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
The Garden
Little Simz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your decisions don't just affect you
Your first love often blinds you
To be loved is to be held
How many do you believe have felt your presence
When needed the most?
When in fear of the unknown, who do you call?
Trust your intuition but get out of your head
Masking your emotions is a weakness
It's a kindness to let people in
Humble pie is often the hardest to swallow
Be your best friend and not your worst enemy
Feelings of being misunderstood are hard to fathom
But you were never brought here to fit in
All you give will be all you shall receive
Water your seeds, give your garden the love it needs
Little Simz's song "The Garden" is an uplifting and introspective meditation on self-love and the importance of building meaningful relationships. In the opening verse, Simz speaks directly to herself, acknowledging that her decisions have far-reaching consequences beyond just her own life. She then reflects on the nature of love, warning that it can be blinding and often requires a more thoughtful approach than blind devotion. The song's refrain, "To be loved is to be held," reinforces love's importance as an anchor in times of fear and uncertainty.
As the song progresses, Little Simz encourages listeners to trust their intuition but to also recognize the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty. She notes that masking one's emotions is ultimately a weakness, and that it is a kindness to let people in. This is followed by a powerful statement on the importance of self-love, as Simz encourages listeners to be their own best friends rather than their own worst enemies. She notes that feelings of being misunderstood are common, but that everyone has the ability to make a positive difference in the world through their own unique contributions.
Overall, "The Garden" is a stirring call for introspection and emotional honesty. Little Simz encourages listeners to trust their own instincts, while also recognizing that true growth often comes from acknowledging one's own vulnerabilities and cultivating meaningful relationships with others.
Line by Line Meaning
You see, Simbi
Listen up, Simbi
Your decisions don't just affect you
Your choices impact more than just yourself
Your first love often blinds you
Your initial romance can distort your view
To be loved is to be held
Love equals support
How many do you believe have felt your presence
Do people sense your influence?
When needed the most?
In times of necessity?
When in fear of the unknown, who do you call?
Who do you reach out to when scared?
Patience is a virtue
Being patient is a valuable trait
Trust your intuition but get out of your head
Have faith in your gut feeling but don't overthink
Masking your emotions is a weakness
Hiding your feelings is a flaw
It's a kindness to let people in
Being open to others is a form of compassion
Humble pie is often the hardest to swallow
It's difficult to admit your faults
Be your best friend and not your worst enemy
Love yourself, don't criticize
Feelings of being misunderstood are hard to fathom
Misinterpretation is confusing
But you were never brought here to fit in
You're not meant to conform
All you give will be all you shall receive
You get what you give
Water your seeds, give your garden the love it needs
Nurture your passions, put effort into your pursuits
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Dean Wynton Josiah Cover, Kadeem Charles Clarke-Samuel, Miles James, Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sweetlikeacinnamonroll
This is literally one of the best interlude I've ever heard-
@TheMsdmeanor
Lil Simz is incredible. Whatta GIFT in this world for us 😀
@not-a-person
Same, and it's still probably my second favorite on this album
@amaddicted1234
This album needs to be shared and publicized to the high heavens
@ThucNguyen-si2rf
this album is so beautiful. Thank you for releasing it
@andrewfairbrother259
This is latter-day classical music. Just beautiful.
@oskarasriauba
This one is on repeat. Overwhelming piece
@user-pm9pw6cj4c
This album has such great interludes
@jiribb9300
this is bringing tears to my eyes
@MarianaPereira-ug2lu
That is the perfect start for the I am music 🎶 I’m just grateful I’m in tune, what a journey 🙏