British rapper, Simbiatu “Little Simz” Ajikaw built a reputation for introspective and conceptual raps, particularly on the kaleidoscopic Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and the more subtle but equally emotional No Thank You, both produced by Inflo. After a nasty legal battle, Simz split from Inflo and releasedLotus, which is partly a response to the drama. Produced instead by Miles Clinton James (of Sault fame), Lotus inhabits a similar palette of string-kissed soul and relaxed noir-jazz, with additional emphasis on analogue instrumentation. Some tracks border post-punk. Simz is in an extroverted and angry mode lyrically.
Several tracks occupy the territory she has already conquered, such as the gritty invective Thief (probably aimed at Inflo) and the contrastingly chilled philosophical musings on Free, over a flamenco guitar. Unspectacular are the incomplete-feeling romantic recital on Only and the ominous, guitar-driven Peace or the beatless Hollow which is otherwise amongst the least interesting of her raps.
However the grooves flourish, courtesy of Clinton James, on the rock-adjacent tracks. James composes the propulsive bass rumbles of Flood (featuring vocal contributions from Obangjyaar and Moonchild), furiously rapped by Simz. Next most visceral is Lotus, which is in the realms of a power ballad a la U2, with a guitar and vocal contribution from Michael Kiwanuka. The strange musichall ‘patter’ routine of Young and the reggae-tinged grooves of Lion however feel out of context.
The final four tracks are connected by a somber atmosphere: the aforementioned Lotus, the highly conceptual, sibling back-and-forth of Blood (with Wretch 32 playing the opposing side and featuring a ‘patois’ hook from Cashh), suspended in a carefully crafted atmosphere of piano and reggae ‘riddim’, Lonely (another victory of atmosphere), with skeletal piano and funky guitar and the darkest of them all, Blue with hypnotic acoustic guitar (featuring Sampha) and quasi-religious themes.
Despite the highlights, this is Simz most inconsistent and unfocused album yet. It is also highly uneven and textually confusing set with light hearted tracks existing alongside tracks that attempt a darker sound. The attempt at a cathartic ending is not matched thematically by the rest of the album, which straddles several moods and atmospheres. Musically, it is not clear what Miles Clinton James has brought to the table that wasn’t there on previous records other than a slimmer, ‘live’ format.
Released: 6 June 2025
Label: AWAL
Losing my Edge Rating: 6/10
Best Tracks: Flood, Blood, Lotus