Little Simz ‘Drop 6’ – Review

Think of this project like an extension of ‘GREY Area’, another update one year later that gives us a few more anecdotes and stories from Little Simz’s life. It’s a few more pages at the end of a lengthy diary entry, intended to keep things moving throughout this limbo period of seemingly never-ending lockdown.

There aren’t any huge, bombastic bangers on ‘Drop 6’. Nothing has the aggression or snarling self-aggrandising of tracks such as ‘Offence’ or ‘Boss’ from her last album, but her ability to make compelling short burst tunes remains just as strong. A personal favourite of mine is ‘you should call your mum’, a breezy, colourful song that allows Little Simz to air out her doubts and existential thoughts, and gives listeners a few lines of motivation for good measure.

‘might bang, might not’ has perhaps the most intense instrumental on the EP, featuring a booming siren over a low bass line as Little Simz spits rapidly over the top. It comes close to ‘GREY Area’s’ biggest moments, but remains noticeably more understated. ‘damn right’ is a little more relaxed as Little Simz reminds listeners of her place in the game, reflecting on her beginnings in the city and her change in circumstances as her notoriety has increased.  ‘where’s my lighter’ rounds things off with a gentler piano cut that boasts crunchy distorted vocals and a dreamy chorus from Alewya, the lone feature on the EP.

I wouldn’t take this EP as an indication of where Little Simz might be headed in the future. It’s clear that ‘Drop 6’ exists as a bit of fun, a work of fan service that gives listeners more of what makes her a truly great modern rapper and artist. It’s not a huge, dense album of carefully constructed tracks, but rather a spilling of inner monologues onto pleasant, acoustic beats.

It’s absolutely worth a listen and, if you weren’t already on board, this is a great place to start with Little Simz’s work. Once you’re done with ‘Drop 6’, make sure to give ‘GREY Area’ a spin – you won’t regret it.