LISTENING TO - Drop 7 - by Little Simz

Little Simz has apparently being doing these Drop sessions for a while, hence we have already reached No 7. They are similar to preparatory sketches. Presenting, in rough outline and brief notes of colour, what may or may not, be oracles of work to come in the future. These may feel like slight, even half formed things,  but they possess their own power nonetheless.

Little Simz has rightly had a lot of accolades showered upon her since the magnificence of Sometimes I Might be Introvert. Transcending the overambitious and portentous aspects of it, such as those empowering therapy 'interludes'.  No Thankyou, that followed, sounded very like outakes remaining from the previous albums sessions. Justified though that was by including some great stuff like Gorilla, it felt like she was just marking out in a time of transition.

Drop 7, is seven tracks varying in length from just under a minute in length, to a single worthy three minutes plus. These are all huge steps away from the dramatically orchestrated storytelling of the previous two albums. A central highlight of Introvert, was the track Point & Kill. This fusion of afro beat with her rap styling was an immensely visceral and invigorating listen. 

The best of Drop 7 taps into aspects of that vibe, but takes it somewhere else entirely, tapping into her own version of techo afro futurism. such as on Mood Swings. 

In comparison to the lushness of her recent work, these feel paired back cooled syntheses. Echoes of African drums and wind instruments pop up as rhythmic high hits and embellishments. Her raps, on ocassions, take on a playground skipping chant like quality dancing over the top, as on S.O.S.

What I'm enjoying about Drop 7 is seeing her further blossom as an artist. Success and praise came slowly to her. Now it has arrived, she is confident in herself and her own creative process. She is not ready to sit back and rest on her laurels, however well earned. Judging by Drop 7, there is much more to come. I for one can't wait to see where that takes us next.

CARROT REVIEW  - 7/8