Iggy Azalea defends racy photos as 'creative' outlet

June 19 (UPI) -- Iggy Azalea says her revealing photos serve as a "creative" outlet.

The 28-year-old rapper spoke out Monday on Twitter after people criticized the nude pictures she posted from recent photoshoots on Instagram.

"Say what you want about me posting pictures on Instagram but honestly, it gives me something else creative I can focus on - when sometimes im in a dark place or i feel stagnant," she explained.

Azalea said her Instagram posts have become a form of self-expression as she waits to release new music. She shared nude photos from her Fashion Nova campaign last week and posted another revealing picture Thursday.

"Most days i want my project to drop, yesterday! but i dont get to make those choices," the star told fans. "and maybe its silly, but it really has been helping me lately to feel more positive and just keep my mind in a creative space constantly thinking of new visual things and color palates. Im really glad ive got something i can do without needing permission."

"because if it were up to me id be releasing songs at the same rate i post pictures. I really care about music and all creative things in my life genuinely. i put my heart into it and i just want to say: thanks for supporting me in anyway genuinely. im grateful," she added.

Azalea released her debut studio album, The New Classic, in April 2014. She discussed her upcoming album, Surviving the Summer, in an interview with iHeartRadio in February following the release of her single "Savior."

"You can expect more honesty from me and my records," the rapper said. "I still have fun ups and downs and stuff, but the whole point of my record, as a whole, is the turbulence you through in summer, when you've just experienced a big breakup."