The Best Young Rapper You Probably Don't Know

Little Simz this past week dropped a new project titled Drop 6 and, well, it goes hard. From top to bottom, the EP holds a raw and distinct aesthetic. All 5 songs were self-written and recorded in her living room amidst the COVID-19, harnessing her quick and energizing flow.

Hailing from the UK, Model, Actress, and Rapper, Simbiatu 'Simbi' Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, commonly known as Little Simz, is quietly ascending and conquering the industry. To understand the scale of Simz's influence, I read recently that an undergraduate student in Britain discussed Little Simz in a paper on British Culture. Yet, she has only begun to impact audiences in the US. So, I thought I’d point out my favorite songs from each of her albums highlighting her constant growth and authenticity as an artist. Needless to say, Little Simz is just getting started despite the incredible discography she has already put forth. Little Simz is becoming an icon.

"On The Edge" from her 2013 album E.D.G.E

The song begins with sampled audio of American idol contestant Mary Roach who was labeled as the “psycho contestant” — just one example of the rappers unique production Little Simz comes in at 56 seconds with the opening bar, “ Crazy like a psycho in the olden days, I’m better off leading you don’t know the way.”

"Problems" featuring Space Age from her 2014 album Blank Canvas

Blank Canvas is filled with creative production, most notably on the song "Problems" which samples "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones. Simz comes in on the second verse and gives the heat. Go give it a listen.

"Wings" from her 2015 album A Curious Tale of Trials + People

On this album, Simz proves herself to be an immensely relatable MC in the alternative hip-hop scene. "Wings" is beautiful from her lyrics, discussing her development as a human and as an artist. The song has been incredibly relatable in my own life as I grow and learn more about myself.

"Shotgun" featuring Syd on her 2017 album Stillness in Wonderland

I absolutely LOVE this album, and "Shotgun" is by far my favorite song by Little Simz. The song perfectly exemplifies Simz’s ability to find production which complements and isolates her flow and style. It always helps to have the help of monster talent, Syd. The dichotomy between Simz’s forceful flow and Syd’s smooth vocals creates one of the go-to songs I play on repeat.

"Venom" on her 2019 album GREY Area

THIS SONG IS SO HARD. Little Simz is quite open about her own demons. In the chorus she raps, “I'mma sell my soul Cause I don’t feel like I am a part of the world no more. Will anybody miss me when I’m gone? Do you wanna see a dead body? Have you ever seen a dead body? Prolly not,” If you are looking for a good rendition of this song go check out her performance on the COLORS Show.