Live Review: Sophiegrophy's smooth debut single 'Fa$t Life' subverts rap stereotypes

Each week, we select one artist to feature as our Spotlight Artist. This week, we’ve chosen SOPHIEGROPHY. For more Spotlight Artists, head here.

Nigerian-born, New Zealand-raised rapper SOPHIEGROPHY is currently based in Melbourne and is absolutely dominating the local scene with memorable live performances and high-profile collaborations with Milwaukee Banks and Walker & Royce. Following the success of her first mixtape ‘Purpularity’ in 2016, 'Fa$t Life' is both a striking debut single and a cautionary tale about the excesses of fame and fortune.

Produced by Melbourne electronic artist Lewis​ ​CanCut,​'Fa$t Life' rides the momentum of a pop-tinged melody and a sticky bassline, driven by frantic percussion that echoes the theme of the lyrics. The track juxtaposes the aesthetic and sound of stereotypically hedonistic rappers with Sophie's down-to-earth philosophy. Beneath her flawless flow lurks a deeper message about long-term success: "Wait a minute," she cautions.

"We are continuously living the fast life, we believe that we have to live in such a fast pace to obtain what we want rather than what we need," explains Sophie. "We unconsciously lose our sense of self and we slowly forget what our purpose is. Take control of yourself and your emotions, don’t let anybody or any situation get the best of you, you are a dime, slow down with your life, sit down and realize that maybe you’re living the fast life."

In the space of less than a year, Sophie  has carved out a niche for herself as one to watch in the Australian hip-hop landscape. With her clever, catchy rhymes that walk the line between vulnerability and confidence, Sophiegrophy might just be the breath of fresh air this genre has been waiting for.

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Words by Molly McLaughlin

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