News

Thai rapper MILLI makes history with fourth place in Show Me The Money 12

Thai spiciness goes global as MILLI makes Show Me The Money history and sweeps Global Vote

Kaweewat Siwanartwong
Written by
Kaweewat Siwanartwong
Staff writer, Time Out Thailand
Time Out Bangkok
Photograph: Time Out Bangkok
Advertising

When the wave of 'Thai spiciness' hits the Asian stage in the final round of Show Me The Money 12, MILLI – Thailand's female rapper – makes history. She secures fourth place, becoming the first Thai artist to reach the finals, whilst absolutely sweeping first place in the Global Vote category. Fans around the world unite behind the hashtag #เชียร์นวยสุดใจคนไทยไม่ทิ้งกัน, turning social media into one massive cheering session.

The standout moment of that evening? Her performance of MSG (feat. Omega Sapien). It's not just exciting to watch – it's a proper declaration of Thai culture in a contemporary, accessible form. She takes the concept of 'MSG powder' and flips it into a metaphor for her own spiciness as a woman, whilst representing the bold, harmonious and distinctly unique taste of Thai food.

Mnet TV
Photograph:Mnet TV
Mnet TV
Photograph:Mnet TV

Remember that viral image of her eating mango sticky rice on stage at Coachella 2022? This time she levels up even further, telling the story of Thai street food through music and visuals in a seriously sophisticated way. There's even a shout-out to 'Saeng Chai Phochana' – that legendary rice porridge spot in the Sukhumvit 32 area that's become a proper landmark for Thais and foreigners alike.

Behind this intense performance sits a team of Thai producers: Spatchies, PapZilla, KIRWAV and Sawat. They design the sound to feel international yet fun, before surprising everyone mid-song by switching the beat to that familiar Thai wedding procession rhythm. Then comes Omega Sapien, an alternative rapper from South Korea who created the song 'Krapow', blending the three-cha rhythm with club dance absolutely perfectly.

Mnet TV
Photograph:Mnet TV

The fact that a Thai artist overcomes numerous competitors to step into the Top 5 of South Korea's leading rap show marks another important milestone for Thailand's hip-hop scene. This isn't just about rankings or awards – it's proof that language, culture or borders are no longer obstacles when it comes to communicating through music.

Sure, she doesn't take home the winner's position this time, but what Milli achieves is opening a new door for Thai artists on the world stage. There's only one question worth watching now: how much further will her next steps take Thai spiciness? The good news coming soon might just be another important chapter that fans really shouldn't miss.

Latest news
    Advertising