Santigold

Santigold, the stage name of singer, songwriter, and producer Santi White, is recognized for her genre-blending approach within the music industry. Before launching her solo career, White developed a comprehensive understanding of the industry by working as an A&R representative, songwriter, and producer. She co-wrote and executive produced "How I Do," the debut album by Res, and served as lead vocalist and songwriter for the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed. Stiffed released the albums "Sex Sells" and "Burned Again," both produced by Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer. This multifaceted background in A&R, production, songwriting, and performance established the foundation for her solo work.

White's debut studio album, "Santogold," released by Atlantic Records, received critical attention for its blend of dub, new wave, and hip-hop. Rolling Stone described it as a visionary album, and outlets such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and BBC highlighted her as an artist to watch. The single "L.E.S. Artistes" achieved success in the UK and on American alternative radio. Her accolades include Best Breakthrough Artist at the NME Awards and the Vanguard Award at the ASCAP Awards. White has toured with M.I.A. and Björk, opened for Coldplay in the United States, and supported Jay-Z and Kanye West on select shows.

Her second album, "Master of My Make-Believe," continued to receive positive reviews and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200. It topped the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart and featured the single "Disparate Youth." During this period, White collaborated with artists such as Jay-Z, N.A.S.A., and Drake, and contributed production and songwriting for Christina Aguilera, Ashlee Simpson, GZA, Lily Allen, and Res. Her third album, "99¢," offered commentary on consumerism and was followed by the mixtape "I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions," which topped the U.S. Reggae Albums chart.

White's fourth album, "Spirituals," drew on themes of motherhood, creative challenges, and Black American spirituals, and was released on her own Little Jerk label. The Guardian described it as an album full of feeling and fervor. Beyoncé referenced White in the track "Break My Soul (The Queens Remix)," alongside other influential Black women in music. W magazine noted the cultural significance of this acknowledgment.

Throughout her career, White has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Drake, Mark Ronson, David Byrne, Karen O, Tyler, the Creator, ASAP Rocky, and Diplo. Her work addresses topics such as the commodification of modern life, ancestral spirituality, and the evolution of genre, establishing her as a prominent figure in contemporary music, songwriting, and production.