In a search to both expand my knowledge of Wisconsin hip hop and to find more female artists that released albums in 2011, I was extremely fortunate to come across SigNif. One listen to the Milwaukee-born and New York-based emcee, and it was clear that this was a talent that I need to know. After releasing her debut EP in 2009 and her first album in 2010, SigNif came right back in 2011 with an EP and a full length album. Embracing Rejection is a strong collection of songs, and it clearly states her case that she is not any sort of flash in the pan - this is smart hip hop made by a talented young woman with vision.

SigNif worked with a wide range of producers on this record, including Taylee, HPthaHybrid, Gee Wiz, JBM, Radio Raheim, Thaddeus Otts, Haz Solo, KnowSum, DJ Puerto Roc, Sauce Fonda, Sudan Life, and Gambitt. All the songs gel together nicely, as SigNif mainly rocks over some laid back midtempo numbers which push the lyrics toward the forefront. Not to worry, though - there are some bangers as well. “No Love” brings in some great Puerto Rican salsa influence, and “Vandal” rocks a menacing piano line that creates tension that’s resolved in a blaring horn hit that sounds great with the volume pumped up in your car. There’s also some beautiful moments of introspection on Embracing Rejection, which is where SigNif really shines. As soon as I reached the second track, “Let’s Build,” a gentle song with the chorus of “Reach one, teach one, let’s build,” I knew I was on to a musician who could see the bigger picture and was going to use her music to challenge her listeners. She accomplishes the extremely difficult task of creating lyrics that are inspiring without coming across as corny. She manages to do this striking the careful balance of relating personal issues and hopes and fears, and then taking her listeners on her back by hoping on the mic with such confidence that she seems to tell everybody, “It’s OK - I got this.” SigNif can do this because her skills on the mic are really strong, as she consistently manages to come up with clever turns of phrase, but never loses sight of the bigger picture in her story telling. On top of all that, she has a great feeling for fitting her words into the groove.

I didn’t know anything about SigNif before coming across Embracing Rejection, but this album is so strong and she puts so much of a personal stamp on her music, I feel like I’ve known her for years. And while this album is great, I’m even more excited about what will come next, because I see a bright future ahead for SigNif.