia Kelly, born in Sydney and raised in the picturesque surroundings of Mullumbimby, New South Wales, experienced a unique childhood that would later influence her life and career. Her father, Brendan Kelly, was not just a painter but also a talented comic artist. On the other hand, her mother, Tanya, earned a living by cleaning holiday houses and hotels, instilling in Azalea a strong work ethic from an early age.
Azalea’s formative years were spent in a distinctive home, a house her father had painstakingly crafted from mud bricks, nestled amidst a sprawling 5-hectare (12-acre) property. It was in this unconventional yet artistically enriched environment that her father introduced her to the world of art, an influence that would resonate throughout her life and creative work.
From a young age, Azalea exhibited a passion for music and began rapping at the tender age of 14. In her early musical pursuits, she formed a group with two other girls from her neighborhood, envisioning a future akin to the iconic girl group TLC. Her determination was palpable, with Azalea declaring herself as the rapper: “I was like, I could be the rapper. This could be like TLC.
Despite her talent and determination, Azalea’s heart was set on pursuing her American dream. In pursuit of this dream, she made a significant sacrifice by dropping out of high school. Instead of traditional education, she channeled her energy into working alongside her mother, cleaning hotel rooms and holiday houses to save money for her journey to the United States.
Azalea’s memories of school were far from fond; apart from her art class, she found the experience to be profoundly unsatisfying, devoid of friends, and plagued by teasing due to her homemade outfits. It was this sense of being an outsider in her own country that fueled her desire to move to America. She was drawn to the birthplace of hip-hop, feeling that proximity to the music she loved would bring her happiness: “I was in love with hip-hop, and America is the birthplace of that, so I figured the closer I was to the music, the happier I’d be.
Azalea’s journey in the United States was marked by determination and persistence. She pursued her General Educational Development (GED) after arriving in the country, ensuring she had the necessary educational qualifications. However, she faced the challenges of residing in the U.S. on a visa waiver for six years, requiring her to return to Australia every three months to renew her status. During this period, she worked in the U.S. despite not having the legal right to do so, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her music and her dreams.
In February 2013, Azalea’s dedication paid off when she was granted a five-year O visa, legitimizing her presence in the country. Her decision to adopt the stage name “Iggy” was a personal one, inspired by her beloved dog. Finally, in 2018, she achieved another milestone when she was approved as a permanent U.S. resident, solidifying her place in the American cultural landscape. Azalea’s journey from a small Australian town to the epicenter of the music industry in the United States is a testament to her resilience, ambition, and unwavering pursuit of her dreams.
Career and Work
Iggy Azalea’s journey from her native Australia to the heart of the American music industry is a testament to her unwavering determination and pursuit of her passion. When she arrived in the United States in 2006, her first stop was Miami, Florida, followed by a brief stint in Houston, Texas. However, it was in Atlanta, Georgia, where she began to make significant strides in her career.
During her time in Atlanta, Azalea had the opportunity to collaborate with Backbone, a member of the influential rap collective Dungeon Family. It was here that she also crossed paths with future collaborators FKi and Natalie Sims. Despite facing initial skepticism about her talents, Azalea’s resilience allowed her to persevere in the face of criticism, drawing on her experiences of being an outsider.
While in Atlanta, Azalea encountered a representative from Interscope Records, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to make the move to Los Angeles. It was during this pivotal time that she adopted her stage name, a fusion of her beloved childhood dog, Iggy, and the street where she grew up, Azalea Street – a name that would become synonymous with her burgeoning career.
Her journey toward musical recognition began in earnest on September 27, 2011, with the release of her first full-length project, the mixtape titled “Ignorant Art.” The mixtape featured standout tracks like “Pussy” and garnered attention from notable artists, including YG, Joe Moses, Chevy Jones, and Problem.
In November 2011, Azalea released the music video for “My World,” directed by Alex/2tone, which gained popularity online due to its cameo appearance by character actor and former wrestler Tiny Lister. The video showcased a unique blend of ’90s video aesthetics and contemporary creativity.
