Twenty eight year old British rapper Little Simz is the current recipient of the mercury prize for the “best British or Irish album of the last 12 months”.
The rapper took home the award which comes with a cash prize of twenty five thousand pounds for her fourth studio album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. The album released in 2021 is described as a “hip hop coming of age tale”. According to the Mercury Prize judges, the project was chosen because “it deals with themes both personal and political while putting them against music that is as sophisticated as it is varied. The Mercury Prize is all about shining a light on albums of lasting value and real artistry. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert has both.”
Their words ring true as Little Simz herself, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo has also spoken about the process behind the album and her hopes for its reception as it tackled many racial and gendered themes. Her delivery, stunning visuals and captivating performances also pushed this album to the limelight. It reached the top 5 on the UK Albums chart, topped multiple end of year lists while also winning her a Brit Award for the ‘Best Newcomer” earlier this year. Despite her debut album coming nearly seven years ago.
This is Simz’s second nomination for the Mercury Prize after 2019’s LP Grey Area. this year, she was one of the twelve nominees with names like Harry Styles and Sam Fender on the list. Speaking after her win, Simz says “I just pray I can do what I can and contribute what I can to the landscape of music and society in whatever way, shape or form, and just try and speak for those that don’t have a voice and use my platform and my gift for the greater good.”
She also saluted her fellow nominees in her speech, alongside her producer and co-writer Inflo.
