Iggy Azalea, In My Defense | Album Review 💿

Bangers are abundant while the lyricism and themes are basic on ‘In My Defense,’ the long-awaited sophomore album by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.  

Iggy Azalea seemed to be on an upward trajectory following her 2014 debut album, The New Classic.  “Fancy” gave the Australian rapper a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Black Widow” gave her another top-five hit.  That same year, Azalea would also release Reclassified, including her biggest hits from The New Classic and some newbies.  Since then you could say it’s been ‘tough sledding’ for the rapper.  After a three-year hiatus, she released an EP independently in 2018, Survive the Summer, though it was ultimately unsuccessful, especially compare to the success that greeted The New Classic.  Finally, four years since her most notable project, Azalea returns with her sophomore album, In My Defense.

“Thanks I Get”

From the start, Iggy Azalea is charged up.  On the chorus of the brief but biting “Thanks I Get,” Iggy asserts, “I’m the one that kept it cool with all you bitches / I’m the one that’s ‘bout to school all of you bitches.”  Charming, hehe.  Basically, the ‘defense’ commences at the top of the album, and Azalea certainly has a banging beat to spit over (J. White Did It).  That said, does anyone really buy the argument that she’s presenting?  Follow-up ✓ “Clap Back,” another J. White Did It finds the rapper responding to accusations of cultural appropriation and racism:  “‘Cause I talk like this and my ass fat / They be saying Iggy tryna act black / Hatin’ broke hoes get laughed at / All they do is cap like snapbacks.” Naturally, her response is to “Clap back” including the opening lines from the second verse, “They call me racist / Only thing I like is green and blue faces.”

Iggy Azalea drew some attention with single ✓ “Sally Walker,” which is among the best songs from In My Defense.  The chorus is very tongue-in-cheek yet fits the rapper’s personality.  Again, J. White Did It fuels the fire, while Azalea brings mad energy and attitude.  Does she say anything notable? Nope, but it’s a banger – “Go on, girl, do yo thang!” She’s joined by Lil Yachty on the ridiculous, sexed-up “Hoemita.” “Been on my shit, ‘bout to twerk on this dick / With my tongue out like Jordan,” Azalea asserts shamefully on the first verse.  Of course, Lil Yachty plays into the raunchiness on the second verse, focusing on matters of the penis, as well as drip.  Transcendent? Absolutely not by any means.

“Started”

Pardon me if I’ve mentioned the production work multiple times already, but J. White Did It continues to bless the track on ✓ “Started.”  Specifically, those synths really bite, sounding like they have malicious intent – a vendetta against something or somebody.  Again, Iggy Azalea has a nice backdrop to work with as she shares her come-up with the world – “I started from the bottom and now I’m rich / I got in my bag and I ain’t looked back since.” Fair enough.  Follow-up “Spend It” doesn’t exactly lend itself to depth.  Still, it’s all ‘drippy’ banger, sure to ignite the club.  Will we remember this record? Nope, but if you’re looking for something to temporarily shake booty to, well, add “Spend It” to the list. But just know, Iggy “Buy shit I bulk like it’s Costco.”

“Fuck it Up” pairs Iggy Azalea with another unapologetic female rapper, Kash Doll.  As the title suggests, this is a record that keeps it basic.  The sound and vibe are definitely ‘badass,’ which seems to be what Iggy intends, but lyrically, there’s no substance whatsoever. Drip – money in particularly – dominates “Big Bag,” which stays true to the formula of In My Defense. Here, Azalea trades Kash Doll for Stini.  The drip continues on the solo track “Comme Des Garcons” where Iggy asserts, “Outfit by Dior, this hot bitch on all fours / I got bands, a lot more, I’m dripping in all sauce / Shoes, they got hearts on, that’s Comme des Garcons…” Materialistic much?

“Freak of the Week”

From materialism, Iggy Azalea moves into the freaky final trio of In My Defense. Arguably the best of comes courtesy of ✓ “Freak of the Week” featuring Juicy J.  Sure, “Freak of the Week” is absolutely filthy, never approaching transcendence, but it’s one of the better moments from the album.  Of course, Juicy J is ‘on 10’:

“Come here, bounce that ass, I might fit you in my week
When I spray it in her face, she gon’ turn the other cheek
I’m a dog, I’m a dog, girl, that pussy like a treat
Give me brain, give me brain, turn a nigga to a geek.”

Keeping it nasty, Iggy Azalea makes it crystal clear just what she wants on the penultimate cut, “Just Wanna” – “I just wanna fuck / I just wanna nut / I’m put this pussy on your face / Open up boy, come and get a taste.” Damn.  Give Iggy credit for incorporating snippets from the epic 2007 movie Superbad into the record.  Closing things out is the ‘thoughtful’ “Pussy Pop.” You don’t need very much imagination to figure out what that one’s about…

Final Thoughts

In My Defense is an album filled with bangers.  Clearly, Iggy Azalea wanted to drop a hard-nosed, tough-minded affair to atone for her share of criticism, not to mention compete with female rappers that are currently more popular than herself.  The subject matter of In My Defense is basic AF, focused on drip and sex.  The end of the album really amplifies the sex, way too much so – she literally closes with “Pussy Pop.” Safe to say, In My Defense is NOT the second coming and certainly not distinct, but it has its moments.

✓ Gems: “Clap Back,” “Sally Walker,” “Started” & “Freak of the Week”  

Iggy Azalea • In My Defense • Bad Dreams / EMPIRE • Release: 7.19.19

Photo Credits: Bad Dreams / EMPIRE