Rationale Written Task 1

Iggy Azalea is an Australian female rapper who has constantly been questioned about her authenticity because” of her identity link with her genre of music, rap. She traveled to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a career in the music industry. Her background consists of different economic and social difficulties.

For written task 1 the chosen medium is an interview in which the interviewer will attempt to help Azalea prove her authenticity. This interview will relate with their lifestyle and upbringing.

An interview helps the audience experience first-hand Iggy Azalea’s view on the topic, therefore making it a primary source. Also interviews have strict structures and will help me stay on topic and follow the guidelines for the task. Also the questions I must ask will be straightforward therefore making the answers on target to the requirements.

This interview will be featured as a celebrity column for the magazine Rolling Stones. This interview will be written in a cultural context therefore the author will be writing the article from a respected objective and cultural point of view. I choose this magazine because Iggy Azalea’s style of music and lifestyle attract the younger audience that this magazine attracts. Specifically I am writing on behalf of an interviewer who looks to interview celebrities who are authentic and upcoming. This is so the piece can hold relevance as a first-hand account without being completely subjective.

The intended audience is broad since it is to anyone who is interested in her style of music but is hesitant and questions her authenticity. From her role in community the article will receive most views from youths and teenagers. Specifically this written task connects with the literacy unit of authenticity in reference to language and social relations.

“I’m the Realest”: The Authenticity of Iggy Azalea

The music Industry is evolving, changing the boundaries for men and women. Rap Music, by society has been linked with the African American lifestyle because the language and contexts used in this genre are considered to be part of the African American Vernacular English.Amethyst Kelly, better known by her stage name Iggy Azalea is a white female Australian rap artist who aims and is currently succeeding in breaking these constraints in her career. Azalea has constantly been criticized on her style of music and questioned on her authenticity due to the language she uses in her songs and lifestyle.

Devyani:

Hi, Iggy “first things first” we would like to talk about your upbringing, you say it’s your muse to your music?

Iggy Azalea:

Hi Devyani, to be authentic to yourself and music one must recount only the truth of events that he or she has experienced. I grew up in a small town with my mum and dad; we were never really independent due to all the economic troubles we faced. I had to start working at the age of 12 just to help out with everyday amenities. That was just part of my social struggle. The real struggle began when I moved to America. I wanted to pursue my musical interests there so I flew out in search of a music brand that would sign me off. I was delusional 16 years old, without planning, no money or relatives I had to work multiple jobs just to support myself. The struggle shaped me and currently shapes my style of music today.

Devyani:

How would you describe your style of language use in your lifestyle and different interactional stages of the day?

Iggy Azalea:

Language is the sole form of communicating ones thoughts, ideas, etc. My style of language is generally informal, since I don’t do much communicating in a professional environment. There are certain times where my language slightly alters but it is only when I’m required to give somewhat structured answers such as interviews. I see myself using slangs in my speech with everyone I interact with, whether it is my employers or friends. I’m pretty straightforward so whatever nonsensical thought in my head will be said exactly how it was thought.

Devyani:

Is this informal language a skill you have developed due to the industry you’re working in or has it been something you had prior?

Iggy Azalea:

Language is a part of who I am, having an Australian heritage my dialect is slightly different and can sometimes be a challenge for people to understand. Specifically the words I use have evolved but not due to the industry but rather for communication sake. Simple phrases such as “Barbie” have changed to barbeque and g’day to hey. In cases of informality for the longest I can remember my speech has always been somewhat of a laidback style. The music industry of today has a large demand for informality, with all these social media forums. I think that this is why I am successful, because I understand and excel in language in the environment I’m in. If anything I think I shape the language use in the industry with my language uses. I have actually contributed to it; the use of mate was originally used in couple articles as way to mock my decent but actually became used recreationally after I started using it commonly throughout my tweets.

Devyani:

Rap music is a normally identified with the African American community. Being a white artist how do you see yourself identifying with this in terms of the language you use in your music?

Iggy Azalea:

Delivery is the same as the topic. These are things I have experienced and the language is just a part of who I am. “Work” was a single I released which was solely as a tribute to me on how I grew up with so little “no money, no family, 16 in the middle of Miami”. In other words I publicize my “whiteness, I have experienced things. Back to the lyrical language I know for a fact that I don’t try to act black. Proof, my language, never have I used stereotypical lack language as a part of my music or rather everyday speech. Specifically I haven’t used the words “nigga” or “hood” in my music because I know that this isn’t who I am or how I speak. Yes I grew up in a tough environment but I wouldn’t use such a word to describe the lifestyle. People don’t tend to catch these little things which is part of the reason they question my authenticity. “ Fancy” another single I released with Charli xcx is pretty much about how “I’m the realest “ and how “ I got the whole world askin how I does that” partially because I’m on the top cause I’m real.

Devyani:

Have you experienced discrimination due to your identity (language use included) and genre and has it “tarnished” your image as an authentic rapper?

Iggy Azalea:
Well of course, in the most apparent form: celebrity disputes. I have had so many celebs throw shade at me because of my race, sex, decent, and especially language use. Azalea Banks actually tweeted me saying quote: "I'm not anti-white girl, but I'm not here for anyone outside my culture trying to trivialize very serious aspects of it". Classification brings in another aspect of this business and it just shows that it is now at a level where it’s not all about the music. Sad part is, people look at your bad side more than your good. They try to bring out the worst in you and that is publicized, which is why it does impact my image.

Devyani:

Thank you so much Iggy, this interview has helped us understand the different spectrums of your identity and language. The authenticity of your lifestyle clearly has been underrated, and we will capture the essence that is Iggy Azalea.

Word count: 1000