Little Simz: A Hip-Hop Visionary with a Joyful Swagger
Pop stars often walk a tightrope between confidence and arrogance, but Little Simz, a north London rap sensation, seems to have found the perfect balance. Her self-belief, as she calls it, is a force to be reckoned with, and her recent arena gigs showcase why her place at the forefront of Black British music is well-deserved. With a unique blend of joy, gratitude, and a touch of Gallagher-level swagger, Simz captivates audiences and delivers a performance that leaves a lasting impression.
The show begins with a trip down memory lane, displaying 90s baby pictures of a younger Simz, eventually transitioning to an awkward yet endearing teenager with her first guitar. This journey through time sets the stage for the present, where Simz takes center stage as an honorary Manc in a khaki overcoat. Her movements exude a playful confidence, and she greets the crowd with a heartfelt "Missed you!" But beneath the surface, Simz is a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by her recent legal battles. She bravely confronts a public financial dispute with menacing metaphors and a slick vengeance that she effortlessly delivers.
One of the standout moments is the energetic performance of 'Enough', featuring a skanking, ESG-inspired groove and the masterful basslines of Marla Kether. Her fluid post-punk basslines and signature Bantu knots steal the spotlight for a memorable few minutes. The atmosphere intensifies with the acid-green strobe lights during 'Venom', a fan-favorite, until a DJ booth emerges from beneath the stage, signaling a seamless transition into a late-night club setting.
Simz takes control of the decks, donning headphones and surrounded by friends who hype her up. She effortlessly transforms the arena into a late-night club with her performance of songs from her EP 'Drop 7'. The audience grooves to the Drexciya and Detroit techno-inspired 'Mood Swings', with strangers-turned-dancers moving to the sultry 808s and subaquatic synths. This seamless transition from a friendly singalong to a high-energy Boiler Room set is a testament to Simz's versatility.
The encore is a highlight, featuring 'Gorilla', a Glastonbury standout, with scratching and rewinding in the classic Yardie sound system style. The crowd, even those seated, is energized by the horn sample, and Simz's final closing lyric, "Name one time where I didn't deliver?", leaves no doubt about her exceptional performance. Her ability to captivate and engage the audience, while also addressing personal challenges, makes Little Simz a true hip-hop visionary.
