Biography
Santi White, professionally known as Santigold, was born on September 25, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before establishing herself as a solo artist, she worked as an A&R representative for Epic Records, where she identified and developed new talent. She then transitioned to co-writing and executive producing Res's debut album "How I Do" before becoming the lead singer of the Philadelphia-based punk rock band Stiffed, which released the EP "Sex Sells" (2003) and the album "Burned Again" (2005), both produced by Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer. While performing with Stiffed, White was offered a solo contract by Lizard King Records, marking the beginning of her solo career.[1][2][3]
Under the stage name Santogold, White released her self-titled debut album in April 2008, which received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative cross-genre blending of dub, new wave, hip hop, and alternative rock. The album's singles "Creator" and "L.E.S. Artistes" gained significant international attention, with "L.E.S. Artistes" reaching the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart and earning her the NME Award for Best Breakthrough Artist in 2008.[1][3] In February 2009, she officially changed her stage name to Santigold due to legal threats from director Santo Victor Rigatuso. Her second album, "Master of My Make-Believe" (2012), continued her artistic trajectory, peaking at number 21 on the Billboard 200 and topping the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart, while spawning the hit single "Disparate Youth." Santigold has continued to evolve artistically with subsequent releases including "99¢" (2016), "I Don't Want: The Gold Fire Sessions" (2018), and "Spirituals" (2022), establishing herself as a versatile artist committed to genre-defying experimentation.[1][3][4]
Throughout her career, Santigold has become known for her fearless approach to musical boundaries, incorporating elements of new wave, punk, electro, reggae, and dub into her work. Her influence extends beyond her own recordings through high-profile collaborations and her work as a songwriter and producer for other artists. She has maintained a strong presence in both underground and mainstream music scenes, performing at major festivals including Lollapalooza and touring extensively across the United States and Europe.[3][4]
Fun Facts
- Santigold received the nickname 'Santigold' from a friend in the 1990s, long before it became her stage name.[4]
- She was forced to change her stage name from Santogold to Santigold in February 2009 due to legal threats from director Santo Victor Rigatuso, who produced the 1985 film 'Santo Gold's Blood Circus.'[3]
- Before becoming a solo artist, Santigold worked as a songwriter and producer for other artists, including co-writing and executive producing Res's debut album 'How I Do.'[1]
- The single 'Disparate Youth' from her 2012 album 'Master of My Make-Believe' was featured in commercials for Honda Civic and Direct Line insurance, bringing her music to mainstream audiences.[4]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Darryl Jenifer - Bad Brains bassist who produced Stiffed's albums, providing early production guidance and artistic mentorship (Stiffed - 'Sex Sells' (2003), 'Burned Again' (2005)) [2003-2005]
- Martin Heath - Founder of Lizard King Records who offered White her initial solo contract (Solo contract offer) [2007]
Key Collaborators
- John Hill - Fellow Stiffed band member and co-producer of debut album (Santogold (2008)) [2007-2008]
- Diplo - Producer and collaborator on debut album (Santogold (2008)) [2008]
- Jay-Z - Major artist collaboration and tour support (Tour performances) [2009-2010]
- Kanye West - Major artist collaboration and tour support (Tour performances) [2009-2010]
- Beastie Boys - Collaborative artist (Various projects) [2000s-2010s]
- Red Hot Chili Peppers - Tour support and opening performances (Tour dates) [2012-2013]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CHROMAKOPIA | 2024-10-25 | Album |
| Master of My Make-Believe | 2012-04-21 | Album |
| Santigold | 2008-04-29 | Album |
| Master of My Make-Believe | 2012-04-16 | Album |
| Free The Universe (Extended Version) | 2013-04-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Thought I Was Dead (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold) (CHROMAKOPIA)
- Disparate Youth (Master of My Make-Believe)
- Disparate Youth (Master of My Make-Believe)
- Hell (feat. Santigold) (LONG.LIVE.A$AP (Deluxe Version))
- L.E.S. Artistes (Santigold)
- Disparate Youth
- Run the Road
- L.E.S Artistes
- Solidarité (Lamomali)
- GO! (feat. Karen O) (Master of My Make-Believe)
External Links
Tags: #electronic, #hip-hop, #indie-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
Santigold has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2, 2025 | 01:09 | L.E.S. Artistesfrom Santigold | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Sep 16, 2025 | 00:05 | Don't Play No Game That I Can't Winfrom Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. Two | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins |