Little Simz surprised fans yesterday (30 December) with the release of her latest single ‘Hello, Hi’. The tracks marks a new direction for the London-born rapper, singer, and actress, while staying true to her signature introspective lyricism and mastery of rhythm.
Since her debut album, ‘A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons’, released independently in 2015, Simz has cemented herself as a trailblazer in UK Hip-Hop. Her creative storytelling and experimental production have earned her widespread critical acclaim. Across her discography – which includes five albums and an EP – she has explored themes of identity, self-discovery, and societal critique, resulting in widespread critical acclaim and accolades such as the Best Album Award for ‘GREY Area’ at the Ivor Novello Awards in 2019 and the 2022 Mercury Prize for ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ in 2021.
Hello, Hi
OUT NOW on all platforms https://t.co/CUHjwmFPL5
See you in 25’ pic.twitter.com/xtVOOChImn
— Little Simz (@LittleSimz) December 30, 2024
Since her last studio album ‘NO THANK YOU’ in 2022, Simz’s fans have been eagerly awaiting her next release. In announcing ‘Hello, Hi’, she hinted at more music to come in 2025, teasing on Twitter: “See you in 25.” This cryptic message has sparked excitement, as listeners prepare for what could be another transformative phase in her career.
The new single ‘Hello, Hi’ is a two-minute exploration of new sound for the British-Nigerian rapper, boldly pairing a laid-back acoustic guitar sample with a drill beat. Despite the shift in instrumentation, Simz’s effortless flow and rhythmic precision anchor the track, showcasing her ability to innovate without losing her distinct identity.
Lyrically, ‘Hello, Hi’ delves into her experiences with fame and the challenges of navigating success. She reflects on her journey with lines like, “Neighbours can’t believe how a black woman got this far”, while addressing critics with a sharp retor, “Too much winnin’m these haters is mad about.” The song also offers insights into her life and perceptions of her local community with hints at the future through the evocative declaration “SS Simx ‘25, you ain’t never seen this season.”
Simz’s artistic impact extends beyond music. She has demonstrated her versatility as an actress featuring as Shelley in Netflix’s ‘Top Boy’ and made a memorable cameo performing her song ‘Venom’ in the Marvel blockbuster ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’. Earlier this year, she also partnered with the Tate Modern to curate a unique evening of music, conversations, and workshops.
As the year ends, ‘Hello, Hi’ not only serves as a reminder of Simz’s artistic prowess but also sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in 2025. Whether through music, acting, or her wider cultural contributions, Little Simz continues to redefine creativity, earning her place as one of the UK’s most compelling and multifaceted artists with more to come in the New Year.
