Little Simz ‘Lotus’ Review: Raw Reckoning From Rap’s Quiet Warrior

Explore the raw introspection and emotional depth in Little Simz’s album ‘Lotus,’ a powerful journey of self-discovery and redemption.

A Deep Dive into Lotus: More Than Just Rebirth

When you think of lotuses, the first image that pops into your mind is rebirth. But Little Simz’s sixth album, Lotus, doesn’t signal a fresh beginning. Rather, it’s a stripped-down, intimate unveiling of an artist healing from deep emotional wounds. After a stellar run of albums—Grey Area (2019), Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), and No Thank You (2022)—Little Simz has become a symbol of thoughtful, articulate hip-hop. However, Lotus takes a step back from grandeur, opting instead for raw, sometimes uncomfortable self-examination. It’s a heavy listen, but that’s because it’s so personal, so close to the bone.

A New Chapter Without InFlo

This album marks the first time Simz has released music without longtime collaborator InFlo. The split isn’t just professional; it’s messy. She’s currently suing him for over $1.2 million in unpaid debts, and while the full story isn’t public, Lotus sounds like the fallout—a sonic document of Simz clawing her way out of creative paralysis and reclaiming her voice.

The Unflinching Anger of ‘Thief’

Simz’s vocals growl with a newfound venom on Thief, backed by twangy basslines that underscore a brutal takedown of a key figure from her past. “That’s what abusers do / Make you think you’re crazy and second-guess your every move,” she spits, sharper and fiercer than ever. There’s no sugarcoating here; every line is a sharp strike, with the deceptively sweet hook haunting the track like a ghost. That same ominous mood carries to Flood, but then, just as rage threatens to consume her, Young and Free step in with lighter, more hopeful vibes that pull her back from the edge.

Redemption and Resilience in the Spotlight

If Lotus isn’t about being reborn, it’s definitely about reclaiming strength. After burning bridges with her manipulator, Simz channels hard-earned confidence into tracks like Lion and Enough. These tunes brim with funk and highlife influences, turning into bold affirmations. On Lion, she boldly compares herself to a young Lauryn Hill, while Obongjayar joins in to warn the world of their combined greatness.

Then comes Enough, a rallying cry for resilient, self-assured Black women. “You didn’t know I is that girl / I am an electric black girl,” she raps, daring anyone to challenge her. The pinnacle of pride arrives on the title track Lotus, where alongside Yusef Dayes and Michael Kiwanuka, she vows never to dim her light again. “You brought that woman to a low / I might amplify her,” she declares with clarity and strength. “Like dew from a flower, I see the break of dawn.”

Not Without Its Flaws

Of course, Lotus isn’t perfect. Some flows drag, and a few hooks, like on Enough, feel stretched out. The playful British accent on Young doesn’t quite hit the mark, coming off more caricatured than charming. Then there’s Blood, featuring Wretch 32 and Cashh, which, despite a touching narrative about fame and family, feels like an odd fit in an album centered on self-rediscovery.

Quiet Moments That Speak Loudest

The heart of the album reveals itself in quieter tracks. Only is a lush, jazzy tune marking the evolution of Simz’s style. Wrapped in soulful melodies, it narrates overwhelming, indulgent love, anchored beautifully by Lydia Kitto’s warm vocals from Jungle. Then there’s Lonely, a heavy, heartbreaking epic where Simz bares her soul with no shields. The line, “I was lonely making an album / Till I realised I’m all I needed to get through,” hits with raw power, capturing the essence of her autonomy.

Final Thoughts: Blooming Raw and Real

Lotus isn’t always an easy listen. At times, it feels more like a diary than a rap album. But maybe that’s the point. Over 13 tracks, Little Simz confronts grief, pressure, burnout, and spiritual awakening with a vulnerability that’s rare and admirable. This is one of her most emotionally impactful works—not just sonically, but in its raw, unvarnished honesty. Stripped down, healing in real time, Lotus is what blooming sounds like.

Album Details

• Record label: AWAL
• Release date: June 6, 2025

“That’s what abusers do / Make you think you’re crazy and second-guess your every move.”
— Little Simz, Thief

Have you felt the raw honesty of Little Simz's Lotus? Which track resonates the most with you?

• What makes Lotus different from Little Simz’s previous albums?
  Lotus is more personal and raw, focusing on introspection and emotional recovery rather than grand storytelling or polished productions.
• Who produced the album?
  This is Little Simz’s first album without longtime producer InFlo; instead, she explores new sounds and collaborators like Yusef Dayes and Michael Kiwanuka.
• Which songs stand out for their funk and highlife influences?
  Lion and Enough showcase funky, percolated beats that bring a vibrant, energetic feel to the album.
• Is Lotus an easy listen for casual hip-hop fans?
  Not always—its introspective and sometimes heavy content might feel intense, but it's deeply rewarding for those who appreciate emotional depth.
• What themes does Little Simz explore on Lotus?
  Themes include emotional betrayal, self-discovery, empowerment, grief, and healing.

Ready to celebrate Little Simz’s artistic journey? Shop your favorite album cover posters and more at our store to surround yourself with inspiring music art: Architeg Prints.