Album review: Little Simz delivers perfect recording with ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’

Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, known in the music world as Little Simz, released her latest LP, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, on September 3rd. The Islington, London MC has risen to prominence over the past five years via four studio albums and a flurry of tour dates.

Simbi, as she is often called, released her first mixtape, Stratosphere, in 2010. Simz followed this with three other mixtapes and five EPs before unveiling her first full-length studio album. Just over a decade after the release of Stratosphere, the gifted lyricist has cemented herself as one of the world’s dominant forces in hip-hop.

On her latest, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, Simz displays even more artistic growth, continuing in a trajectory that was apparent on her astonishing release Grey Area which won both the Ivor Novello and NME awards for Best Album in Great Britain. The record was also nominated for a Mercury Prize. The artist has collaborated with UK heavy hitters, Gorillaz on the track “Garage Palace.” Little Simz holds nothing back in this latest double LP release.

The LP opens with “Introvert,” a powerful introduction that is followed with the superbly delivered “Woman” and “Two Worlds Apart,” in which Simz’s lyrical structure stands out and is delivered with the utmost precision.

Classical touches and interludes further develop a storytelling element, give Sometimes an operatic feel. It also lends balance one might not expect from such an extensive LP. “Keep it on the move, I’m never static / I go in the booth and show you magic…” those lyrics from the approximate halfway point of the album promise what the LP delivers.

The variety of melodies and musical styles that make up this release is patently impressive. From heavy-hitting, symphonic melodies to soulful, jazzy, groove-laced tracks, listeners will with no doubt find themselves nodding their heads along while reciting Simz’ compelling, socially conscious lyrics.

There really is not enough praise Little Simz can receive for her latest release. Beyond the incredible production, is the sincerity. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert feels like a well-written diary set to music. The ambitious 19-track album is incredibly tight, with not a single song feeling out-of-place. Every interlude and track appear just where they should in the track listing. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is one of —if not the— best album release of this year. It is an instant classic.