Despite Iggy Azalea's success, her race still seems to be an elephant in the room for some.
T.I., who serves as Azalea's mentor recently weighed in on some of the criticism Azalea has received, particularly from her African-American hip-hop counterparts.
"She is a white rapper, but she's also a phenomenally talented and gifted performer," T.I. said according to TheGrio. "I think that in this day and age... 2014, color, race, creed, gender... for us to use those stereotypical things to separate us or use it as an excuse to not like something... I think that makes you a wack person. I think you should judge a person on their action and deeds... their ability and what they have to offer and contribute to the world."
Macklemore faced similar criticized earlier this year following the Grammys. T.I. offered up his opinion on Macklemore's win for Best Rap Album of the year.
"The Grammys... that kind of scale is off... when you're talking about what is going on in hip-hop," he said. "Their vision or their opinion is kind of jaded, because of the generational gap in the judges and the people that sit on the board. They don't really know what's hot in the streets. I think people were outraged because they felt like there was someone else that deserved to win. I wasn't upset. I was surprised that one of the greatest albums of last year didn't get more acknowledgment and more consideration, which was Good Kid, m.A.A.d City by Kendrick Lamar."
Last month, Nicki Minaj sent out cryptic tweets about race and success.
"Racism is alive & well," she tweeted.
She followed up with, "Some people have to put in work. others get to cut corners. we see it but don't say it. welcome to the real world."
Rumors began to swirl it was a possible shot at Iggy Azalea.
