After the jump, we discuss her signing, spurning Def Jam, TI's involvement, being the first female XXL Freshmen, and her fashion sense. Check it out.
TS: Obviously, the big news recently was that you signed with Interscope. Can you speak on the thought process behind such a major decision?
Iggy: The thought process was simply finding a company I felt would be the most dynamic fit for me and my business plan. It was about who would give me the most support and freedom to be myself. I have that with Interscope.
TS: It seemed like you'd be going with Def Jam. What changed your mind?
Iggy: I was exploring all my options. Def Jam was a label I was considering amongst others but it was never a definite thing. I think the media took a tweet in which I said I had a great dinner meeting with them and exploded it into me signing with them. It was just [the] media sensationalizing things.
TS: Should we be expecting you to be working with other Interscope artists, or does the signing not really affect you musically?
Iggy: The signing has absolutely no effect on the artists I will be choosing to work with. The same can be said for production. Interscope is there to foster the business side of things. They will help me with marketing and media etc. All things creative are entirely up to me and will be organic.
TS: It's been announced that T.I will be executive producing your album. This seems kinda out-of-left-field. What's the chemistry like there?
Iggy: It makes perfect sense to me, T.I is an industry giant and a great rapper. I would love to be both those things in the future! So it only makes sense that I work with the best minds I have available. He is one of those minds. The fact that it seems left of field I think is a testament to how undervalued he is. He has a great ear for music of ALL kinds and he just hasn't had a platform to showcase that yet.
TS: I really enjoyed Ignorant Art, and I think it's a wonderful concept. I like the idea that ignorance, or crudeness, can actually be quite artistic; that words that might not appeal to "middle America" are empowering and liberating. Is that an important theme to you?
Iggy: Of course! I think it's fun to explore things like that. Some times you have to shock the system to get your mind ticking and that's what Ignorant Art was. It's all in good fun. Life's too serious sometimes.
TS: You're working on The New Classic right now. What's that process been like? Is it more stressful than when you were working on Ignorant Art?
Iggy: It's different. Ignorant Art was something I could do on my own time. Now that I have a label it's more structured. There are deadlines and things like that that I didn't have to think about before. I'm grateful to be given the chance to make an album, so the extra pressure is something I don't worry about too much. It's a small thing.
TS: What kind of feel can be expect from the album?
Iggy: It's hard to say right now because everything is in the early stages. It will be a progression from Ignorant Art.
TS: Are there other albums you'd compare it to?
Iggy: No, I prefer not to compare others' music with my own.
TS: In terms of your rapping, you obviously have a very distinct style. Where does that inspiration come from? Is it any way influenced by your upbringing in Australia?
Iggy: My inspiration comes from my life. I lived a big portion of my life in Australia, so of course it plays a role in things. I think music has a lot more to do with the big things we all experience as humans:
breakups, love, friendships, working, parties, fights, family. Where exactly that occurs isn't so important to me.
TS: It's early in your career, but what kind of goals do you have for yourself moving forward? You were listed as a candidate for the XXL Freshmen of 2012, is that something you aspire to?
Iggy: Of course! There's never been a female freshman before and I would like to be the first woman to receive that honor. I have the highest hopes for my career and a strong work ethic. I hope to touch as many hearts as I can and to continue making music for as long as possible.
TS: Do you think being a female in the rap game has helped your career? Is it something you think about, being a role model to girls or giving them confidence to pursue their dreams?
Iggy: I don't think being a female helps or hinders you. There are things about being a woman that are difficult and there are things that are wonderful and great about it. If I was a man with a big blonde ponytail rapping that might seem a little strange so I suppose being a female works best. [laughs] I consider myself to be a testament to the fact nothing is impossible if you work for it. I hope that message is something that reaches men and women.
TS: Finally, you have a very retro and distinct fashion sense. What's the inspiration behind that?
Iggy: I wouldn't personally describe it as retro myself, I just dress the way that makes me feel happy.
It's not so much something that's thought about or planned too much. I just pick clothing that accentuates the parts of my body I love. Sometimes that's a tailored dress, and sometimes it's a biker jacket. Depends on the day and my mood.
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