Little Simz

No Thank You – Forever Living Originals / AWAL

On the heels of winning the Mercury Prize for album of the year, 2022’s Sometimes I Might be Introvert, and also the Brit Award for Best New Act, Little Simz (Simbiatu Ajikawo) comes back with a vengeance and ferocity that hits like an old school talent with years of hip hop experience. The fact that she is just beginning her skyrocketing career is amazing – and I’m so excited to see what she has in store for the future.

For now, of course, this surprise release that marks her fifth album in total and features brilliant raping technique over smooth synths and beats. The jazzy renditions on here are typical of the UK rap game… she flirts with the pulses of the beats and syncopates like a seasoned warrior unbound by the actual youth of her age.

Many highlights on this album, as pretty much any track is awesome. Track 1, “Angel,” tells about her disgust with the record companies and also is an ode to a friend that passed away. “Silhouette,” (track 3) is a funky track that features orchestration and backing vocals – in yet again a pointed attack on people trying to prevent her from reaching her dreams. Track 5, “X,” mixes in tribal beats with orchestration in what could be the stunner track on the album. Her voice glides through the soundscape – it’s almost cinematic in scope. Track 7, “Broken,” is a 7 ½ minute gem, punching back at the turmoil of life as an artist and features a chorus of backing voice that elevate the song into the centerpiece of a brilliant new album.

Favorites are 8, 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 6, and 7.

– (h)earwitness