Azealia Banks Calls Out Iggy Azalea for Silence on Civil Rights Issues

Banks took issue with Azalea's lack of commentary on civil rights issues.

December 4, 2014

Image via Complex Original

Last night, as hundreds of New Yorkers took to the streets to protest the Staten Island grand jury's decision not to indict an NYPD officer for his role in Eric Garner's death, Azealia Banks went on Twitter to call out white artists who appropriate black culture but fall silent when civil rights issues are brought up. The "Chasing Times" rapper fired out a handful of tweets and then focused in on Iggy Azalea or "Igloo Australia" for her silence on "black issues" following the events of the past month.

its funny to see people Like Igloo Australia silent when these things happen... Black Culture is cool, but black issues sure aren't huh?

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

If you're down to ride with us bitch you gotta RIDE ALL THE WAY

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

Don't just be down to ride Black Dick..... If you with us you WITH US!!!!

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

"EVERYBODY WANNA BE BLACK, BUT DON'T NOBODY WANNA BE BLACK" - PAUL MOONEY

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

And the media needs to STOP trying to move igloo in on what Nicki has established.

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

Nicki is a hard-working rap-BEAST. stop trying to degrade and BELITTLE Our culture with this fucking kkk iggy shit.

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

AND I DARE THAT SHOE-SHINING COON T.I TO SAY SOMETHING.

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

When u call so effortlessly call urself a runaway slave master, and oh so casually pair it with a hand-whip, ........

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

I would assume u have SOME knowledge of that which you speak..... no?

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

@iggyazalea I just really want to know what your fascination with Black women is.....

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

@iggyazalea Why do you want to act like us? I need to know.

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

@Iggyazalea Why do you imitate us in such a way that i feel like you are actually making fun of us? Why?

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

BUT... who told you that that is what black women act like?? Who let you into the runaway slave masters club? How did you get in before me?!

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

You can be down without making a mockery.

— AZEALIA ⚓️ BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) December 4, 2014

Iggy responded, albeit less directly, shortly thereafter:

Theres more to sparking a change than trolling on social media. World issues shouldnt be used as a poor excuse to promote fan battles.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014

Make sure you do something to let YOUR government know how you feel when something is unjust., not JUST your followers on twitter...

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014

Make sure you sign petitions, hit the streets and protest or donate to groups helping to support and rebuild the community too.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014

HERE ARE SOME ACTUAL PRODUCTIVE WAYS YOU CAN HELP http://t.co/zi5SqDQsTc

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014

Also try not to judge anothers support or 'lack there of' solely on if they have ranted on twitter about it, thats not right or helpful.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014

The world is too hung up on what is or isnt said on twitter. theres an actual world out there and multiple ways you can promote change.

— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) December 4, 2014