Album Spotlight: Little Simz NO THANK YOU

By Jarris Jones

Music Journalist

2022 was an amazing year for music, especially rap music. With the many releases that were enjoyed during that year, there is bound to be an album that goes under the radar, and NO THANK YOU by Little Simz fits into this category. Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, better known as Little Simz, is more than just a female rapper. With over ten years in the rap game and awards such as the Brit Award for best new artist and the Mercury Prize for her fourth studio album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, which was released in 2021, she is a true artist in every sense of the word.  The Mercury Prize is an award given to the best album released in the United Kingdom.

I was first introduced to Little Simz through her cover of Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” in 2019. Since then, her music has echoed through my headphones. Upon first listen, Little Simz reminded me of artists such as Noname, Rapsody and Tierra Whack, who, in a rap game dominated by male artists, have been able to leave their own marks. NO THANK YOU by Little Simz was released on December 22, 2022, and quickly rose to the ranks of one of my top albums from that year. If you are looking for a new artist to add to your rotation of music, then Little Simz is the artist you have been searching for, with a mesmerizing voice, amazing world play and incredible production. NO THANK YOU, in my opinion, is Little Simz best record to date, tackling subjects such as mental health in the black community and self-empowerment.

With 10 songs that make up the album in just under an hour of playtime, Little Simz was able to not only provide good music but also leave a lasting impression. Songs such as “Angel,”  “Broken,” “Who Even Cares” and “Control” gave me a breath of fresh air and closed out my 2022 on a high note. The standout song from the album for me is “Angel.” This song brings back fond memories of my grandfather and me. Part of the hook goes, “I woke up and I prayed for a sign. I know good things take time. God sent me you as an angel.” I often have dreams of my grandfather and I sitting on a bench and talking, catching up and smiling. I like to believe that he is my angel watching over me, and I would wake up happy knowing I have him in my life still, even if the only chance we have to see each other now is in my dreams.  Little Simz has given me a song to hold onto and use in order to remember a great man. To be able to produce such a high-quality project with just a year removed from her previous record is nothing short of amazing. Thank you, Little Simz, for sharing your art. Hopefully, you will check out her music and experience her work for yourself.

Featured Image by LABEL: Forever Living Originals/AWAL.