Little Simz - Lotus Review
Little Simz returns with Lotus, a fearless and genre-spanning album that turns personal fallout into powerful, poetic resolve.
Earlier this year we saw Little Simz sue her former producer Dean Cover (aka Inflo) for failing to repay a loan of $2.3 million; spent mainly on an extravagant debut live show for the music collective SAULT; of which Simz has worked with numerous times. Having started and abandoned four separate projects since her last release, Lotus sees Simz return fully loaded, equipped with unwavering vim and intention.
Working alongside producer Miles Clinton James for the first time, the album’s sound is a cleverly, coherent celebration of genres; drawing on rock, jazz, soul and samba- every track contributes to a pivotal, underlying narrative of rawness and intellect.
Opening with Thief, Simz’s purpose is clear from inception. Rapping with nothing but honesty, we learn more of Simz’s tribulations with Inflo: ‘Thief, and you know what it means…selling lies, selling dreams.’ There is something admirable about how blatantly truthful her lyrics are, not just on this track, but throughout the album. Simz doesn’t hide behind complex metaphors, instead she chooses to simply tell it how it is.
Every aspect of Lotus feels carefully thought through, with all the features making not only emotional sense, but sonically too. We see Simz link up with Jungle’s iconic Lydia Kitto for Only, delivering her paradigm, soothing vocals over a samba beat- which is almost a little too catchy. Another standout feature on the album is that of frequent collaborator Obongjayar, bringing out Simz’s Sometimes I Might Be Introvert side, the pair beautifully revive their shared, emblematic sound. Full of funk and drive, the track is percussion perfection, seasoned with inescapable sax and guitar- it’s one to have on repeat.
Listening to the album, we realise Simz is not doing anything for clout, but for art of the highest caliber.
In perhaps a nod to Lauryn Hill, Peace is especially poignant; with its delicate, thought out approach, it reaches a different part of you. We are in the room with Little Simz, feeling all the feelings together. Leaning more towards poetry than rap, Peace blends seamlessly into Hollow, reflecting on self doubt and some difficult experiences, both tracks stand tall without a beat of any kind. Simz’s lyricism is quietly much more powerful.
As the album draws to a close, the last three tracks (Lotus, Lonely, Blue ) act as an emotional yet uplifting triptych. Featuring Sampha, Blue is particularly special. Somewhat beautifully understated, his ever alluring vocals underpin Simz’s hopeful stanzas, accompanied by cinematic piano and delicate, acoustic guitar. Ripping in to her deepest doubts; qualms; and intense emotional experiences, not only are we reminded of Simz’s unshakeable talent, but her ability to make listeners truly feel something.