This is one my favourite albums of the last few years. The most underappreciated album I've ever heard. Only at the start of the video so I'm not sure if you found out, but SIMBI is her name and also the acronym for the name of the album.
@@McLitty True, but what I meant was among mainstream listeners it is not popular at all. The people that have listened to it and the music nerds all think its great. Underappreciated might not have been the right word, but all in all it isn't nearly as popular as it deserves to be.
Unfortunately it seems like a lot of people over here still have a very childish mentality when it comes to listening to other countries music. However UK music has gotten so popular in the US over the last couple years and this album was pretty big so I’m still kind of surprised she had to cancel it that’s really a shame
I was so fucking excited to see her. I bought the ticket as soon as it was announced. I can't wait for her to come finally!!!!! I will pay any amount of money I don't care take my pay check you goddamned KING
The producer, Inflo, is a very talented multi-instrumentalist wich did work a lot on Michael Kiwanuka’s album called « Kiwanuka ». This is a masterpiece. Not a rap album, but you definitely need to listen to it.
Oh man if there's one soul artist I recommend to hip hop fans its Michael Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka (album) is so reminiscent of College Dropout/Late Registration era Kanye. And it just flows so fucking seamlessly.
In case you haven’t since found out, “The Rapper That Came To Tea” is a reference to a famous kids book “The Tiger That Came To Tea”, a story in which a family can’t feed a tigers insatiable appetite. The storybook theme is something I feel carried through a lot of the album along with the narration
This album is as good as described but isn’t really recognized as mainstream probably because it doesn’t sound like anything mainstream. One of the best MCs male or female. You should check out Rhapsody, you would like her too.
I felt like the "la la la"s in "Little Q" reflect Little Simz reflecting on her childhood experiences, since it sounds like how you'd sing little tunes as kids, the title of the track is "Little Q", and the lyrics reflect on her past. I also agree that the "we're going high" reflects Kanye West's "College Dropout". I love how you've gotten so much better at immediately picking up on the references to other rap artists, and I do feel like it's great that you attacked this album after those, since I do feel like Little Simz, being in her mid-to-late-20s, seems to be incredibly influenced by other albums of the generation just gone - Kanye, Kendrick, etc. - as opposed to older artists such as Notorious B.I.G., 2pac, NWA and Wu-Tang Clan. This represents a new generation of the more "lyrical" rappers being influenced by more recent artists as opposed to the older ones.
I would also say that I feel the playfulness of the "la la la"s are definitely intentionally clashing with the seriousness of the verses, not in a sarcastic way like Kanye's We Don't Care, but maybe to stress how fucked up it is to spend your childhood concerned over these things. And as for the Kendrick, Kanye, etc. influence, yeah I get really excited when I hear newer artists influenced by fairly recent generations of rappers, really feels like we're entering a new phase in hip-hop that's built on the previous. JID and Denzel Curry fall into a similar category too as far as who they're influenced by (honestly maybe Tyler too in a way, even though he's been around a bit longer).
Inflo is actually one of Little Simz childhood friends she grew up with, he's produced all her music so far. He worked with an entire live orchestra to record the instrumentals for this album which gives it that cinematic feel.
Point and Kill is less about temptation than a very self assured track about Simz being a go getter. The things she’s after aren’t the negative aspects of the industry, she just knows what she wants from like a goal oriented person perspective. “Applying Pressure “ in this case is a phrase that’s originates from sport if I’m not mistaken. Like pressing the field. The music is clearly inspired by Nigerian afrobeats, which is a genre of music she would have heard growing up given where her parents are from.
I like this take a lot more than the initial impression I had. I was taking the album too seriously at that point, I think. I was enjoying it, obviously, but I had kind of committed to my idea of the overall story arch being told.
Hey bro, I don't think you picked up on this but Little Q isn't from Simz's own perspective, she's telling a story about her cousin who grew up on the opposite side of London to her from his perspective. I think she's trying to show how they came to the same conclusions about life and the persistence of faith even though they lived and fought through very different experiences.
it’s important to mention the difference in heritage we have in the uk, from what i know in the US the majority of african americans don’t know their origins (not at their own fault obviously) but in uk, people’s knowledge of their roots are good so on a track like Woman i think it’s less about showing diversity of women and educating people on it but more Simbi celebrating the women and pride of culture that we have in London and seeing it at as a tight-nit family, you can see this in the video also. That’s how i see it anyway from a uk perspective but it was interesting to see your POV :)
I think its cuz there's a lot of first and second generation kids with immigrant parents. Its the same in Canada esp Toronto but in the US majority are American for generations. Lets be honest, they are more American than they are African, its a whole different culture.
the reason why it was somewhat underground was because this album dropped around the same time DONDA and CLB did, so they grabbed most of the hip hop world's attention. However, most dedicated hip hop fans (sorry this sounds pretentious i dont mean it in that way) knew how good this is, many consider it the best rap album of the decade so far
Inflo is a fucking genious. Simz is a fucking G. This video made me very happy, I always sob with this album aand having a little cry sharing thoughs on the album in a way was fantastic. Thank you Bob!
