We know Little Simz loves a surprise EP, Drop 7 is another detour from her comfort zone experimenting with different musical styles and genres. Many artists attempt versatility in their outputs, but no one does it like Simbi who manages to showcase the expertise of her music production and delve into sounds that are identifiably Little Simz despite their polarities to her typical work. Faith Hussain shares her thoughts on Little Simz's new album.
Upon first listen I actually didn’t enjoy it massively because of how unique these tracks are compared to her most famous and typical Simz sounding albums, namely Sometimes I might be Introvert and NO THANK YOU which have absolutely stellar standouts. However, I went back, gave it a relisten and love it; I think often with Simbi you need multiple listening sessions to really hear how grand her music is. Have to note a special mention to her insane methodical release schedule, with these more experimental drops sandwiched between more conceptually imposing albums.
When listening we need to remember this is not an album. Drop 7 takes a more Brazilian funk/Latin style inspired style of production with a touch of EDM, swapping her rapping to a softer talking of her lyrics.
Simbi has always used her drop series to experiment more outside of her style, with Drop 1 being released in 2014. The beat on first track stylistically imposes the genre for this drop by fusing EDM with Brazilian funk. Mood Swings is infectious with its unorthodox rhythm and drum loops; the delivery of her lyrics a lot more laid back than classic Simz, contrasting the scattered beats of this track yet still contains the signature touches of explosion within her music. I’ve had this on repeat since release. The second track Fever and third track Torch are arguably less catchy and miss their potential but beautifully deploy a cross cultural clash with Simbi rapping in Portugese in Fever to a laid back tropical drumming. Torch feels like a continuation of Fever, assuming this when played in continuation they create a track that sounds a lot more complete and powerful than when played separately. I’d love to hear these tracks in a clubbier loud environment to hear their full potential as dancier tracks.
SOS is another favourite and despite the limited lyricism feels a lot more classic Simz to me, reminiscent of certain elements of Point and Kill and Fear no Man. Again melding EDM with Brazilian funk, Simbi creates a percussive tropical beat which evolves into something harder and grander alongside her limited chants “got the keys from east to west”. Again I think this would be perfect for a louder venue heard live rather than solo listening; most tracks on this drop I would argue absolutely need to be heard live to experience them in their full depth and delve into Simbi’s talent. I Ain’t Feelin It also takes a slower approach to lyricism combined with repetitive beats, but the shortest track Power speeds up in tempo with something punchier in its delivery sounding slightly more like Simbi’s album material. The final track Far Away could easily be on her latest album NO THANKYOU, it listens as trademark Simz and a lot more polished with a more melancholic beat alongside her magnetic singing. This final track also sounds a lot more personal, similar to tracks like Broken in her latest album release, as she sings “why did I just let you get away” exposing a more introspective full length song alongside complimentary reverb-y piano notes.
Drop 7 offers us something different and something newer fans might turn their heads to or not resonate with massively as it differs from her mainstream album sounds. Drop 7 feels less inclusive as a genre to newer fans, however it is an experiment, and a successful one at that. And as much as I’d argue the lyricism isnt as clever and beats as catchy, it showcases how impressively versatile Little Simz is. I would love to hear something more developed like these tracks on future albums!
Faith Hussain
Edited by Natalie Howarth
Featured Image from Little Simz's Drop 7 Official Album Cover. No changes were made to this image.
In-article videos courtesy of Little Simz via Youtube. No changes were made to this video.
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