SG ALI’s authenticity not only radiates out of her music but also in the way she carries herself. Confident and forthright, the North Side native can assert her presence without the need to force a persona or character. It’s not in her nature to try to impress anybody, and yet her frank lyricism has turned thousands of listeners into fans —with the potential of many more on the way.

It’s been at least three years of consistent musical output from the 22-year-old, and in the process, she’s built a reputation for her versatility and gravitas behind the mic. From hardcore drill to melodic raps, SG revels in surprising fans with different styles while remaining true to her story. It just happens to be that her story is one that’s grimly familiar to many in the city. Yes, violence and grief cast a shadow on her music, but they’re also met with unwavering defiance. She’s weathered life’s bruises and its made her resilient.

Her first big look on a national-scale happened with the release of 2019’s “Wicked,” which originally premiered on World Star Hip Hop. However, it’s her latest single, “Drank On The Block,” that’s seen SG elevate to an exciting new level, which includes a deal with legendary-blog-turned-label Steady Leanin. With production masterminded by SephGotTheWaves, melancholic guitar chords serve as the foundation for SG to meditate on her upbringing and how it shaped her (“No amount of money going to heal all this pain”) while finding solace and taking stock in a promising future (“Instead of waiting on my time, I'll make it mine”). It’s a record that marries bluesy elements with an undercurrent of motivational street raps and unforgettable refrains. Easily one of the best tracks we’ve heard this year, the single is a fixture in the forecast playlist.

In between studio sessions, taking care of her family, and video shoots, SG linked up with These Days for a photoshoot and quick Q&A. We talked about “Drank On The Block,” working with Steady Leanin, and what’s next. Check it out below and stay tuned for her next single, "Long Way," dropping on March 30th.

Hey SG, thanks for answering our questions! How are you feeling about 2021 so far?

Thanks for talking with me. Really feeling excited and confident for the most part. Just tryna stay focused and keep the motion flowing now that I’m back working full effect. 

For the uninitiated, can you introduce yourself and tell us what part of the city you’re from? 

My name is SG ALI. I’m 22 and from Cabrini Green Projects, located on the Near North Side of Chicago, born and raised.

You released “Drank On The Block” earlier in February, and we haven’t stopped playing it since. How did that record come to be?

While I was in LA, I was actually in a rush trying to make something before my session, just to come ready, but I was in Chick-Fil-A, and it was a long-ass line, and it came to me while I had to wait in line. I got the first line of the song, and the rest just came to me as I got going. Then I got to the session and laid it down, and that was that. 

You also used the single to announce a label deal with Steady Leanin. Why did you feel this was the right record to break the news?

It was just the first single to introduce me. I wasn’t tryna hold anything back. 

How did you get involved with them?

It came through my now-manager, who I met my first time in LA. He and I kept in contact, I use to send him music from Chicago, and he used to send it around. I don’t remember how it exactly went, but he basically got this situation set up. Steady Leanin saw my vision, and they believe in me. Now we here. 

We saw some pics of you in L.A. recently. Were you able to record while you were out there? If so, what was that experience like?

Yeah, I actually worked literally every day. The experience was great. I did an acoustic video for my very first time, which was fun. I had a photoshoot and recorded every day. Even though I was tired, everything about it was fun. You can’t be bored doing what you love.

It seems like you’re planning some big things...what’s next for SG ALI?

More music —I got really strong singles coming soon. Imma also say my project. It’s big because it’s my very first, so I’m planning on putting my all into it to wake the world up and show what I’m made of and what I come from. Show everybody where I’m headed, you know?