Just a few years ago, Ramengvrl stormed onto the music scene. Today, she’s regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent figures in hip-hop, garnering attention and support from media powerhouses such as VICE, NME, The Face and Ones To Watch. The Indonesian hip-hop queen continues her meteoric rise as she releases her debut album Can’t Speak English.
Says Ramengvrl,
“I am so happy to share this album with my fans, it tells the full story of my journey. Where i come from, what i’ve been through, the Ls and the wins, my feelings, and a lot more. I’m super excited about it and for all my fans to get to know me a bit more, and I hope this album can also be something you guys hold on to, I believe everyone can relate to the stories I tell in this body of work. I am only in my first chapter as an artist so this is just the beginning.
The concept behind “Can’t Speak English” is whatever you want to be, you can make it happen – embrace your identity and don’t worry about making mistakes. We all have moments of doubt, but don’t let that or other people tell you can’t achieve your dreams.”
Having built her following with infectious rhymes on her introductory singles, she has racked up over 30 million streams across platforms since her debut track. This year, she marked a new chapter by signing to the iconic US-based label and distribution outfit EMPIRE, which has represented releases from legends the likes of Snoop Dogg, Migos, Angerson .Paak and many more of the biggest stars in hip-hop.
On Ramengvrl’s signing to EMPIRE, Tina Davis, the VP of A&R shares,
“Ramengvrl is and always has been a global asset. She doesn’t make music just for her home base (Indonesia). She speaks from her heart and her soul about her experiences in life. Everyone goes through some of the same things just in a different place in the world. She’s a super talented, smart and beautiful young woman. When she came to the US and she just jumped straight in! Every artist and producer that connected with her fell in love with her ideas and rap verses. We are all very proud of her and her upcoming project. We’re glad to have her on board.”
The unfolding of the album Can’t Speak English kicked off with a bang in September, with the release of the Latin-textured single “Vaselina” featuring euro. This was followed by the fiery track “Look At Me Now” which featured Ted Park, and just last week, Ramengvrl dropped her most vulnerable song to date, “The Emo Song”.
Also read: Ramengvrl releases explosive new track ‘Vaselina’
Can’t Speak English was conceived together with top producers including Grammy-nominated Roark Bailey (Summer Walker, Saweetie, Playboi Carti, Post Malone), Omega (Iggy Azalea, Chloe x Halle, Big Freedia), Swede of 808 Mafia (Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, Gucci Mane) and Cassius Jay (Cardi B, Migos, Future, Justin Bieber) among others.
Also read: Ramengvrl unveils new collab song with Ted Park
An aficionado of collaboration, Ramengvrl brought together a party-worthy line-up of feature artists including Young Money associated act euro, H1GHR Music’s Ted Park, Warner Thailand’s Pyra as well as Inayah and SIHK.
Also read: Ramengvrl gets vulnerable in new track ‘The Emo Song’
Contrary to the album title, Ramengvrl can clearly speak English.
Behind the tongue-in-cheek title are themes and messages that come from a place of intimacy and honesty. ‘Can’t Speak English’ addresses a core theme of identity throughout Ramengvrl’s story of perseverance and honest, real-life experiences that have transformed her into the person she is today. From 9-5 office worker and being raised in a conservative household, Ramengvrl has defied her critics, pushing through barriers and achieving her wildest dreams in an international arena.
Listen to the new album below.
Cover photo: Ejja Pahlevi
