Iggy Azalea has explained why she took a break from touring last year, reflecting on the widespread media attention she received for accusations of cultural appropriation, homophobia and plastic surgery.

Speaking to the London-based Schon! magazine, the Australian rapper revealed she suffered from a psychotic breakdown.

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“I had to have a psychotic breakdown last year,” the 25-year-old said. “I felt tired and stressed out.”

Azalea, who hails from the small town of Mullumbimby in New South Wales, cancelled her ‘Great Escape’ tour in May 2015, much to the surprise of her fans.

Despite a series of chart-topping hits like ‘Fancy’ and ‘Problem’, the singer said she felt as though she’d lost control.

“Last year, I felt like I was definitely not in control of the media’s narrative of me,” she explained.

“It made me feel very out of control of my own life or my ability to have my own perception of who I was. You don’t want someone else writing your narrative and making you the villain. Then I just realised that, you know what, you can’t control it and I think I accepted that and moved on to living my life.”

Part of the backlash against Azalea occurred after some her old, since-deleted tweets containing homophobic and racist language were unearthed and shared online.

At the time, Azalea apologised for the tweets, saying: “Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have. The last thing I want is for something so careless said to be interpreted as reflective of my character.”

While Azalea seems to be back on track now, she admitted her upcoming wedding to NBA player Nick Young was creating some unwanted stress.

“It’s too much stuff!” she told the magazine. “I’ve got to a have a wedding and go on a f**king honeymoon and… put on an arena tour, all across the whole world.”