Anyone who is seriously missing all that is good about rap and hip hop will be happy to know Little Simz is still holding it down. Rather than fill her music with random phrases clumsily strung together with lazy beats, Little Simz lays the tracks for powerful storytelling with compelling lyrics powered by expeditious rhythm.
Unapologetic and unwavering, the English rapper spits rhymes and lines faster than you can comprehend. Even with rapidfire word flow, Little Simz makes sure each word hits you like a brick; such is the case with her March album album release, Grey Area.
With songs such as “Offense,” “Boss” and “Venom,” Little Simz continues her dialogue on serious matters including politics, sexuality, gender equality and of course the everyday life of a 24-year-old Londoner.
While her new album finds her sounding like a combination of Rage Against the Machine, Gorillaz and many contemporary rap/hip hop artists, the sound is wholly a creation of Little Simz, a young woman at the precipice of greatness tired of being confronted with the world and its inherent bullshit.
“They should have never let me discover the mic,” Simz screams in “Boss” before laying down dizzyingly quick lyrics that aim to kill.
Born Simbi Ajikawo, Little Simz grew up in North London aspiring to be a musician. Her unique perspective and fearless writing style made her an obvious standout amongst up and coming artists, so it’s no surprise to see her gain notoriety from her peers, fans, critics and inspiration alike.
While Little Simz new album Grey Area hits like a runaway locomotive, there are reprieves of melodic tantrics and youthful exuberance that ebb and flow with a carefree grace. The combination of sound and fury in Little Simz’s music makes the whole album a breadth of fresh air that fills your lungs and moves you to breathe in even deeper.
Words by Patricia Sanchez
Little Simz will be in Los Angeles on June 13 at The Echo. You don’t want to miss her live set. Get tickets here. Follow Little Simz via Instagram and Facebook.
Little Simz Tour Dates
5/24 – London, UK @ Victoria Park
6/11 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
6/12 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s
6/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
6/16 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
6/19 – Norfolk, VA @ Origami Asian Bistro
6/21 – Baltimore, MD @ 8×10
6/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade
6/25 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott
2/26 – Toronto, Canada @ The Drake Hotel – Underground
7/6 – Le Liege, France @ Parc Astrid
8/15 – Trondheim, Norway @ Marinen
