Short Story (TL;DR): Iggy Azalea has released a new single called “Team.” The electro-rap song has potential, though it lacks the sass and charisma that colored previous tracks like “Fancy.” Doesn’t help that Iggy’s career loses momentum from neverending feuds and accusations of cultural appropriation. Only time will tell if “Team” can turn things around.
Let’s Talk About Iggy’s New Song
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea returns with brand new music. “Team” is the first single from her upcoming album Digital Distortion. (Update: Digital Distortion was officially shelved in November 2017 due to professional conflicts with former label Def Jam.)
The two years following the release of “Fancy” haven’t been kind to Iggy’s career. After a string of public feuds and accusations of cultural appropriation, “Team” is an attempt to recapture the spark that ignited her career. The song marks a few notable firsts: it’s her first single without a featured artist since 2013, and it showcases her foray into singing.
“Team” boasts a dynamic beat — morphing from electro-rap to an unexpected sample of Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up,” before dropping into a trap breakdown. While ambitious, these transitions can feel jarring and even a little disorienting.
Lyrically, the song falls flat with forced metaphors and zero wit. Lines like “You gotta set the score right, call it Hans Zimmer” and “Watch a new Kardash’, call me Kylie” sound awkward while lacking the campiness that made “Fancy” so enjoyable.
Even with auto-tune, Iggy’s singing sounds strained and occasionally off-key during the hook. Her controversial black Southern dialect remains, and it sounds even more divisive when she starts using Jamaican patois in some parts.
“Team” manages to sound like an Iggy Azalea song, yet doesn’t at the same time. It’s clear Iggy and Def Jam are trying to sonically recreate the success of her last album The New Classic. But it’s missing the snarky attitude that made her previous work fun to listen to. Tracks like “Bounce” and “Work” showcase her ability to blend catchy melodies with clever wordplay, offering a better entry point for new listeners.
Despite its shortcomings, “Team” isn’t all bad. The hook is undeniably catchy with a message of self-reliance and independence. The beat is high energy and adds a welcome layer of complexity.
So, will “Team” rescue what’s left of Iggy Azalea’s career? It’s hard to say. It could be a hit with the right push, but it’s unlikely to be the game-changer she needs. Plus, there’s no getting past the growing criticism towards Azalea continuing to rap with a blaccent. Her inability to accept why her rapping style is offensive will only cause her to lose more fans than she can bring in.
Ultimately, “Team” is a mixed bag that might not appeal to everyone. Only time will tell if this track can turn things around for Iggy’s career.
