Little Simz gets vulnerable

Oftentimes, someone who is an introvert is very reserved. Usually, they prefer to stay to themselves and immerse themselves in their own world. For UK MC, Little Simz, she says her own space and company is when she is really content. After releasing Drop 6, another EP added to the Drop series, she began work on what is now Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, her fourth full-length album. The 19-track album addresses pain, happiness, confidence and all that comes with being an introvert. With accompanying monologues from The Crown’s Emma Corrin, the themes are portrayed in the most regal fashion.

Opening the album is “Introvert.” The name is the complete opposite of the energy of the production. The drums, bellowing horns and droned-out vocals give people a royal address vibe before it mellows out to a guitar melody with synths ornamenting it. It’s a chance for Simz to speak on her hesitation being vulnerable but how it all paid off in the end. “Woman” is a calm, groovy track that features Cleo Sol. Highlighting women from various places, it is a way to celebrate what it means to be a woman and all that comes with being one.

“I Love You I Hate You” is a personal track. Simz lets her emotions completely out and gets real about how her family situation plays a role in her life, even as an adult. The sampled chorus is perfect for a track like this, where she’s battling her emotions of anger but recognizes her growth and peace that came from this situation. Following the theme of family is “Little Q, Pt. 1 (Interlude)” and “Little Q, Pt. 2.” The former comes from the perspective of Simz’s cousin, whom she grew up with. The latter is an explanation of his story and is overall a view into the life of being the product of a certain lifestyle.

“Standing Ovation” brings back the triumphant feeling. It feels like a motivational speech rather than a moment to reflect. Simz acknowledges what it took to get to where she is and how other people should recognize their own blessings and every person involved. “The Rapper That Came To Tea (Interlude)” brings in Corrin’s monologue. Simz considers this track her better understanding her introversion. “I’m just posing questions to myself—I might not necessarily have answers for them, I think it’s good to throw them out there and get the brain working a bit.”

Probably the best song off the album is “Rollin Stone.” It is more upbeat trap-influenced production allows Simz to flow with a quickness and have fun at the end. She’s witty and confident. “Pull up at your spot, they’re throwing petals at my feet. Yeah, yeah fuck you mean? In the presence of a queen,” she boasts. It’s great to watch her have fun after giving so much of her emotions into the first half of the album. “Protect My Energy” is a 1970s-inspired beat that sounds perfect against Simz’s singing vocals. She emphasizes her space and the importance of it while warning people to watch what they say so she can maintain her peace.

“Point and Kill” features Obongjayar. It feels like it incorporates a lot of influences from their origin of Nigeria between the vocal tone, production and the title itself. It is a fun way to assert that anything they want, they are going to get it. “How Did You Get Here” has the prettiest chorus on the album, with a chorus singing the phrase while a few hum adlibs in the back to accent it. Simz tells the story of how she got to where she is, between school, music and her group Space Age. It’s another vulnerable moment, but rather than sad, it has a feeling of contentment. Ending the album is “Miss Understood,” a smooth hip-hop track where Simz floats over the production. 

For someone who considers themselves to be introverted, Simz really gets open about life and her emotions on Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. She conducted her stories and experiences in such a way that anybody listening could probably relate somehow. While she mentions pain and hardships, she highlights the times she was able to seek peace and grow from those tough moments. Yet, it still feels like she has so much more she wants to tell us.