@@hjkkghjk6988 God yeah that album is absolutely incredible, don't remember the last time I heard a debut that good. Saw him live recently too and he's incredible.
@@schmuck.on.wheels lucky guy, i’d love to see him live Sad nobody’s doing reaction on it I don’t know if you listened to it, but I highly recommend you Topaz Jones, another great album from this last year !
Little Simz full name Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo is a Brit-Nigerian, she's from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, thus the line "Yoruba girl tougher than imperial leather", as a Nigerian myself, I've been one of the people pushing for you to do a reaction to this album, you can tell my happiness now that you've finally done a reaction to the album...If you notice, the album name is gotten from the acronym S.I.M.B.I which is a short form of her name Simbiatu. I knew you'll love the song "I Love You, I Hate You", been following your channel for 4-5 months now, I have a good idea of the type of songs you gravitate towards. That's why I suggested artist like little Simz "S.I.M.B.I" , Mick Jerkins "Elephant In The Room", Isaiah Rashad "The Sun Tirade", when I commented on your reaction to NoName's album. Keep the reactions coming, love your channel.
I was happy to get to this album as well. So many positive things said about it, and it totally lived up to the acclaim. Isaiah Rashad is another artist that is on my radar 👍
You should definitely check out the video for Introvert after this! Definitely one of the coolest looking videos I've seen in a long time. And if you're taking album suggestions, please check out We're All Alone In This Together by Dave. He's another UK rapper and I think you'd really love his stuff as well.
Whats crazy about this album is on Introvert and Woman there were 0 samples used also this album was recorded at legendary Abbey Road Studios with a full orchestra! Absolutely incredible piece of art 🖼 she is so talented and is actually an amazing actress as well
WE NEED A DAVE REACTION. Although psychodrama might be acknowledged by the fans as the more complete album i personally believe you should check out were all alone in this together. Especially the song heart attack is the most heart wrenching and one of the lyrical tracks to be released in the last few years if not in hiphop history. Its absolutely amazing and my fav track of the decade so far. That's just 1 track so imagine the full album.
The best comparison to Grey Area I can give is that song "Speed." It's much more funky and raw, which was a departure from the more lush style that she returned to on this gorgeous album. It's funny to me that this album came out at the same time as Donda and Certified Lover Boy but she blows away those bogged down rich dinosaurs :D
One of the best album this last year with Genesis Owusu’s Smiling With No Teeth, wich is amazing ! You also need to react to this (after 4Eva Is A Mighty Long Time lol) EDIT: just received SIMBI on vinyl for my birthday 😅
Glad to see you reacting to some UK stuff Bob. I know you've got a busy schedule as it is but if you ever decide to check out more UK music then you should listen to Psychodrama by Dave and We're All Alone in This Together by Dave. Also Hoodies all Summer by Kano as well as Made in the Manor by Kano. All four albums are outstanding.
the artist / actor is a reference to her role in Top Boy, which btw watching that could give you perpective into what life is like for immigrants in London ends
I don't know if anyone has already mentioned this, but the artist-slash-actor money line from Two Worlds Apart is because she actually is an actor. She stars as Shelley in the Netflix revival of the show Topboy. Another fun fact about it is that Drake is co-director of the new Topboy, and is the reason the show got its revival in the first place since it was discontinued back in 2011 I believe
I don’t remember very many of my first listen experiences, but this is one of the few. I remember being blown away by the orchestral production, the message, and the lyrics. Top 3 Album of 2021 easily
I love that you're listening to these kind of artists. I would like to even see you reacte to artists that I may not necessarily like or really listen to, because it will broaden your pallette. You've already gone to many sectors of hip-hop, which is great!
for injury reserve, id recommend reacting to their self titled as well as BTTIGTP. i think their s/t is right down the lane for someone who enjoys Peggy's work, BTTIGTP is a completely unique experience i haven't heard anywhere else though. undescribable
I consider BTTIGTP to be one of the first & one of only “post-hip hop” albums ever made. “Some Rap Songs” by Earl & “Atrocity Exhibition” by Danny Brown fall somewhere in that lane as well IMO
This album reminds me a lot of Janelle Monae, especially some of the interludes. I know you have a LOT on your plate but I recommend The ArchAndroid by her.
