Betrayal is at the core of the latest album from London rapper, Little Simz.
She recently broke ties with her longtime collaborator and childhood friend, Inflo, suing him for not paying back a loan of over $2 million that left her in financial uncertainty. Inflo, the leader of enigmatic band SAULT, and his wife Cleo Sol, apparently used that money to fund SAULT’s only live performance in 2023.
Her sixth album, Lotus, is her first without Inflo producing since 2019. The loss of this relationship, both business and personal — the two had been friends since Simz was 9 years old — is central to the lyrics throughout the album.
The album sonically blends hip hop, jazz, R&B and rock, with a darkness throughout save for a couple songs. "Young" is an aberration on the album; it is cheeky and light in content and delivery, poking fun of herself and youth culture. "Enough" kicks off with a kids' xylophone, quickly ramping up to an energy requiring a necessary dance break and blistering lyrics.
The lead track "Thief" is pointed and direct to the fallout with Inflo. It’s dark and brooding with lyrics:
“This person I’ve known my whole life coming like the devil in disguise
My jaw was on the floor, my eyes never been so wide
But I quickly found the door the moment I realised you a
Thief
And you know what it means.”
“Hollow” is presented as a soliloquy with a beautiful orchestral and harp background that could be fitting for a kids' animated movie, with words:
“No song you make can repair the damage
Money, money
Money, money, money, money, money threw you off balance
Law and order
You told me be wary of the sharks and then you became one.”
“Free” immediately channels '70s soul with a focus on forgiveness and love. Songs like “Peace,” “Lonely” and “Blue” astutely and viscerally capture those feelings through the music and words.
Feeling alone and betrayed is a theme throughout, while at the same time, she is joined by many artists in her corner. Guests like Michael Kiwanuka, Obonjayar, Yussef Dayes, Yukimi, Sampha and others each bring a little something different to the songs. Nigerian singer Obongjayer guests on “Lion”, adding an Afrobeat flair while Sampha’s tender vocals enhance the sadness in the poetic “Blue.”
More than a professional breakup, this is clearly a devastating personal betrayal for the musician. Little Simz created a deeply personal and poetic album in Lotus, with emotions right on the surface.
Must Listens
- "Thief"
- "Young"
- "Only (ft. Lydia Kitto)"
- "Free"
- "Hollow"
- "Lion (ft. Obongjayar)"
- "Enough (ft. Yukimi)"
- "Blue (ft. Sampha)"
