Iggy Azalea has had her fair share of label drama. The Australian-born rapper signed to Interscope last year but parted ways after she and the label didn’t see eye-to-eye on her management deal with T.I.’s Grand Hustle imprint.
All the while, Iggy has continued to garner buzz, recently debuting her video for her “Work” single. The video has over 6 million views on VEVO.
Today (April 23), Iggy Azalea took to Twitter to announce her signing with Island Def Jam USA. She’s also signed to Mercury UK.
“We are beyond proud and excited to welcome Iggy to the Island Def Jam family,” Island Records president David Massey said in a statement. “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.”
Azealia shared her excitement and clarifies that she is still a part of the Grand Hustle family. “I am elated to be a part of the Island Def Jam family!” Iggy Azalea says. “After speaking in depth with David, Steve and Chris, it became clear that Island Records was attuned to the type of artist I am. They are a great addition to my UK team. Along with T.I. and the Grand Hustle family, I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and aspirational group of people to work with.”
Azalea will release her major label debut, The New Classic, later this year on Island Records. [Billboard.biz]