Mimicking in Modern Music - Taking the Mickey?

Music is a constantly evolving element of sound and no matter where or in what instance/mix of people a certain music genre has been created, it is able to touch people from different social settings around the world, which is the beauty of music - it effects everyone.

The fact is music genres have influenced the birth of other music genres - this has always been the case, however in contemporary music today, it often seems that influence has changed into pure imitation, recycling material we've heard before, but in a different dressing. This is the argument that has appeared with the arrival of new up-and-coming Australian rap artist, Iggy Azalea, signed to T.I.'s label 'Young Hustle'.

Iggy Azalea

Iggy has definitely got rap skills, a decent flow, she's a talented young woman who has worked hard to get herself noticed, pushing out videos promoting her sound for four years now. She appeared on the cover of Rap-Up magazine as 'one to watch' this year - the only female to make the list.

However another new rapper, Azealia Banks has a problem with Iggy Azalea (suspiciously similar names) making the list and not her. Banks, an African-American rapper from Harlem, argues that it is not right that the rap industry are ignoring her talents, especially as a black woman, as HipHop originated within NY black subculture and so they should support their own as well as welcome others.

Music is open to all cultures - there should be no restriction against racial backgrounds. However, when an artist who has not grown up with the music culture they are practising, imitating what they see, making a mockery, than it is an insult to those who originally came up with the music they're copying.

Iggy maybe Australian but she raps with a thick New York accent and so this will no doubt confuse her listeners - who does she want to be? Music artists today must be careful not to steal from other music genres, cashing in on what's popular at the moment. It's ok to borrow sounds from other genres as long as you put your own individual style on it, marking your own talent. 

Otherwise, what really can be said for music today?

Check the beginning of this interview below with Iggy, discussing her music style and the issue of mimicking: