Twenty-two-year-old Australian rapper Iggy Azalea finally has a major label to call home. After steadily building a buzz over the past 18 months, T.I.‘s protegee has landed a deal with Island Records. She confused fans in 2011 with the announcement that, while she was under the tutelage of Jimmy Iovine, she wasn’t officially signed to Interscope Records, and she’s been affiliated with Tip’s Grand Hustle imprint since that time as well. But now she officially has major label backing.
“I am elated to be a part of the Island Def Jam family!” said Iggy Azalea via press release. “After speaking in-depth with David [Massey], Steve [Bartles] and Chris [Anokute], it became clear that Island Records was attuned to the type of artist I am. They are a great addition to my U.K. team, and I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and aspirational group of people to work with.”
Island Records president David Massey echoed her enthusiasm.
“We are beyond proud and excited to welcome Iggy to the Island Def Jam family,” said Massey. “Iggy has created a massive buzz and rightfully so: she’s incredibly talented, she’s focused, driven, and has great creative tastes and instincts. She is nothing short of an international star, and the team here — including Steve Bartels, Chris Anokute, Karen Kwak, our chairman Barry Weiss and myself — are thrilled she’s chosen Island Records as her U.S. home.”
Iggy used Twitter to diffuse any notion that she was no longer affiliated with T.I.’s Hustle Gang.
“No. That doesn’t mean I’m not in hustle gang. Save it,” she tweeted. “Still in it. Still on the hustle gang album. Friendship doesn’t require contracts.”
Iggy’s debut single “Work” is currently doing well in the U.K., having been A-listed at Radio 1 and broken into the Top 15 at iTunes.
