White rapper Iggy Azalea claims Beyoncé’s new album Lemonade is racist after the phrase “Becky with the good hair” is used to generalize white women.
In a now-deleted tweet, the Australian entertainer says that “generalizing any race by calling them one stereotypical name for said race” is wrong and not very cool.
The 25-year-old known as Iggy Azalea was actually born Amethyst Amelia Kelly. She moved to the States from Australia when she 16, according to her Allmusic.com bio. Azalea moved from Miami to Houston to Atlanta and came to love the southern rap scene. The rapper’s music has been recognized for having a heavy southern-inspired twang over the lyrics. Many critics have pointed out that Azalea is wearing a proverbial blackface and is appropriating Black culture.
Azalea said she was offended by the comment in Beyoncé’s visual album, but Twitter users were quick to point out the hypocrisy of her outrage.
Twitter user @youngsinick states that Azalea based her career on racial stereotypes and “profits” off southern Black women.
How nice of Iggy Azalea to talk racial stereotypes when she feels affected. As she profits off a poor imitation of a southern Black woman.
— Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick) April 26, 2016
also don't call Iggy Azalea a 'rapper' https://t.co/8AQHz5HO73
— Aamer Rahman (@aamer_rahman) April 26, 2016
User @WhatTaySaid tweets that the term “Becky” does not disenfranchise or discriminate against her the same way the N-word does to Black people.
@IGGYAZALEA does Becky really hurt you? Does Becky keep you from jobs and being respected? Does Becky mean people disregard your humanity?
— Taylor (@WhatTaySaid) April 26, 2016
Azalea has a history of making racially charged statements against other cultural groups. User @WhatupBiotch provides the metaphorical receipts.
You're mad if someone calls you Becky but you saying stuff like this is ok? @IGGYAZALEA @phagmob pic.twitter.com/Dqnkf9X6ZH
— sploosh (@WhatupBiotch) April 25, 2016
