Vibrant Renaissance: How Little Simz Rebirths Herself in "Lotus"
Rapper Little Simz triumphs over adversity through her album 'Lotus' - Rapper Little Simz Navigates Through a Crisis with "Lotus" - Overcoming Adversity via Her Music
otive digs
Brit rapper and creative powerhouse, Little Simz aka Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, is more than just a successful rapper. Known for her impressive discography, acting roles in Netflix series "Top Boy", producing, and now curating the prestigious Meltdown Festival, she's joining the ranks of artists like Yoko Ono and David Bowie. Yet, her sixth studio album "Lotus" almost never saw the light of day. Let's dive into this deep, personal, and transformative project.
Genre, number of songs, length:
Blending UK hip-hop with soul, jazz, samba, and punk, "Lotus" boasts 13 tracks that run for about three-quarters of an hour.
What "Lotus" sounds like:
Riding on the success of being named the best newcomer at the Brit Awards in 2022 and her previous albums, Little Simz delivers infectious soundscapes, poignant lyrics, and cool, laid-back raps. With tracks like "Flood," "Young," and "Peace," she seamlessly shifts between intense, fast-paced tracks and softer, poetic anthems.
Collaborations with guests like Obongjayar, Moonchild Sanelly, Lydia Kitto, Moses Sumney, Miraa May, Wretch 32, Cashh, Yukimi, and Sampha add layers of diverse stylistic influences to the album, creating a cohesive sonic journey.
What "Lotus" is about:
The gut-wrenchingly introspective album is a testament to the artist's emotional journey of self-doubt, renewal, and growth. It roots from a dark place, as Little Simz recalls questioning herself, her artistry, and losing faith in herself. This internal battle is evident in tracks like "Thief" and "Lonely."
Yet, "Lotus" is more than just a struggle. It's a celebration of personal growth and human connection. In "Free," Little Simz raps about the empowering force of love over strings and acoustic guitar melodies.
Mood changes run like a crimson thread through the album's 13 tracks. As she said, "The tone changes, because that's what I do. I change." And amid the turmoil, we find the glistening highlights of her life that shine through the lyrics, making the album relatable and beautiful.
Who the album is for:
"Lotus" will certainly resonate with fans of her previous albums "No Thank You" and "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert." Yet, its genre-crossing appeal has the potential to attract individuals who aren't avid hip-hop fans, thanks to her penetrating lyrics and multifaceted sound. Little Simz has often been compared to American rapper Kendrick Lamar, emphasizing her depth and artistry.
In 2025, "Lotus" is set to drop, and if history is any indication, it promises to be a remarkable addition to her catalogue.
I'm not going to be able to express the depth of emotions that Little Simz conveys in her album "Lotus" through my lifestyle, as it transcends typical entertainment aspects and delves into realms of music that mingle soul, jazz, samba, and punk. Despite the album's genre-crossing appeal, its raw introspection might feel challenging for those not accustomed to hip-hop, making it a unique journey for both her existing fans and newcomers alike.
