Stanisland Magazine

Fresh hip-hop from the UK rapper could signal a new album release.

Little Simz gave us a surprise this morning with the release of her new single Hello, Hi, leaving fans with the expectation that a new album will roll out. The cover art features a selfie by the rapper as she beams into the lens.

This roadmap echoes the release of her last album, No Thank You, where the rapper dropped it with no warning. The difference this time is, we get a lead single. So far fans are ecstatic, with some saying, “Oh snap!! Our girl is back!!!”, while others said, “Random drops on a Monday is crazy.”

Sound Profile and What It’s About

The track sonically opens with elements of a drill-esque sound, followed by an acoustic harmony. Reverberating throughout the song, it is a perfect complement to the penmanship of the lyricist, imbued with the routine she uncomfortably endures in our so-called forward-thinking society.

Simz (real name Simbiatu Ajikawo) details her time in the spotlight and the difficulties she faces as a Black woman in modern society. Offering a window into her day, she provides insight into her life and how her local community perceive her: “Noisin’ up the whole street anytime I start my car, neighbours can’t believe how a black woman got this far.”

READ MORE: Little Simz Reveals Surprising New Look for ‘Young’

The growth one must undergo to arrive at such heights can be brutal, and this is later chronicled in her thunderbolt release with lines like, “I know pain and scars” highlighting the duality of her progression.

The production by Shyy Beats and Rigas, underlines Ajikawo’s introspective outlook. The cover is juxtaposed with the content of the song, jolting expectations that it may perhaps be an uplifting work from the London-born rapper. Make no mistake, it both is and isn’t.

Verdict

Hello, Hi paints a vivid picture of the aftermath of fame and, through its production, underscores the need to continue at a soaring altitude. It’s a blazing track filled with narratives of self-reflection; the artist vaunts her lyrical adroitness as a pensive, mould-breaking talent. The UK hip-hop scene often feels disjointed, fused by what seems like nationality alone, but music like this gives us hope. 

Not only does she recount experiences of a poignant nature, but there is also insight into an industry that has earned her frustration, detailed in rhymes such as, “I know my sh*t intelligent and it don’t work for your IQ.”

Ending the year on a high note, Simz displays an intimate portrait, waxing lyrical in a way only she can. This pragmatic approach can often feel impassive, but it is delivered in a deliberate, matter-of-fact way. 

Where to Stream the New Song

The new song was released through AWAL Recordings and is available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. You can find alternate services via the artist’s website.