She describes her music as rap and experimental. Whilst she is closely affiliated with the grime genre, she has also pulled inspiration from other genres including reggae, blues, synth-rock and jazzy R&B.
Simz has performed alongside Estelle, Tinie Tempah, Ms. Dynamite and Kano.
Simz has performed at Rising Tide, iluvlive, Industry Takeover (Urban Development) Hackney Empire, Somerset House and the House of Lords. She also performed at the BBC 1Xtra Prom 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside a full orchestra led by Jules Buckley.
Simz can be heard on the Leave to Remain film soundtrack, performing the song "Leave It As That". In early 2013, she appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra to discuss her performance at the Hackney Weekend.
Simz then went on to do a Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens, and has since gone on to receive critical acclaim from the likes of Zane Lowe, Dizzee Rascal and Revolt TV. She also has received praise from Kendrick Lamar.
On 16 December 2016 she released her second studio album Stillness in Wonderland. It was inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and supported by a comic book, art exhibition and festival.
In 2017, she performed as the opening act for Gorillaz during their Humanz Tour, and was the vocalist for the song "Garage Palace", featured on the Super Deluxe edition of their album Humanz.
Simz has resisted signing to a label, instead release her music through her own Age 101 records. On 6 September 2018, Simz and her label AGE 101 signed a worldwide deal with AWAL Recordings, after AWAL had distributed her debut album "A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons" in 2015. This deal was renewed on 18 June 2020.
Her 2019 studio album Grey Area was released to widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize, and IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award (2019).
On 3 September 2021, she released her fourth studio album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert debuting at number 4 on the UK album charts and winning BBC 6's Album of the Year. It was quickly followed by No Thank You, her 5th studio album, released on December 12, 2022
Silhouette
Little Simz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When they stab you in the back, trust me, they ain't finished yet
Had them on they toes, what I'm doin'? Pirouette
All this fake love got me feelin' I'm the realest here
You know what the deal is here
She couldn't do this without me, yeah, that's they biggest fear
You didn't know, niggas wanna take credit for somethin' they never own
Talkin' on my name like the Devil is in your tone
Turn wine into water and get blood out of the stone
You give me an inch and want it back, man, I been through this
All problems deep rooted, lost love and they need Cupid
No time for your words, please don't smart talk if you been stupid
Oh, damn, she ruthless, been proven, Beethoven, no keys, deep music
When the drums speak to me, I just breathe through it
Cool with a little flare, how does she do it?
I don't try too hard, there's an ease to it
The price goes up when you add me to it
Then up again when you add theme to it
When the family tight, can't see through it
Look around if you tryna find out who you are
Now, you got a missing piece, I was the biggest part
You got to look inside yourself
Your insecurity won't break me down
You only see the silhouette, but don't hold your breath
I'm protected by the light, realize you can't crush my soul
Yeah, used to have a bond and now I see you as no friend of mine
Couldn't see it at the time, God was showin' many signs
Guard up with my eyes on very wide
Sittin' here reflectin' on myself and sippin' cherry wine
Like we should've been choppin'
You thought I didn't see the change, but, I been clockin'
I'm very wise
Never knew how much I needed to set some boundaries
If you are a fan of me, how can you be mad at me?
Lettin' go isn't easy, I'll admit and it saddens me
If you knew how this has made me question my sanity
How could I ever doubt my truth and what I'm feelin'?
It's better revealin', we all need some healin'
Rackin' my brain tryna discover the meanin'
Who even knows, I had to look deep within' to find what I was seekin'
Layin' down, eyes closed, no sleepin'
No appetite, I was barely eatin'
Hundred miles per hour, my heart beatin'
While I know I got an army that I'm leadin'
Tyrna figure it out, bobbin' and weavin'
Compassion I been needin', now, it's unfoldin'
I ain't even finished yet
Light was shinin' on you, now I see you as a silhouette
Find your way
Find your faith
God's with you always
If this is evolution, I'm in luck
'Cause, I don't wanna be here and be stuck
Wish we could've transitioned together
I gave you all I had, gave you my trust
No one ever tells you when it's fucked
No one ever tells you it will probably leave you crushed
That's when you find the strength and pick yourself up
I know I'ma get through this, it's a must
Growin' is painful, we cannot be rushed
Used to seeing your name pop up, but I'll adjust
Everybody givin' their opinion
But really, I should listen to my gut
No more kindness for weakness
I pull with that bullshit and I'll nip it in the bud
Better do the work, if you ain't looked in the mirror yet
I don't wanna live my life bein' a silhouette
Your insecurity won't break me down
You only see the silhouette, but don't hold your breath
I'm protected by the light, realize you can't crush my soul
Time will heal you
Time will heal you
Find your way
Find your faith
God's with you always
Time will heal you
Time will heal you
Find your way
Find your faith
God's with you always
In "Silhouette," Little Simz delves into themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and the journey of self-discovery. The song begins with a metaphorical invitation to step into the shadow, symbolizing a desire to hide from one's true self or to mask one's inner struggles. Simz acknowledges that people may try to bring her down or betray her, but she sees through their actions and refuses to let them define her.
