Iggy Azalea Is High Maintenance, In Her Bag, & Not Saying Sorry
On the second official single off of Iggy Azalea’s sophomore album In My Defense, she sings “I got in my bag and I ain’t looked back since”—and she’s not wrong.
If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed that you’re seeing less Iggy in the tabloids, and more Iggy in the studio. In fact, even after releasing her album this past spring, she’s already back in the studio working on new music.
We talked to Iggy about being high maintenance, staying motivated, and wanting the inflatable furniture trend from the early aughts to come back.
Which song of yours do people find the most controversial or scandalous and why?
Honestly I don’t think there’s any song that’s particularly controversial, I don’t really say anything in any song that would leave you mad. From what I’ve observed, me rapping is in itself the controversy for some.
I feel like for a long time, girls didn’t want to be seen as “high maintenance,” but you’ve always owned it—from “Fancy” to your latest album. Was there ever a time when you tried to tone down the glam for fear of being seen in a certain way?
I don’t think there is a stigma attached to being high maintenance if you’re the one doing the maintenance—and I am. I’m self-made. The stigma you’re speaking about I feel is attached to people that want someone else to work hard in order to maintain them — and I agree — that’s an unfair way to be.
In other interviews, you’ve mentioned how you aren’t a fan of some of your old tracks. Can you tell us which ones and why?
No! I can’t tell you which ones, that’s my little secret. I don’t like to ruin anything for fans who still love some of those records.
Do you feel like being in the spotlight, especially with social media nowadays, it’s harder to evolve because there will always be people bringing up your past work?
I don’t think it makes it harder for me personally, but it certainly makes for a really annoying time with each step away from whatever you last did. Social media isn’t something I consider when creating music.
What’s the best part about dating a fellow rapper?
I suppose it’s good to have someone with a similar job as you because they understand the work that you have to put into things.
We loved the Romy & Michelle vibes from your new video! What are some of your other favorite iconic 90s pop culture moments (or trends)?
Who doesn’t love all things 90s?! I was born in 1990, so for me the early 00s are really where all my favorite trends happened. I loved inflatable furniture & unbuttoned Hawaiian print shirts.
How do you keep yourself motivated and not let the haters get to you?
I genuinely don’t consider or think about strangers online or the things they write—thankfully.
Staying motivated isn’t something I have to fight for much, because I’m so passionate and excited by my projects. I have the opposite problem! I have to remember to make time for other things and be less consumed by “the job.” I love it so much!
Photographer: Jasper Soloff (@jasperegan)
First Assistant: Emilie Fong (@emiliefong)
Stylist: Kaitlyn Vitug (@kaitlynvitug)
Fashion Assistant: Allison Hill (@imahill)
Wardrobe Tailor: Kim Ly (@kimpokes)
MUA: Eros Gomez (@erosmua)
Hairstylist: Fran Maymi (@hairbyfran_)