Azalea’s ambitions extended beyond mixtapes, as she revealed plans for her debut studio album, “The New Classic.” Her journey led her to sign with Interscope Records, a pivotal step in her burgeoning career. Her stage name, rooted in personal history and her passion for music, became a symbol of her dedication.
Throughout 2013, Azalea’s career continued to ascend. She embarked on a tour as the opening act for Rita Ora’s Radioactive Tour in the United Kingdom. During this tour, she premiered her commercial debut single, “Work,” which would go on to become the lead single for her debut album.
Azalea’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, as she signed a record deal with Mercury Records on February 13, 2013. This marked a significant milestone in her journey, further solidifying her presence in the music industry.
Her debut single, “Work,” was accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Jonas & François, released on March 13, 2013. The video showcased Azalea’s unique style and set the stage for her rising popularity.
Azalea’s performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry, Northern Ireland, in May 2013 marked a pivotal moment in her career. Her carnival-themed set was met with acclaim and included songs from previous EPs and album material, setting the stage for her forthcoming album.
The release of “Fancy” in May 2014 catapulted Azalea to new heights. The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the fourth solo female rapper ever to achieve this feat. Simultaneously, “Problem” rose to number two on the Hot 100, an achievement that placed Azalea in the elite company of The Beatles, the only artist to rank at numbers one and two together with their first two Hot 100 entries.
“Fancy” also dominated the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, solidifying Azalea’s status as a musical powerhouse. Her song “Black Widow,” featuring Rita Ora, further underscored her impact, eventually reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
To enhance her debut album, “The New Classic,” Azalea released a reissue titled “Reclassified” in November 2014, featuring new songs such as “Beg for It” and “Trouble.”
Azalea’s commitment to her craft continued as she embarked on her second studio album in January 2015, taking significant creative risks to redefine her sound and style. Collaborations with artists like Britney Spears on “Pretty Girls” demonstrated her versatility and willingness to experiment with her music.
In October 2015, she revealed the title of her second album, “Digital Distortion.” Although the project faced delays and creative shifts, Azalea remained resolute in her pursuit of musical excellence.
The release of her EP, “Survive the Summer,” marked a transition in Azalea’s career. She founded her record label, New Classic Records, in November 2018, emphasizing her newfound independence and creative control. She signed a partnership deal with Empire Distribution, further showcasing her determination to forge her path.
Throughout her career, Azalea’s music has resonated with audiences around the world, and her contributions to the music industry continue to be recognized. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft, creative evolution, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Net Worth
Iggy Azalea’s impressive career in music, entertainment, and entrepreneurship has translated into a substantial net worth. As of the most recent estimates, her net worth stands at approximately $15 million. Azalea’s financial success is a reflection of her talent, hard work, and ability to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
Family and Relationship
Iggy Azalea is the daughter of Brendan Kelly and Tanya, two individuals who played essential roles in her upbringing and early life in Australia. Her father, Brendan Kelly, was not only a painter but also a comic artist, contributing to her creative upbringing.
In late 2011, Azalea’s romantic journey took a public turn when she began dating American rapper A$AP Rocky. They crossed paths through their mutual acquaintance, American record producer Chase N. Cashe. Azalea confirmed their relationship in a January 2012 interview with Vibe magazine. This period marked a significant chapter in her life, as she even had the title of Rocky’s breakout mixtape, “Live. Love. A$AP,” tattooed on her fingers, a symbol of their connection. She mentioned that both of them had tattoos dedicated to their relationship, although Rocky’s tattoos were not visible. However, their romance faced ups and downs, and in July 2012, Rocky announced that they were no longer dating. Azalea later decided to remove her tattoo, with the word “A$AP” crossed out, signifying the end of that chapter.
In November 2013, Azalea embarked on a new romantic journey, this time with Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Nick Young. Their relationship garnered attention, and they were featured in the March 2014 issue of GQ magazine. The couple lived together in Tarzana, California, and on June 1, 2015, they announced their engagement, marking a significant milestone in their love story. However, in June 2016, Azalea revealed that she and Young had parted ways after a video surfaced online showing Young making remarks about infidelity.