The artist emphasizes her own strength and authenticity, asserting that she doesn't need others to take credit for her accomplishments or speak ill of her. She asserts her independence and divine nature, comparing herself to a child of God who has overcome challenges and defied expectations. Simz also alludes to her ability to transform difficult situations into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Throughout the song, Simz reflects on past relationships that have soured, expressing disappointment and a need to establish boundaries. She acknowledges the pain and confusion caused by these experiences but emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and finding one's own truth. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains determined and confident, recognizing that growth and healing take time and effort. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to find their own path, embrace their faith, and trust in their inner strength, with the assurance that time will bring healing and clarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Step into the shadow if you're tryna hide your silhouette
If you want to conceal your true self, go into obscurity
When they stab you in the back, trust me, they ain't finished yet
When people betray you, be aware that they will continue to harm you
Had them on they toes, what I'm doin'? Pirouette
I had them on edge, wondering what moves I'll make next
All this fake love got me feelin' I'm the realest here
The insincere affection I receive makes me believe that I am the most authentic person
You know what the deal is here
You understand the situation and what is truly happening
She couldn't do this without me, yeah, that's they biggest fear
She is afraid because she knows she wouldn't be able to achieve success without my involvement
You didn't know, niggas wanna take credit for somethin' they never own
You might not be aware, but people desire recognition for things they never truly possess
Talkin' on my name like the Devil is in your tone
Speaking ill of me with a malicious and wicked intention
Don't you know I'm God's child? Got here on my own
Do you not realize that I am divinely protected? I succeeded through my own efforts
Turn wine into water and get blood out of the stone
I have the ability to perform miracles, making the impossible possible
You give me an inch and want it back, man, I been through this
You offer me a small amount and then expect me to return it, I have experienced this before
All problems deep rooted, lost love and they need Cupid
All troubles have underlying causes, primarily love lost and a desire for love's healing power
No time for your words, please don't smart talk if you been stupid
I have no patience for your clever words if your actions have been foolish
Oh, damn, she ruthless, been proven, Beethoven, no keys, deep music
Oh, she is heartless and it has been verified. Like Beethoven, she creates powerful music without the need for traditional instruments
When the drums speak to me, I just breathe through it
When the rhythm of life speaks to me, I effortlessly accept and navigate it
Cool with a little flare, how does she do it?
I am calm and composed, with a touch of uniqueness. People wonder how I maintain this state
I don't try too hard, there's an ease to it
I don't exert excessive effort, there is a natural flow to my actions
The price goes up when you add me to it
When I am involved, the value or significance of something increases
Then up again when you add theme to it
And the value or significance rises even further when you incorporate a theme
When the family tight, can't see through it
When the family is close-knit, it becomes impossible to fully understand or penetrate
Look around if you tryna find out who you are
If you are searching for self-discovery, observe your surroundings
Now, you got a missing piece, I was the biggest part
Now, you have a void, a part that is absent, and I was the most significant portion
If this is evolution, I'm in luck
If this is the process of personal growth, I am fortunate
'Cause, I don't wanna be here and be stuck
Because I don't want to remain stagnant in this situation
Wish we could've transitioned together
I wish we could have moved forward and progressed alongside each other
I gave you all I had, gave you my trust
I invested everything I had, including my trust, in you
No one ever tells you when it's fucked
No one informs you when things have gone terribly wrong
No one ever tells you it will probably leave you crushed
No one informs you that it will most likely leave you devastated
That's when you find the strength and pick yourself up
That is the moment when you discover the resilience to lift yourself up
I know I'ma get through this, it's a must
I am confident that I will overcome this, it cannot be otherwise
Growin' is painful, we cannot be rushed
The process of personal growth is painful, it cannot be hurried
Used to seeing your name pop up, but I'll adjust
I was accustomed to constantly encountering your name, but I will adapt
Everybody givin' their opinion
Everyone is offering their thoughts and viewpoints
But really, I should listen to my gut
However, I should truly trust my intuition
No more kindness for weakness
I will no longer show compassion towards those who are weak
I pull with that bullshit and I'll nip it in the bud
I confront and stop any nonsense or foolishness immediately
Better do the work, if you ain't looked in the mirror yet
