Biig Piig: The Lo-Fi Soul and Jazz-Tinged Storyteller

Biig Piig is the artistic moniker of Irish-Spanish singer, songwriter, and rapper Jess Smyth, known for her intimate, genre-blending sound. Emerging from London's vibrant collective scene, she has carved a distinct niche with her smoky vocals and candid lyricism, leading to millions of streams and critical acclaim for her mixtapes and EPs.

Early career

Born in 1997 in Cork, Ireland, Jess Smyth spent her childhood moving between Spain and England before settling in West London. Her musical journey began in earnest as part of the Nine8 Collective, a creative group of London-based artists including Lava La Rue and Mac Wetha, who collaborated and supported each other's early DIY releases. Under the name Biig Piig, she started uploading raw, lo-fi tracks to SoundCloud around 2016, catching attention with her unique blend of spoken-word, soul, and jazz.

Breakthrough

Biig Piig's breakthrough arrived with the 2019 release of her EP A World Without Snooze, Vol. 2 on the London-based label RCA Records. The project showcased a more polished yet still deeply personal sound, with tracks like Perdida and Liahr resonating strongly with a growing audience. This led to significant streaming success and established her as a defining voice in the UK's alternative R&B and neo-soul landscape.

Key tracks

Perdida — This sultry, Spanish-inflected track from her 2019 EP became a fan favorite, perfectly encapsulating her bilingual storytelling and jazz-hop production.

Liahr — A laid-back, confessional song that highlights her smooth flow and ability to craft relatable narratives about love and late-night introspection.

Kerosene — Released in 2021, this single marked a shift towards a fuller, more band-driven sound while maintaining her signature lyrical intimacy.

This Is What They Meant — The lead single from her 2023 debut mixtape Bubblegum, it showcased a confident, upbeat pop direction with slick production.

Picking Up — A collaboration with Deb Never, this track from the Bubblegum mixtape exemplifies her skill in weaving melodic rap with alternative R&B textures.

Her career continued to ascend with the 2021 EP The Sky Is Bleeding and her official debut mixtape, Bubblegum, in 2023. These releases saw Biig Piig expanding her sonic palette, incorporating more elements of indie pop and electronic music while collaborating with artists like Deb Never and Morgan Simpson of black midi. Her work is released through RCA Records, a major label partnership that has amplified her reach while allowing her to maintain a distinctly independent creative spirit.

Fans of Biig Piig's introspective style and genre-fluid approach may also enjoy the sounds of Loyle Carner, who similarly blends soulful hip-hop with heartfelt storytelling. Greentea Peng offers a comparable mix of neo-soul, reggae, and psychedelic vibes with a London edge. The jazz-inflected R&B of Jorja Smith shares a space with Biig Piig's smoother vocal moments. For the collaborative and DIY ethos, explore the work of Lava La Rue, a fellow Nine8 Collective member and multidisciplinary artist.

Biig Piig's music has earned consistent rotation on a variety of independent music radio stations and online radio streams that champion emerging alternative sounds. Her tracks are staples on platforms specializing in neo-soul, chillhop, and contemporary R&B, connecting with listeners who seek authentic, genre-defying artists.

You can discover the evocative music of Biig Piig by tuning into the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Listen to her blend of lo-fi soul, jazz, and melodic rap on stations dedicated to showcasing the next wave of compelling singer-songwriters.