Kendrick Lamar Defends Iggy Azalea: 'God Wants You Here'
Iggy Azalea has come under attack from social media and her peers (most notably Azealia Banks), but one rapper is defending her honor—Kendrick Lamar.
In an interview with Billboard, the Compton MC responded to the mounting criticism surrounding Iggy’s rap career.
“She’s doing her thing,” said Lamar. “Let her. People have to go through trials and tribulations to get where they at. Do your thing, continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here.”
“She’s doing her thing… Continue to rock it, because obviously God wants you here.”
The “Fancy” rapper was nominated in four categories at the Grammys including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album, which has sparked a debate and criticism.
Her rival Azealia Banks got emotional as she defended hip-hop culture. “That Iggy Azalea shit is not better than any fu**in’ black girl that’s rapping today,” she said in an interview with “Ebro in the Morning.”
While Iggy has her critics, she also has her share of supporters. In addition to Kendrick, Lupe Fiasco and will.i.am have voiced their support for the Aussie rapper.
Iggy has a place in HipHop…her place…. @MsGina_Kool
— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) December 20, 2014
.@IGGYAZALEA hiphop Is global now…it doesn't matter if your white or black…thanks for contributing & spreading our culture positively.
— will.i.am (@iamwill) December 22, 2014
In the Billboard interview, K-Dot also addressed his controversial loss to Macklemore at last year’s Grammys.
“I appreciate [the Grammys] recognizing me,” said Kendrick. “That’s not my overall goal… It’s best to just go and enjoy the festivities.”
As for Macklemore, he holds no ill will towards him, calling him “a genuine dude” and adds, “I wish him much success.”