Headlining Club Skirts for Dinah Shore Weekend rapper Iggy Azalea is poise to takeover the biggest lesbian event in the world.
The L.A.-based performer from New South Wales in Australia gained recognition on YouTube that led to being signed on Def Jam Records and being produced by T.I. on her EP, Glory.
The Aussie bombshell has opened for Beyonce in concert and played with Robin Thicke with his "Blurred Lines" hit for the European MTV Awards.
Her full-length album The New Classic comes out this year, promising to make this talented lyricist an even bigger star.
Windy City Times asked a variety of questions to get to know the magic behind the mic.
Windy City Times: Hi, Iggy. With a beautiful first name like Amethyst, where did the name nickname "Iggy" come from?
Iggy Azalea: It's my dog's name.
WCT: I saw you perform at The Mid in Chicago with Rita Ora and you went down into the crowd and danced with them. Is that a fun way to connect with them and can you do that with big concerts like the Dinah?
Iggy Azalea: Yes, it was fun at the time and I'm glad I have those memories of smaller shows and crowds, but it's not safe to do that anymore because people try to grab me like I'm a stripper or even pull my hair to see if it's real, so I have to have barriers to keep everyone safe.
WCT: What was your opinion on Macklemore winning rap album at the Grammys? You are performing with Mary Lambert from the song at Dinah. What about rapping on "Same Love" with her?
Iggy Azalea: No, I don't know her but I like the song she did with Macklemore. I was happy he won; he's a great person.
WCT: You have always been a big LGBT supporter. Where is the connection? Possible being an outsider when you were younger?
Iggy Azalea: I support people having the freedom to love whom they choose, it's not something I've spent much time analyzing it's just what my family taught me growing up.
WCT: I heard you made homemade outfits and were picked on. You know that is what made Dolly Parton what she is today!
Iggy Azalea: I'm glad to have something in common with Dolly Parton—she's awesome.
WCT: The song "Bounce" is played out in the gay clubs. Have you noticed that?
Iggy Azalea: I didn't know that, but that's great to hear!
WCT: Your fans are called "Azaleans?"
Iggy Azalea: Yes, the ones who'd like to be called that are.
WCT: With edgy lyrics like "valley girls giving blowjobs for Louboutins. What do you call that? Head over heels" and songs like "Pu$$y," does your family support your music or do they have issues with it?
Iggy Azalea: They love it; they are my biggest supporters.
WCT: What was it like working with beat heavy producers like Diplo, Steve Aoki and Angger Dimas? Do you prefer dance music or more heavy rap or a mix of both?
Iggy Azalea: It's always fun working with those guys as well as all the other producers I've made music with, I think it's fairly evident just by listening to my music I like a mix of styles.
WCT: Tell our readers one interesting fun fact about T.I.
Iggy Azalea: As T.I. would say, "I don't like to gossip, shanty!"
WCT: How true and autobiographical is the song "Work" for you?
Iggy Azalea: One hundred percent true.
WCT: Has your Australian accent changed a lot spending a lot of time in the South and rapping in a completely different tone of voice?
Iggy Azalea: Yes, it's a hybrid. I've been in the USA for over seven years now so some things I say like an American and some things I say as an Aussie would.
WCT: How tall are you and are you planning on more modeling projects?
Iggy Azalea: I'm 5'10''. No, I don't plan on modeling in the future. It was fun to try but it's not for me.
WCT: What are your plans for the rest of 2014?
Iggy Azalea: I plan on releasing my album and touring for most of the year. I'd really love a vacation with my boyfriend but it will be hard to wrangle.
WCT: The New Classic will be released in April?
Iggy Azalea: Yes, I'm very excited!
WCT: Any guest stars on the album?
Iggy Azalea: Can't reveal who's on it—sorry!
WCT: The "Azaleans" will just to have to wait and see!
Iggy is coming to House of Blues in Chicago April 27 ( www.houseofblues.com/Chicago ) and to the White Party at the Palm Springs Convention Center on April 4. Azalea, fellow rapper Eve, Macklemore's Mary Lambert and The Real L Word's Hunter Valentine will all perform in Palm Springs. ( www.TheDinah.com )