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert is an acronym for her name, I heard. She IS the real artist putting all the pretenders to shame. Step up or get left behind. *46:00 I love how vulnerable she is willing to be while still being super boss AND accepting and understanding that other people come from messed up situations and struggle to make sense of things just as it seems she has.
The way I interpret the childlike sound of the Little Q pt2 instrumental with the lalalala etc, is that it's there to provide contrast to the violent nature of the stabbing. She says he was just a boy and talks about how the system failed them both. To have such a sunny, innocent sound conflicting with this boy's crime highlights what his childhood should and could have been, but what it instead turned out to be.
The LaLaLa seems to me to be a representation of a very young Simbi trying to tune out the suffering around her as she surrounded herself with her own company.
Injury Reserve is an incredible group and I know you have tons of music to react to but their older albums are absolutely worth reacting to. They are amazing and totally different to their last album. Much more accessible and fun and hip hop
You’re lady Gaga rant at 1:18:00 was such a great analogy to the album! Simbi vs Lil Simz is definitely a duality that is sprinkled throughout the album. Good catch!
About what your were saying on Lauryn Hill, she actually took Simz on tour with her back in 2016 so Lauryn has clearly seen her talent as your thought she would
I've only heard one song by Little Simz back from 2019. It's saved in my music playlist. However I had NO clue about this album! Absolutely amazing! I feel SO dumb for not knowing about this project. Thank you!
Your story at the beginning reminded me of that scene in Black Mirror when the interviewer says "I really hope to look forwards to seeing you again" Lol, those sentences that you have to do a double take to understand 😅 Also, I love Little Simz and glad she's finally getting attention overseas! Although, I will say I love this album but Grey Area is still my favourite from her.
I've been loving this channel and your growth so much, this was such a great video coupled with a spellbinding record. I saw that another comment suggested Dave's "Psychodrama" and I couldn't agree more - as much as I adore Simz, Dave was my first real UK rap experience and that album is one of my all-time favourites but very different to this!
Your analysis was on point and interesting as always. You just increased my love for this album, so glad you enjoyed (I love you, I hate you is a freakin masterpiece)
Awesome reaction. Really enjoyed the entire thing. Simz is a long time part of the scene in the UK (also FYI the Smokey sample is the only one on the album)
it's fun to see you have the same reaction I had listening to this album!!! This was also my introduction to little simz. Your reactions drop at the perfect time!!!!
Definitely a slept on album. This album is how I found her. I was looking for another album after Donda and found this gem in the new drops. She also has a really good part in The Venom 2 movie.
Just a note, Simbi is Little Simz's real name and (S)ometimes (I) (M)ight (B)e (I)ntrovert is an acronym for her name. I believe the character duality in this album is 'Little Simz', a confident bussiness minded rapper (less personable display), and 'Simbi', being a more introverted, honest, deep thinking and love orientated version of herself
Gem and The rapper that came to tea is my favorite sonically such an heavy Classic Disney princess cartoon inspiration and the poetry, those song are so beautiful 🥲. Oh and the transition 🔥❤️🔥
The best way I've heard this album be describe was on in one line, "too dope for normal human consumption." I felt it was an accurate way to describe it because it is truly an intellectual exercise. Listening to this album is akin to going to see a good play or reading an interesting piece of literarure. It's incredibly complex and, arguably one of the most enjoyable albums to listen to. It's empowered, vulnerable, and just downright cool. But, that's also it's greatest downfall and why I think Little Simz is so underappreciated as an artist. Large corporations sell the public artists who perform catchy beats and simple hooks. They offer a sexy form of escapism that's not overly complicated or particularly thought provoking. It's a very spoon-fed experience, and that's what the masses will naturally gravitate towards. Anything that's sexy and simple will almost always get higher viewership, and by extension, greater profits for these corporations. So artists like Simz can't necessarily thrive on a global scale the way artists like Nicki Minaj or Ariana Grande do. More to the point, Simz is a person. You can hear her being a real person on this entire album. She's connected with the audience by showing off everything that is her. From her musical tastes to her inner monologues to her memories of childhood. And that's part of the issue. Her music is created by her, it's not corporate manufactured. Because she's kept herself as a person, she has not become an icon or a symbol in the public's collective imagination. People like Taylor Swift are so popular because they present a very well crafted persona that can be automatically idealized by the public. They're closer to characters found in a movie than actual people. So that's why I feel like Little Simz is in this grey area. Because the moment anyone hears her music, people love it. But it's the corporations who won't buy it or sell it. Which is honestly a shame, because clearly, she's a musical genius and really deserves the spotlight.
