It starts with a conga line. Each ensuing rhyme-covered bass beat further beckons you toward the dancehall. The chorus is so full of percussion it sounds like a Gatling gun. There’s even a shot at Lady Gaga? And the accompanying video (below); my god what a mess.

“Big Mouth” is quite the performance. The half-animated music video is complete with lightning bolts shooting out of her eyes and backup dancers enjoying themselves on Saturn’s rings. Santigold may have lost her mind. More plausible: she’s mad at someone. An animated blond mermaid in the video that bears a striking resemblance to Lady Gaga suggests there could be a specific target of her ire, or the track may in fact be aimed at all her haters. rama or not, the song is fun. Santigold continues to associate herself with upbeat, enthusiastic music that always entertains. The single is one of several expected this spring on Master of My Make-Believe, and may be one of very few lacking a featured artist.

From Kanye West to the Beastie Boys. From GZA to the boys of The Lonely Island. Filling out a previous employers form must be a nightmare for Santigold. While past appearances may have been credited as Santogold, there’s no confusion as to the number and range of artists with whom she has worked. Her start as a songwriter led to an extended period as a featured artist and opening act. Although this proved successful in exposure, her second studio album, Master of My Make-Believe, aims to clarify the name debate and solidify her as a solo act. If there are more acid-induced diss songs like “Big Mouth” on the LP, it’ll be hard to get Santigold out of our heads. 

About The Author

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A Madison native and UW graduate, Chris Kraemer lives and breathes between Monona and Mendota. His passion for experiencing an album in its entirety helps him feel at home while frequently apart from his beloved isthmus.