Rejjie Snow

By most metrics, Rejjie Snow appears to be a rap artist and that’s technically true. But he doesn’t see it that way, and in any case the simplicity of the label (or any label, really) obscures what makes him different, which is pretty much everything. “I thought I’d be blacklisted from hiphop for being Irish,” he says, but that’s only the most obvious thing setting him apart. It’s not just hat he grew up the only black kid on Dublin’s Northside, where there’s no music scene to speak of. It’s that Rejjie is a scene unto himself. He lives wherever his suitcase settles, wherever the songs send him — Los Angeles, New York, London — making albums in the middle of making other albums, and tangling words into beautifully complex knots that blur biography with fantasy over a shifting mass of rainy loops, technicolor keys, and trippy percussion. And then there’s his voice, deep and otherworldly, capable of riding a beat with metronomic precision, cooing to raw piano, or yawping Prince-like over a soul-rock-jazz groove. His influences are as disparate as George Michael and Charles Bukowski. He designs clothes and paints. He almost had a career as a soccer star, but instead Rejjie has toured with Madonna and recorded with left-field dance genius Kaytranada.

In 2013, Rejjie Snow released his debut EP, “Rejovich,” which quickly garnered critical acclaim and a substantial following. The EP’s lead single, “1992,” became a viral hit, showcasing his knack for storytelling and smooth delivery. His subsequent singles, such as “All Around the World” and “D.R.U.G.S.,” continued to build his reputation as a thoughtful and innovative artist. Snow’s debut album, “Dear Annie,” released in 2018, marked a significant milestone in his career. The album, a double LP, was noted for its introspective themes and lush production, featuring collaborations with notable artists like Aminé and Kaytranada. Tracks like “Egyptian Luvr” and “Charlie Brown” highlighted his ability to seamlessly blend personal narratives with broader social commentary. His sophomore album, “Baw Baw Black Sheep,” dropped in 2021, further cementing his place in the music industry. The project was praised for its experimental soundscapes and lyrical depth, with standout tracks like “Cookie Chips” featuring MF DOOM and Cam O’bi, and “Mirrors” showcasing his growth as an artist. 2024 will see the release of Rejjie’s third album where continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic terrains. With a dedicated fan base and a growing body of work that defies easy categorization, Snow remains a compelling figure in contemporary music, consistently challenging and redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern era.