Review: Iggy Azalea Brings The Heat On ‘Wicked Lips’

Iggy Azalea has been one of 2019’s most prolific acts. And this is not a case of quantity over quality. Comprised of wall-to-wall bangers, the 29-year-old’s long-awaited sophomore LP In My Defense is one of the stronger hip-hop projects this year. Not only that, but every video she dropped has been phenomenal. That’s especially the case for the Best Music Video Grammy nomination-robbed duo “Started” and “Sally Walker.” And she’s not done yet. The rapper is capping things off on a high note with the release of her Wicked Lips EP.

Out today (December 2), the four-song collection comes a couple weeks later than expected. However, it was definitely worth the wait. Iggy opens with lead single “Lola.” With it’s clever sample of Rosemary Clooney’s “Mambo Italiano,” the track is a pop-leaning delight that holds up with her best work. If the public would stop sleeping on her and Alice Chater’s banger, they’d realize it’s easily as good as “Fancy.” Moving through the tracklist, next up is Wicked Lips’ second collab – “The Girls.”

This one features Pabllo Vittar and a message of female empowerment. “It’s the girls against the world these days,” the drag superstar sings. “But all the girls, all the girls, all the girls gonna be OK.” It also appears to be the one that caused the EP’s sudden delay last month. And while the verses are particularly strong, Pabllo’s presence doesn’t feel as necessary. I wouldn’t have minded hearing Iggy take the lead on the chorus, too. However, I commend her for refusing to compromise her vision in order to rush the release.

From there we move into “Not Important” where Iggy is coming for blood. “You’re not important, no doubt. I can’t endorse it. Slow down, ain’t gotta force it. Keep trying to paint that portrait. Know this, you not important,” she growls over chilly beats. If life is fair, this will get a single treatment in the coming weeks. The rapper continues throwing fire on the equally ferocious “Personal Problem.” Over a bouncy production she puts her haters on blast. “Attitude on. Bitch, fuck being nice,” she vows. That was just the warning shot.

“Don’t like me? I’m not surprised. Live your life. Please don’t watch mine. Oh, you mad? I don’t know why. That sound like a personal problem.” From start to finish, Wicked Lips is more proof that Iggy is doing things her own way. And that’s a very good thing. While “Lola” is clearly the standout, every other track is a testament to her confidence and ability to craft bops. If she keeps working at this level into 2020, there’s no telling what she’ll be capable of.

What’s your favorite song on Wicked Lips? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!