Rah Digga Breaks Down Why Iggy Azalea Isn’t Real Hip-Hop
I haven’t written about Iggy Azalea here mainly because I haven’t been motivated enough to actually write about hip-hop culture. However, I am not a fan. I can’t get with the annoying faux Southern accent she raps in and I don’t think she’s that talented (I’m also convinced that T.I., or someone else, writes for her despite his public denial about it). She does have catchy singles but a catchy tune doesn’t constitute actual talent or even good music, even if it makes you dance. I also find it annoying how so-called hip-hop fans and industry personnel fawn over her, not because she’s good but because she’s an attractive White woman. Yet they won’t admit it and so, I’ve tuned her and chatter about her (even the extreme hate, which I also don’t dig) out. Enter Rah Digga. I absolutely love Rah Digga. I’ve had the chance to meet her and chat with her and love her personality. She’s smart and forthright and an anomaly in the entertainment industry. Digga recently did an interview with This is 50 where she eloquently broke down her thoughts about why she doesn’t consider Iggy hip-hop and I agree with every word she said.
Here’s a snippet:
“Iggy Azalea, it’s like., I can’t really get into her because it’s just not real to me. And not for nothing because people have accents in real life as opposed to when they work. But let me say this to you. There is a white girl from Australia that spits in an Australian accent and her name is Chelsea Jane. That I can get into. Teach me Australian Hip Hop culture. Don’t come to America and try to convince me that you’re Gangsta Boo. She’s a beautiful girl. Capitalize off of the supermodeling thing! But we’re not going to believe you if you’re trying to convince us that you’re out here trap shooting…
This is what I have an issue with because my issue is never with any of the artists and what they bring to the table. My issue is with the higher powers. I don’t consider her Hip Hop. I listen to her album. Everything that I hear on there is everything but that. And I feel like Hip Hop is Hip Hop. The same way they took R&B and okay, for the ones that are considered ‘real’ R&B, we’re going to call them Neo-Soul, so now we can call Ariana Grande R&B. Hip Hop is representative of this: to inform and empower inner city youth. I’m fine with anybody’s race, creed or color participating, but don’t ever forget what it was created for in the first place.” She added: “There are too many passes being given. Everybody was mad at Nicki for making that comment at BET. This is what I wanna say: When did it become wrong to call out people that don’t write their own rhymes? When did that become a crime in Hip Hop? This is Hip Hop at the end of the day.”
Watch her interview below:
Unfortunately, conversations like this never actually go anywhere because those who disagree with Digga (and most likely also struggle with comprehension skills too) will get defensive and probably accuse her of being a hater or bitter, etc. The media won’t help either because it will be positioned as Digga vs. Azalea when this clearly isn’t beef. But whatever. This is hip-hop today and so, I’ll continue to tune it out and focus on artists that I actually like.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Starrene Rhett Rocque is a recovering journalist who often fantasizes about becoming a shotgun-toting B-movie heroine.Subscribe
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I can’t deny what Rah Digga said, especially since she has lots of cred to back up what she’s speaking on! She is definitely a real rapper, and I miss hearing her flow and distinct voice on the radio. I’m looking forward to her new album!
Regarding her comments on Iggy, I’ve accepted that a lot of these artists getting air play are basically actors, which is a part of their role as entertainers. That’s not to say that there aren’t any real mainstream music artists out there, like Jhene Aiko, who don’t have to put on a facade to sell themselves and their art. I just take it all for what it is, and will pass on whatever smells like garbage to me. It’s sad though when female rappers like Sno Tha Product don’t get enough shine, but artists like Nicki Minaj, who I liked initially, but has fallen off lyrically (IMO), get all the glory.
I’m thankful that I was a 90s kid, so at least I got to hear some great hip-hop. It helps me filter through the current mass of “music” that has me shaking my head a lot.