You must put in the effort and examine yourself if you haven't done so already
I don't wanna live my life bein' a silhouette
I refuse to exist in this world as a mere outline or shadow
Time will heal you
The passage of time will bring about healing for you
Find your way
Discover your path
Find your faith
Discover your belief or conviction
God's with you always
Remember that God is always with you, providing support and guidance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Cleopatra Nikolic, Dean Josiah Cover, Simbiatu Ajikawo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tridnt_wrad
"Wish we could've transitioned together, I gave you all I had, gave you my trust
No one ever tells you when it's fucked
No one ever tells you it will probably leave you crushed
That's when you find the strength and pick yourself up
I know I'ma get through this is a must
Growin' is painful, we cannot be rushed
but, I'll adjust
Find your way
God's with you always <3 "
@monstertracc3389
Step into the shadow if you're tryna hide your silhouette
When they stab you in the back, trust me, they ain't finished yet
Had them on they toes, what I'm doin'? Pirouette
All this fake love got me feelin' I'm the realest here
You know what the deal is here
She couldn't do this without me, yeah, that's they biggest fear
You didn't know, niggas wanna take credit for somethin' they never own
Talkin' on my name like the Devil is on your tone
Don't you know I'm God's child? Got here on my own
Turn wine into water and get blood out of the stone
You give me an inch and want it back
Man, I been through this
All problems deep rooted
Lost love, and they need Cupid
No time for your words, please don't smart talk if you been stupid
Oh, damn, she ruthless, been proved that they talk with no keys, deep music
When the drums speak to me, I just breathe through it
Cool with a little flare, how does she do it?
I don't try too hard, there's an ease to it
The price goes up when you add me to it, then up again when you add theme to it
When the family tight, can't see through it
Look around if you tryna find out who you are
Now, you got a missing piece, I was the biggest part
You got to look inside yourself
Your insecurity won't break me down
You only see the silhouette, but don't hold your breath
I'm protected by the light, realize you can't push my soul
Yeah, used to have a bond and now I see you as no friend of mine
Couldn't see you at the time, God was showin' many signs
Goin' up with my eyes on very wide
Sittin' here reflectin' on myself and sippin' cherry wine
Like we should've been choppin'
You thought I didn't see the change, but, I been clockin'
I'm very wise
Never knew how much I needed to set some boundaries
If you are a fan of me, how can you be mad at me?
Lettin' go isn't easy, I'll admit and it saddens me
If you knew how this is makin' me question my sanity
How could I ever doubt my truth and what I'm feelin'?
It's better revealin', we all need some healin'
Rackin' my brain tryna discover the meanin'
Who even knows, I had to look deep within' to find what I was seekin'
Layin' down, eyes closed, no sleepin'
No appetite, I was barely eatin'
Hundred miles per hour, my heart beatin'
I know I got an army that I'm leadin'
Tyrna figure it out, bobbin' and weavin'
Compassion I been needin', now, it's unfoldin'
I ain't even finished yet
Light was shinin' on you, now I see you as a silhouette
Find your way
Find your face
God's with you always
If this is evolution, I'm in luck
'Cause, I don't wanna be here and be stuck
Wish we could've transitioned together, I gave you all I had, gave you my trust
No one ever tells you when it's fucked
No one ever tells you it will probably leave you crushed
That's when you find the strength and pick yourself up
I know I'ma get through this is a must
Growin' is painful, we cannot be rushed
[?] but, I'll adjust
Everybody givin' their opinion, but really, I should listen to my gut
No more kindness for weakness
I pull with that bullshit and I rip it in a barn
Better do the work, If you ain't looked in the mirror yet
I don't wanna live my life bein' a silhouette
Your insecurity won't break me down
You only see the silhouette, but don't hold your breath
I'm protected by the light, realize you can't push my soul
Time will heal you
Time will heal you
Find your way
Find your faith
God's with you always
Time will heal you
Time will heal you
Find your way
Find your faith
God's with you always
@Missjunebugfreak
Easily my favorite track on the album. The fantastic production + Simz biting lyricism + the choral harmonies = sonic brilliance. I'm in awe of her talent.
@giths19
the production work is by Inflo. The man is special. Produced all her albums. They keep outdoing the previous album. We so lucky and blessed they keep collaborating.
@McCherrill
I love it too. I think it's my favourite also.
I like that there is enough dissonance to give texture to the harmonies.
@McCherrill
Also, she lets us know that she could do a Bond theme
@shalomurigarfield147
angels is better in my opinion
@juliagarciaaa
I'm loving Cleo Sol features on this album 🤚🤧
@Soulr
She is a generational artist. This is my favorite song from the new record.
@EminUZUN
I keep coming to this song over and over, album is perfect as a whole but this song is on another level.
@SilentPhoenix__
The end with those beautiful vocals makes me float fr
@soyauby
"everyone giving their opinion, but really I should listen to my gut" YES