Iggy Azalea Will 'Survive the Summer'

We all know the story, Iggy Azalea went from #1 hits, Grammy nominations, and high-profile collaborations to record label limbo, endless controversy, and a career that was in shambles. On her new EP, Survive the Summer, Iggy puts her best foot forward on her strongest body of work to date.

The EP was introduced by her hypnotic Tyga-assisted comeback single, "Kream;" a song that was a perfect precursor to Iggy's new sound. From the majority of The New Classic, which featured "Fancy" and "Black Widow," and subsequent singles like "Switch," "Mo Bounce," and "Team," Iggy's sonic profile has always relied heavily on pop and electronic tropes. On Survive the Summer, Iggy employs a sound that is darker, grittier, and decidedly more brooding and alternative.

The titular introductory song is a boastful track that explains her record label woes over a tight, minimalist beat. The song is bleak in the best way possible, and it sets up the tone for the EP effortlessly. Another previously released track that appears on the tracklist, "Tokyo Snow Drip" is particularly interesting in terms of Iggy's flow and cadence, but it is far too repetitive to be truly enjoyable. Other great moments on this succinct, six-song EP include an excellent Wiz Khalifa collaboration in "OMG" and the playfully sassy "Hey Iggy."

Survive the Summer is exactly the project that Iggy needed to get her career back on track. This collection of songs demands that she be respected as a rapper and overall artist. Iggy had a clear vision of intent and darkness that she thoughtfully and thoroughly executed in every aspect of the EP.

SCORE: 66

Key Tracks: "Kream," "Survive the Summer"