While the focus of the past few days has found itself on Eminem’s headline-making freestyle during the BET Hip-Hop Awards’ cypher, it’s time to shift gears on the upstarts who were up to the challenge, and delivered on fiery takes themselves. For the purpose of this article, let's talk about Little Simz.
For the Birtish rapper, it’s been a long time coming since her debut mixtape drop of 2013 in the form of BLANK CANVAS. Since then, she made her album debut in 2015 with A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons and followed it up with last year’s Stillness In Wonderland. Now a year later, on the heels of her impressive performance on BET’s lauded cypher, she’s prepping for the deluxe release of Stillness in Wonderland.
Set for release on November 3rd, the new outing will feature 8 additional tracks that include her "Backseat” single, her “Customz” collaboration with singer Bibi Bourelly, a new cut with TDE signee SiR, and the newly-visualized “Good For What.”
Produced by Astronote, the newest “Good For What” music video arrives courtesy of director Duy Nguyen. In the clip we’re treated to Young Simbi practicing what she preaches as she confindently graces the screen, skating down Los Angeles streets, enjoying the fruits of her labor in good company, and moving with the swagger of a veteran. It’s a break from the usual programming of Simz’s repertory as she drops off a slew of humble brags, and lays her claim to the game once and for all.
While she’s cultivated a strong following in her homeland, it’s clear that Little Simz is ready for the coveted crossover into the US market that signals a new wave of success, both commercially and culturally, for many UK-reared artists.
“Look at Young Simbi in Vogue. Look at Young Simbi in Forbes," she affirms. "Well, someone’s gotta do it, right? Someone’s gotta open doors."