Little Simz shares new album ‘Lotus’
Little Simz returns in an emotionally raw, yet powerful project.
Photo: Thibaut Grevet
From grief to growth, Little Simz’ sixth studio album, Lotus, experiments with themes of emotional vulnerability and perseverance in light of the rapper’s recent lawsuit against Inflo (Dean Cover), her previous producer and lifelong friend. Earlier this year, Simz, also known as Simbiatu Ajikawo, filed a lawsuit with alleged claims of Inflo’s failure to repay a 1.7 million pound loan. Cover and his team have yet to provide a statement on the accusations.
Through this conflict, along with her break with previous management, London’s beloved rapper was left to rediscover her self-confidence and a new sound. Thankfully, she wasn’t left alone, with the support of her producer Miles Clinton James, who was there to uplift Little Simz in a time when insecurity was blinding her. Through their collaboration, the Mercury Award-winning artist was able to revitalise herself through symbolic songs that capture every emotion she experienced.
The thirteen-track project gets straight to the point with the opening title, Thief, addressing the rapper’s journey since the release of her last album, No Thank You, in 2022. She raps, “I’m tryna forgive myself / I don’t need to forgive you so I can heal” on top of a drumkit that kicks listeners right into gear as it slides seamlessly into Flood.
The first two songs experiment with sentiments of searing anger before breaking off into a different vibe completely with Young, the third and final single released prior to Lotus’ debut. The carefree cadence chants, “I taught myself to sing and I taught myself to shout (la la) / I taught myself how to get by and go without (easy)”. Referring to a Sault song under the same title, which was produced by Inflo and Simz was featured on, Free is a form of reclamation for the rapper as she moves on from her tumultuous time with her former friend.
Following the feel-good vibes of Simz’s third track is a smooth samba to support Only. The song is a sweet switch to a newfound theme of love and appreciation. “Wishing that the love will set us free” repeats as her lyrics strip down and redefine the artist’s perspective of love in her relationships. Free and Peace are pausing points to add perspective on the term “love” and how easy it is to mistake exploitation for adoration. The three tracks, though not as harsh as her opening pieces, are poignant in explaining the ins and outs of her creative partnership with Inflo and how hurtful some friends can be.
Just when we thought Simz couldn’t dig any deeper, Hollow, Lonely, and Blue explore feelings of heartbreak as she mourns the time she spent swallowed in self-doubt. Her voice trembles over “Your body contracted self doubt and that is a horrible virus / Is this an incurable climate?”. Supported by featured artist Sampha, the track is a heartfelt portrayal of how hurt Simz was, but also the courage she had to pick herself back up again.
In her best work yet, Lotus is an extraordinary display of Little Simz’s creative genius and a righteous retaliation against what the world has thrown at her.
Lotus is out now via AWAL.