LITTLE SIMZ-DROP 7
Over the course of the past few years, Little Simz has gathered significant momentum behind her both in terms of a rapidly-growing fanbase and near-universal critical acclaim—and for good reason, as she is not just a towering talent, but remains unafraid of pushing her creative boundaries, an impulse on full display with this seven song EP Drop 7. Leading off with the intriguing paradox that is the danceable-yet-chill "Mood Swings," Simz serves notice that this isn’t going to be some paint-by-the-numbers affair with its mix of hip-hop, dancehall, and Afrofuturist dance; about half-way through the track, it picks up noticeably, shifting into a sound reminiscent of early M.I.A.
This M.I.A. comparison, particularly in the use of the kinds of percussion present and the melding of sounds, is apt for large stretches of the EP such as the next song "Fever," a sparser affair which includes a kind of Latin American vocal affectation from Simz, and "S.O.S," where Simz steps back from the mic for most of the track for the instrumental to take center stage; when she first comes in, she sounds a lot like Kelis in the chorus of "Milkshake." Track three, "Torch," has some M.I.A. vibes as well, but also feels a little like J.J. Fad thrust into the future.
Track five is "I Ain’t Feelin’ It" with its dreamy beat and strong performance from Simz, followed by the short-tight-and-emboldened "Power," where Simz boldly declares:
Got the power in my hands, now I can feel it
If you're lookin' for the truth, then motherfucker, I'm the realest
See them bitin' what I'm on so do not ask me if I peaked here
If I said that I'm the greatest then I mean it, mean it (Yeah)
I've been buildin' a new mansion up on Venus
Closing out Drop 7 is "Far Away," which showcases Little Simz’s singing voice over a jazzy, chilled-out beat; it’s a quieter, breezier, yet more reflective tune, a fitting way to see us out. If I had one critique, it would be that the song ends too abruptly; it would’ve been nice to hear her play it out longer, which speaks volumes—that the main critique is that I want more! Drop 7 showcases that Little Simz’s boasting on "Power" isn’t empty chest-thumping: she is, indeed, a special and visionary artist at the top of her powers.