LITTLE SIMZ Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Little Simz is back with a new album that comes after years of ever more momentum, awards and critical acclaim. The storytelling rapper's latest long player, Lotus, is named in reference to renewal and growth and the lead single, 'Flood' featuring Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly has already made a big mark by blending haunting vocals with a live-band feel that showcases Simz's hard-hitting delivery over creeping basslines. It is a dynamic and introspective sound which also plays out across the rest of the album and here comes on nice pink vinyl. Another standout effort from this contemporary star, then, and just in time for her Meltdown Festival curation and residency at London's Southbank.

Review: 29-year old Simbiatu Ajikawo aka Little Simz had a breakout year in 2022 that saw her complete a sold out tour and win some big awards (Mercury Music Prize, Mobo, Ivor Novello and Brit) as well as the public's affections. She takes a bold left turn here with 'No Thank Yowl, an album of defiant punk rock that is sleek and dynamic and serves as a "two-fingered salute to conformity and fame". It's a confident record from an artist at the top of her game, all recorded with her go to collaborator Inflo. She says, "emotion is energy in motion. Honour your truth and feelings. Eradicate fear. Boundaries are important."

Review: First released on streaming services back in December, Little Simz fifth album, No Thank You, finally makes it onto CD. Chances are you've already heard it, but if not, we can confirm that it's a genuinely brilliant set that more than lives up to the dizzy heights of its Mercury Prize-winning predecessor, 2021's Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Constructed in great sonic detail by long-term production partner InFlo - all sultry strings, head-nodding R&BV beats, sampled horns, background and chorus vocals from Cleo Sol and warming bass - the ten-track set contains some of Little Simz's most potent lyrics - all of which are delivered with the kind of seamless, London-accented flow that we've come to expect from her. Another triumph from one of the UK's greatest MCs.