Songer - “That’s Money”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Skepta, Dave, Loyle Carner

Notably consistent, Songer is a lyrically-dense grime rapper weaving tales across seemingly never-ending bars. There’s a ton of music to explore already - Songer released his fourth full-length SKALA in 2023 and it’s a strong continuation of his blinders-on style. SKALA’s beats are classic hip hop, but everything is turned down a bit and generally warmed over. The music acts as a canvas for Songer to lyrically paint, groove-oriented and slightly jazzy. For there, Songer tells stories targeting both personal and societal reflections, laying in parallel with the beat and rarely taking a breath. It’s impressive and not overdone - Songer deservedly is on pace with top British rappers in terms of streams with no signs of slowing down as he heads through SXSW this month. (Kevin McStravick)