Early Life, Musical Influences & Discovering Freestyle

Songer, whose real name is James Songer, is a British rapper and songwriter from Wokingham, Berkshire, England. He grew up near Reading and developed an early interest in poetry, hip-hop, wordplay, and freestyle rap. Music was also present in his family, with his grandfather performing covers of artists such as Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. Songer has mentioned influences including Eminem, J. Cole, and Arctic Monkeys, which helped shape his approach to songwriting and storytelling. During his school years, he practiced freestyle rap with friends and developed his rapid delivery, punchlines, and intricate lyricism. His connection with the local drum-and-bass scene also gave him opportunities to perform as an MC at youth raves around Wokingham, Reading, and Bristol.

Breakthrough on BL@CKBOX & First Projects

Songer’s major breakthrough came in 2017, when he appeared on the UK YouTube freestyle platform BL@CKBOX at just 17 years old. His fast delivery, complex rhymes, and confident wordplay quickly attracted attention online. He later returned to the platform, with his performances becoming some of its most viewed. Following this success, Songer began developing his recorded music career, releasing the project Times Two in 2019 and his debut album Dream Workz later that year. These releases established him as an independent artist with a strong focus on lyricism and personal expression.

Dream Workz & Lyrics for Sanity

Released in 2019, Dream Workz became Songer’s first major full-length statement and helped introduce his personality and writing style beyond freestyle performances. He followed it with Lyrics for Sanity in 2020, which placed greater emphasis on introspection, personal experiences, and emotional expression. His songwriting increasingly became a way of exploring his thoughts and experiences, contributing to the honest and confessional quality that would become an important part of his music.

The Sunrise Project & Genre Expansion

In 2021, Songer released The Sunrise Project, continuing his development as a songwriter while incorporating heavier sampling and trap-influenced production. Although primarily associated with UK hip-hop, he continued exploring sounds beyond traditional rap. His work with artists from the drum-and-bass and UK garage scenes demonstrated how naturally his rapid flow could adapt to faster electronic production and helped him reach audiences outside the traditional UK rap community.

SKALA & Growing Recognition

In 2023, Songer released SKALA, an album named after his dog. The project continued his combination of lyrical complexity, personal writing, and genre experimentation. Around this period, his profile continued growing through collaborations with electronic artists, strengthening his connection to the UK bass and drum-and-bass scenes.

Toxic (Freestyle) & Vino Bandit

One of Songer’s biggest career moments came with “Toxic (Freestyle)”, built around the instrumental associated with Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Originally known through his BL@CKBOX performance, the freestyle later became an official release and gained significant attention online, eventually becoming a UK Top 40 hit. He also gained wider recognition through “Vino Bandit,” his collaboration with drum-and-bass producer K Motionz, which showcased his ability to perform over fast, high-energy electronic production.

The Price of Therapy & Personal Expression

In 2024, Songer released THE PRICE OF THERAPY. The project continued his increasingly personal approach to songwriting, exploring themes surrounding mental health, growing up, pressure, relationships, and personal struggles. His willingness to discuss difficult experiences openly has become an important part of his connection with listeners, allowing his music to feel personal and relatable rather than simply performance-focused.

Collaborations & Independent Career

Throughout his career, Songer has collaborated with artists across UK rap and electronic music, including D Double E, K Motionz, Vibe Chemistry, Mr Traumatik, Devilman, OneDa, Issey Cross, A Little Sound, and Hybrid Minds. A defining feature of his career has been his commitment to remaining independent. He has built his audience through music releases, freestyle platforms, social media, live performances, and direct connections with fans while maintaining significant creative control over his work.

Live Performances & Touring

Songer has developed a strong reputation as a live performer. His debut UK tour sold out quickly, including multiple London performances, while his festival appearances have included events such as Reading & Leeds Festival and Truck Festival. His live shows combine rapid-fire lyricism with the high-energy atmosphere of UK hip-hop, grime, drum and bass, and bass music.

Latest Era & Songer Today

Songer continued expanding his catalogue with releases in 2025 and 2026, including singles such as “ALIVE,” “Motion Sickness,” “Under The Water,” “95s,” “BONES,” and “FIND MY FACE.” His sixth album, WHAT IF I SAY NO?, was released in 2026, representing another stage in his development as an independent UK artist. Today, Songer continues to experiment across UK hip-hop, grime, drum and bass, and UK garage while keeping lyricism at the heart of his work. His journey from Wokingham freestyle sessions to major festival stages reflects his skill, consistency, individuality, and strong connection with his audience.