Music
10 life lessons from Little Simz’s new album, GREY Area
In celebration of GREY Area, here’s a selection of lyrics containing the UK rapper's powerful messages.
To the delight of her fans, 25-year-old UK artist Little Simz has followed up 2016’s celebrated concept LP Stillness in Wonderland – an introspective fantasy accompanied by the likes of UK rappers Ghetts and Chip. This time round, she’s delivered vigorous bars and a fusion of jazz, soul and hip-hop sounds for a 10 track record.
Taking some time away after touring alongside Gorillaz on their Humanz Tour, Little Simz took the opportunity to reflect upon some of the darker experiences encountered during her career. In a space where ‘nothing was black and white, nothing was straightforward’, she began to question the conditions that her career and accumulating success brought about. It was these very thoughts that are manifested carefully throughout each track with the help of Inflo, a British hip-hop producer and childhood friend. The album poses as a bold affirmation as she alternates between the persona of a fierce individual, deep thought and a euphoric sense of curiosity.
Although the album is based on some of her most personal circumstances, Little Simz speaks on experiences that uncover universal messages. To celebrate the release of GREY Area, here are some specially selected lyrics that may resonate with you too.
1. “You sold out for a quick buzz and honey, you got no love / No less than what I know that I'm worth and I won't budge”
Song: Offence
Lesson: The music industry can sometimes ofter a short burst of hype if you compromise, but it’s self-respect and integrity which wins longevity and a loyal fanbase.
2. “Got in a pattern followed the rhythm / I disregarded all opinions and continue my mission”
Song: Boss
Lesson: There will be many occasions where you will be faced with the unwanted opinion of others. But when you’re focused, they cannot interrupt your flow.
3. “Diamonds will forever be a girl’s best friend / Everything’s imperative for the way I live / I know it's material, but not irrelevant / All this here is worked for, not inherited”
Song: Selfish
Lesson: Material luxuries aren’t the most important aspect of life, but if you’re not from a place of major privilege and you’ve been grinding hard, there’s no shame in wanting to show off your success.
4. “You idolise the rappers that are on gun talk, but the lifestyle never lived that / Never did that”
Song: Wounds
Lesson: Artists can exaggerate their street image and their past. Follow a path towards a lifestyle that’s true to you and is not built on the grounds of false claims.
5. “They will never wanna admit I’m the best here / For the mere fact that I’ve got ovaries / It’s a woman world so to speak”
Song: Venom
Lesson: A testimony from the artist herself. It’s stand against weak men intimidated by courageous women whose power may grow beyond a man’s comprehension, and a middle finger to the industry gatekeepers who’ve underestimated Simz’ talent.
6. “Book smart with the bars but I never learnt that from school”
Song: 101FM
Lesson: Being smart isn’t simply defined by what you learn at school, but also the in the works put towards your craft. Little Simz is known especially for her skilful assembling of lyrics, a skill that she perfected alone. Formal education can’t teach you everything.
7. “There’s nothing I can’t be in this life / I just wanna do my ting and be free in this life”
Song: Pressure
Lesson: Sometimes the most simple messages hit the hardest – you can be whoever you want, and understanding that is a step towards freedom.
8. "Teach my daughter bout the wonders of the world, I’m convinced / If she’s anything like me I’m raising a king"
Song: Therapy
Lesson: Simz argues that passing on self-confidence to the next generation of girls will empower them to be free of the gender constraints society tries to impose.
9. “Posing like my life it perfect, really it’s the opposite / Lately I’ve been down a lot”
Song: Sherbet Sunset
Lesson: What is portrayed on social media isn’t a reliable representation of what someone is really going through, and there’s a pressure to create the facade that things are better than they really are.
10. “Connect with mind body and soul / And do what my body is told”
Song: Flowers
Lesson: Listen to what your body and mind tell you to do. In a low time in her life, the rapper dedicated a space to listen to her mind and thoughts; the end result being GREY Area.
Listen to our UK rap and grime Spotify playlist
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