“Lotus”: Little Simz, the most resilient of the tormented rappers
Hailed by critics as the greatest British rapper of the decade, London-based artist Little Simz cemented her status as a maestro of the genre with her sixth album, “Lotus,” released on June 6. While it addresses difficult themes such as betrayal, resentment, and loss of self-esteem, it also reflects her strength: unfailing resilience and transparency.
“Since she was little, Simbiatu Ajikawo has hated hypocrisy.” This is how the American magazine Rolling Stone put it: introduces his review of Lotus, the sixth album by London rapper Little Simz, released on June 6.
“Her critically acclaimed discography is full of scathing remarks denouncing 'snakes'. As early as 11, she was saying 'I'm Little Simz and I make hits / I don't like liars and I hate hypocrites' when her older sister took her to rap on the BBC's Radio 1 Xtra.” Yet, since then, the artist has often faced betrayal, or at least ingratitude.
After a flawless trilogy of Grey Area (2019), Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), and No Thank You (2022), Simz has become synonymous with refined and thoughtful hip-hop, the magazine assures. But she has also become a symbol, that of a woman who faces a multitude of challenges as life goes by, and who, each time, is reborn stronger.
“ Lotus […] comes after one of the most tumultuous periods of her life,” The Independent abounds . First, her very tormented relationship with her father, a figure sometimes adored, sometimes hated, but above all absent. A theme she explored in the album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), notably with the track I Love You, I Hate You.
Then the separation from her long-time manager that same year, the cancellation of a 2022 US tour due to financial constraints, but also, implicitly, the difficulties of navigating a music industry dominated by (white) men, including
Courrier International
