Grim visuals accompanied by a dubstep beat
In the world of music, evolution is key, and that's certainly true for British rapper Little Simz. Known for her captivating lyrics and genre-bending style, Simbi Ajikawo, also known as Little Simz, has taken her music from grime-rooted beginnings to the rich, diverse sound of her latest album Lotus.
Little Simz made a statement in 2021 about her talent, comparing herself to Jay-Z and Shakespeare. Her journey began with her breakthrough album "Sometimes I Might Be an Introvert," released in 2021, which marked a significant shift from her grime-affiliated beginnings. This album, along with her subsequent releases "No Thank You" and "Lotus," have demonstrated a rare combination of diversity, consistency, style consciousness, and a distinctive voice in eclectic music.
The sound of "Lotus" creates a warm sound within a musical universe typically associated with urban hustle and stress. It is a testament to Little Simz's ability to blend the raw energy of grime with the smoothness of soul, the complexity of orchestral samples, the intensity of post-punk guitars, and the introspective wisdom of Lauryn Hill.
The album "Lotus" contains tracks like "Thief," which addresses betrayal and deceit in a universally applicable manner, and "Flood," which creates a sonic state of emergency. In "Only," Little Simz sings a duet with Lydia Kitto, while "Free" and "Peace" explore themes of self-forgiveness and inner peace. The title track of "Lotus" is a nearly pompous mid-tempo hip-hop piece.
The core elements of Little Simz's music are described as "beat-science in search of the intersection between 'fucked up' and 'groovy'" and "bass pressure." These qualities are evident in tracks like "Lion," featuring Nigerian singer Obongjayar, a driving Afrobeat reenactment.
Little Simz's album "Lotus" features a diverse range of musical styles, including hip-hop, ambient soul, and Afrobeat. Simon Reynolds outlines the placement of both albums "No Thank You" and "Lotus" in his "Hardcore Continuum." This evolution, from grime-rooted British rap through soulful and experimental phases, embracing electronic influences and orchestral production, culminates in a deeply personal and stylistically diverse soundscape on Lotus.
In summary, Little Simz’s evolution spans from grime-rooted British rap through soulful and experimental phases, embracing electronic influences and orchestral production, culminating in a deeply personal and stylistically diverse soundscape on Lotus. Her latest album is a testament to her versatility, creativity, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries in music.
