The track specifically drew inspiration from a period when Azalea suffered from depression, and dropped out of high school to become a domestic worker with her mother. Sims stated that she, FKi, and Azalea had initially met back in 2008, but lost touch when Azalea moved to Los Angeles. Īzalea wrote the song with The Invisible Men, Trocon Markous Roberts and Natalie Sims. Being her first autobiographical song, Azalea encountered difficulty during its writing because of the personal subject matter which she felt she could not fit into a song on its own. With the track, she wanted to give as much information as she could about herself to detract her listeners from being influenced by criticism and tabloid journalism about her she disliked the idea of revisiting her past, but felt that it was necessary for her listeners to relate with. The song was written in Wales during a period of heavy rain which inspired her to create a track that was "sad, but in a weird way, like happy or calming or sort of peaceful". Rockfield Studios, one of the studios in which "Work" was recorded.ĭuring December 2012 and January 2013, "Work" was developed by Iggy Azalea as one of the first three songs for her debut studio album, The New Classic. A number of remixes were commissioned for the single's release, including an official remix featuring American rapper Wale. It was also included in the set list for her The New Classic Tour (2014). Among her live performance staples, Azalea promoted the single with live renditions on Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model and Nikki & Sara Live. The video earned Azalea a nomination for Artist to Watch at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, and was praised by critics for its fashion, and portrayal of the song's lyrics. Inspired by several films, it features Azalea performing twerking sequences and a recreation of Vanessa Ferlito's lap dancing in the 2007 film, Death Proof. "Work" became one of the lowest peaking songs to receive a sales certification in Australia where it reached number 79 and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).Īn accompanying music video was directed by Jonas & François and released on 13 March 2013. Commercially, "Work" became a sleeper hit it peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and number 54 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but was certified silver and platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), respectively. In sequence with its lyrical story, the snap and trap track begins with a sad-stringed verse segment before significantly increasing in tempo at its drum and synth-heavy refrain.Ī number of music critics consider the song to be among Azalea's best output, namely praising her flow and the depth of the lyrical content. Hailed by Azalea as her most personal song, "Work" was developed with motivational and inspirational intentions to portray her life story specifically dealing with her struggle as an up-and-coming rapper, and her relocation from Mullumbimby, New South Wales to Miami, Florida at age 16. The track was written by Azalea, Trocon Markous Roberts, Natalie Sims, and The Invisible Men who produced it with 1st Down of FKi. It was released as the album's lead single on 17 March 2013. " Work" is the debut single recorded by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea for her debut studio album, The New Classic (2014). Rockfield Studios and Monnow Valley Studios (Wales)