Truthful, brash, extra. These are all words that can be used to describe Putri Soeharto, otherwise known to everyone else as Ramengvrl, and with songs like ‘CA$HMERE’ and ‘I Am Me,’ only serves to exemplify those adjectives even further.
But unlike the likes of Cardi B, of whom she’s somewhat compared to at times, Ramengvrl speaks about her surroundings, the culture that made her, liking herself, compiled with chockful of references to Indonesian culture. This localisation is made crystal clear in her single Go! (I can be your), opening the song with, “Baby I can be your Gojek,” and then hooking with “I can take you to Surabaya” at the end of the song that provides a refreshingly Southeast Asian take on common scenarios often undertaken by Western R&B artists.
Primarily though, Ramengvrl aspires to be a rapper, as announced with other singles mentioned above. ‘CA$HMERE’ speaks about wealth, or lack thereof, in a niche society of people that talk big, and spend money that they don’t have to put on a facade. The song title is synonymous with the material, which is soft wool often found in higher end jackets and coats. A New Orleans’ bounce forms the underlying music that hooks onto you instantly. She cites references from songs like Lemon by N.E.R.D or G-Eazy’s No Limit, as inspiration is drawn from these two songs. Hence, ‘CA$HMERE’ was born, and to great success.
Numerous comparisons have been drawn with Ramengvrl and Rich Brian, of whom ply their trade in the same genre, and both to immense success when it comes to fielding the Indonesian name to the international stage. And if Ramengvrl continues to push incredible levels of work and talent, she’ll get there in no time.
