Charli XCX sides with Iggy Azalea in Azealia Banks’ hip hop war of words

CHARLI XCX has defended Aussie Iggy Azalea in her rap battle against Azealia Banks, saying: ‘She’s a pop icon and they can do whatever the f--- they want’.

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BRITISH chart topper Charli XCX has defended her controversial musical partner Iggy Azalea.

The Australian rapper has been the target of hate over the past month, kicking off when she beat Eminem and Drake for favorite rap/hip hop artist and album at the American Music Awards.

Rap rival Azealia Banks has repeatedly slammed Azalea (who she labelled “Igloo Australia”) out for appropriating black culture while enjoying white privilege.

Azalea has also been mocked for losing her Australian accent after living in America for eight years to launch herself as a rapper.

Charli XCX met Azalea when she was brought in to write the chorus to their joint US No.1 hit Fancy.

“Iggy’s not only a rap star, right now at this moment in time she’s a pop icon,” Charli XCX said.

“And pop icons can do whatever the f--- they want. They don’t have to stick within the boundaries. They don’t have to play the rules the right way. David Bowie didn’t. I’m not comparing her to Bowie, but who gives a f---? It’s just because it’s hip hop. There’s people who really think about rap and hip hop in such an old school way.”

Ms XCX says Azalea is forging new territory.

“She’s doing something I don’t think many females have successfully done, which is put rap music in a pop arena. Of course Nicki (Minaj) has done it, but most of her big big hits are songs like Starships or Super Bass where she’s singing. Iggy doesn’t sing. She’s in a very unique space. For people who are super old school about hip hop and rap it’s hard for them to swallow. Also she’s beautiful, white, Australian and female. That doesn’t really happen in hip hop too much. It’s breaking the mould.”

now, if you guys don't mind... I'm on my christmas break enjoying it with people i actually KNOW.... in REAL life. you should do the same.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 23, 2014

Charli XCX, whose album Sucker was just released, also spoke out against Eminem, who threatened Azalea in a new song.

“That sh-- sucks,” she said. “It’s just not very progressive. I’m a huge Eminem fan. I wanted to be Eminem when I was growing up. But that was a different time. Iggy’s a very nice person. But she still has that rap star mentality She’s doing her thing, she doesn’t cuss people out in public. She’s classy.”

Charli XCX’s hits include Icona Pop’s I Love It (which she co-wrote and sang) and her own Boom Clap and Break the Rules.

Originally published as Charli XCX sides with Iggy Azalea in Azealia Banks’ hip hop war of words