In 2016, Azalea had a brief romance with Moroccan-American rapper French Montana, adding another chapter to her romantic history.
In late 2018, Azalea entered into a relationship with American rapper Playboi Carti. Their relationship became the subject of public interest, but it reportedly ended in December 2019. However, in June 2020, Azalea announced the birth of her son with Carti, revealing her new role as a mother. Later that October, she clarified that she was raising her son independently and not in a relationship.
In December of the same year, Azalea shared that Carti had cheated on her and missed their son’s birth. Additionally, he had refused to sign their son’s birth certificate, marking the conclusion of this tumultuous relationship.
Achievements and Awards
Iggy Azalea’s remarkable journey in the music industry has been punctuated by a slew of prestigious awards and nominations, a testament to her unique contributions and undeniable talent. She etched her name in history as the first female and non-American rapper to grace XXL’s esteemed “Top 10 Freshman List.” In 2014, she clinched two coveted American Music Awards in the Rap/Hip-Hop categories and amassed an impressive four more nominations, solidifying her influence in the genre. Azalea’s collaboration with Ariana Grande earned her an MTV Video Music Award, and she earned an impressive seven additional nominations, emerging as the most nominated artist at these award shows during that edition.
Her popularity extended to the younger demographic, earning her three Teen Choice Awards. On the global stage, she added an MTV Europe Music Award to her trophy collection. In acknowledgment of her breakthrough in the music industry, she received the 2014 ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist and further validation came in the form of the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Hip-Hop Artist in 2015. In Australia, Azalea’s achievements reached a pinnacle as she claimed the top spot on the Maxim Hot 100 list in 2014, a reflection of her remarkable year. She also secured her place at number 46 on the 2014 edition of the AMID (Australasian Music Industry Directory) Power 50, underscoring her influence in the Australasian music scene.
Her impact resonated on a global scale, evidenced by her four nominations at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, encompassing categories like Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Fancy,” as well as Best Rap Album for “The New Classic.” The 9th Annual Billboard Women in Music Awards recognized her as a chart-topper among honorees. Billboard Year-End’s Top New Artists chart in late 2014 solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards nominations showcased her influence as she led the pack with five nominations.
Azalea’s stature in the music world reached new heights with a staggering twelve nominations at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Her impact even extended beyond music when she was honored with the prestigious Woman of the Year award by GQ Australia in 2016. In 2020, Iggy Azalea’s contributions to the Australian music landscape were celebrated when she secured the 50th spot in Rolling Stone Australia’s “50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time” issue. These accolades and milestones underscore Iggy Azalea’s enduring influence and her lasting legacy in the world of music and entertainment.
Quick Facts
- Iggy Azalea is undeniably one of Australia’s most renowned and celebrated singers, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
- Notably, she was in a high-profile relationship with the famous American rapper A$AP Rocky, a connection that garnered significant attention during that time.
- Azalea embraced motherhood and is the proud mother of a son, a precious addition to her life, from her relationship with American rapper Playboi Carti.
- With a staggering fan following, Iggy Azalea boasts over 18 million devoted followers on her Instagram account, solidifying her status as a social media sensation.
FAQs
Q: Where is Iggy Azalea from?
A: Iggy Azalea was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Q: What is Iggy Azalea’s real name?
A: Iggy Azalea’s real name is Amethyst Amelia Kelly.
Q: How did Iggy Azalea get her stage name?
A: She adopted her stage name, “Iggy,” from her childhood dog, and “Azalea” from the street she grew up on, Azalea Street.
Q: What are some of Iggy Azalea’s hit songs?
A: Some of Iggy Azalea’s hit songs include “Fancy,” “Black Widow,” “Work,” and “Team.
Q: Has Iggy Azalea won any Grammy Awards?
A: While she has been nominated for several Grammy Awards, Iggy Azalea has not won a Grammy as of her most recent nominations in 2015.