Unveiling the Rebirth: Little Simz's "Lotus" Empowering Journey
Little Simz triumphs over a predicament through her album 'Lotus' - Rapper Little Simz triumphs over turmoil, showcasing her resilience through track "Lotus"
Little Simz isn't just a budding hip-hop star. At 31, she also helms as a top-notch producer, an actvetness in Netflix's "Top Boy," and curator of the prestigious Meltdown Festival. With a Mercury Prize under her belt, she's joining the ranks of luminary artists such as Yoko Ono and David Bowie.
Yet, it's hard to believe that behind this impressive façade, "Little Simz" (Sometimes I Might Be Introvert) was on the brink of losing faith in herself before her sixth studio album "Lotus." Stricken by a crisis, she's poured her recovery into this album that hits the shelves on June 6. What can we expect?
The genre, songs, and runtime:
Expect a burst of British rap infused with jazz, soul, samba, and punk elements. The 13 tracks will spill for around 45 minutes.
What does "Lotus" sound like:
Much like her previous releases, Little Simz continues to impress with dynamic soundscapes, sharp lines, and relaxed rap flows. "Lotus" oscillates between energetic tracks with fast beats, like the gritty lead single "Flood," and soft, introspective songs like "Peace."
Fans of contrasting genres will find familiar territory as Little Simz experiments with style yet again, with jazz or punk vibes creeping into tracks such as the rebellious "Young."
The heart of "Lotus":
For Little Simz, "Lotus" is a beacon of renewal and growth. Struggling through a low point, she questioned herself, her music, and was assailed by fears. "Reaching this point is really sad because you've lost faith in yourself," she confesses. Track such as "Lonely" reflect her self-doubt, but the album is not overwhelmed by it. There's a positive spin, as it embodies her journey towards self-acceptance and growth. In "Free," for example, Little Simz sings over strings and acoustic guitar sounds about the power of love.
Mood changes weave through the 13 tunes like a red thread. Despite the challenges of the past year, Little Simz chooses to focus on the beauty that emerged, stating, "I want these highlights to shine through."
Who this album resonates with:
The fans of her previous albums "No Thank You" and "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" should fall in love with "Lotus." However, its genre-blending mix could also draw in people who typically shy away from hip-hop, thanks to the depth of her lyrical content. Little Simz is sometimes likened to the American rapper Kendrick Lamar for her thought-provoking rhymes.
At a Glance:
Little Simz's "Lotus" is a thematic exploration of personal growth, transformation, and emotional depth, intertwining punk, samba, soul, and jazz influences. Following a low period of self-doubt, Little Simz explores themes of renewal, confidence, and love in this sonically expansive album. It's not just a declaration of a past self-doubt, but a statement of personal growth. The album should appeal to fans of her previous work, as well as reach beyond the hip-hop genre due to its lyrical depth and experimental nature. It's an album about rebirth and overcoming adversity—an ode to renewal and growth.
I'm not going to be able to resist the enticing blend of genres in Little Simz's "Lotus," including British rap, jazz, soul, samba, and punk. This empowering journey, a reflection of her personal struggles and growth, resonates deeply with me, mirroring my own lifestyle and love for diverse entertainment and music.
