Review
Sliding into the hip-hop scene with undeniable swagger, Iggy Azalea's debut album "The New Classic," dropped in 2014, truly lives up to its title. Making history as the first non-American female rapper to rule the Billboard charts, Azalea ensures she's no mere flash in the pan from her very first beat drop. This record is a potent cocktail of bold flavors and confident rhymes that leaves quite the mark.
There’s a raw, defiantly American hip-hop vibe to this album, despite Azalea’s Australian roots. The sultry southern twang in tracks like "Walk the Line" oozes through each verse, paying an unfiltered homage to West Coast sounds. Her rapid-fire flow rides alongside heavy beats and captivating hooks, making it clear she’s more about homage than hullabaloo. Nor can you overlook the chart fever "Fancy" ignited, notched into collaborative glory with Charli XCX.
What sets "The New Classic" apart is its infusion of EDM with no fear, creating grooves that have you bouncing and reflecting alike. Azalea’s more than generous with shout-outs to her own bold journey from Australia to America, described vividly in "Work." All this mix of gritty lyrics and electro-beats didn't go unnoticed, earning accolades like Breakthrough Artist Release at the ARIA Music Awards and a clutch of Grammy nods. Whether you love or loathe her style, Azalea made a throne for herself in the hip-hop kingdom and she’s standing tall. - Raven
