Little Simz: Everything you need to know about the multi-award winning rapper
Get to know the 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' rapper
Little Simz is seriously making waves in the music industry. In 2021, she released her fourth album 'Sometimes I Might be Introvert' to great critical and commercial success. In 2022 she won her first BRIT Award, as well as the Mercury Prize for British Album of the Year. Then, in 2024 she took home a MOBO Award and has been announced to perform at Glastonbury on the iconic Pyramid Stage.
Little Simz’s success didn't come over night - it was the result of years of grinding and making music. Here's everything you NEED to know about Little Simz, a big name in UK rap.
Who is Little Simz?
Little Simz is a rapper, singer and actor from North London. She grew up in Islington where she attended Highbury Fields School and St Mary's Youth Club. It was in St Mary's that she first recorded music.
She has released four albums and a number of EPs, and has been releasing music for over 10 years. On top of this, she has collaborated with a variety of other artists, such as Mahalia, Gorillaz and Cleo Sol.
How old is she?
Little Simz was born on 23rd February 1994 meaning she is 30-years-old.
What is her real name?
Simz is short for Simbiatu, her first name. Her full name is Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo.
Little Simz's early days
Little Simz got into hip-hop earlier than most, as a seven-year-old she idolised Missy Elliot. In an interview with Redbull, Little Simz said: "I used to dance at that time, so I wanted to be in her videos... And from that point on, I just fell in love with hip-hop. Then I got into Lauryn Hill, and I got more in-depth with it: Tupac, Nas, Jay-Z… Then I started making my own music."
Little Simz has cited the importance of her local youth club in her development as an artist. From the age of nine, she would freestyle there to her friends, and collaborate with other kids.
She told Redbull: "It was where it all began for me, it was like a second home. It was somewhere to go after school instead of just hanging round on the roads, causing trouble or whatever. We had dance, the gym for the boys, cooking classes, we used to go on trips. It was like a big family."
How did Little Simz become famous?
Little Simz first started out as an actor. She landed the role of Vicky in the BBC children's series Spirit Warriors, originally broadcast in 2010, and appeared as Meleka in the E4 show Youngers from 2013 to 2014.
Her career as a rapper first started with the release of mixtapes. Her first mixtape, 'Stratosphere', was released in 2010. She went on to release four more mixtapes and four EPs in the next four years, including 2013’s Blank Canvas, which Jay-Z released on his Life+Times website!
She released her debut album 'A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons' to critical acclaim in 2015. The album showcased her lyrical chops and her autobiographical approach to writing that would come to characterise her later work
The release of this album coincided with a cosign from none other than Kendrick Lamar. This cosign no doubt gave Simbi greater exposure and widened her international audience.
She went on to release her second album 'Stillness in Wonderland' in 2016, to further acclaim. Talking to Grazia about the album, Simz said: "I wanted it to feel like an audio experience. I wanted you to feel almost immersed in Wonderland.
“I’m learning new ways to use my voice. Before, I used to feel like I needed to shout all the time and just learning that there’s just different ways to deliver certain things."
'Grey Area' (2019)
Little Simz released her third album 'Grey Area' in 2019. The album was her biggest success to date, earning her a Mercury Prize nomination, and saw her teaming up with producer Inflo to craft a sound that would come to characterise her music.
The album featured songs such as '101 FM', 'Boss', 'Selfish', 'Offence' and 'Venom', some of her most famous songs. 'Venom' went on to have success on TikTok in the following years. It was even re-released in 2021 to coincide with the release of the film 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage', which Simbi had a guest cameo in.
'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' (2021)
In 2021 Little Simz dropped the long awaited follow up to 2019's 'Grey Area'. She released five singles in the run up to the album's release, the first being 'Introvert', a grand, orchestral hip-hop song that sounds like the opening to an epic film. She then released 'Woman', 'Rollin Stone', 'I Love You, I Hate You' and 'Point and Kill' with Obongjayar.
The album marked a big success for the rapper debuting at Number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. It saw her experimenting with a variety of sounds, from Jazz to Afrobeat, and even trying her hand at singing on 'Protecting My Energy'. The album included guest appearances from Obongjayar, Cleo Sol and actor Emma Corinn.
'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert' explores themes relating to who Simbi is and how being an introvert relates to her identity as an artist. The Album's title is actually an acronym for "SIMBI" - so it really is all about her.
Did Little Simz headline Brixton?
After the release of 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert', Little Simz toured the UK. The tour ended with her headlining London’s Brixton Academy the 02 Brixton for three nights in a row, becoming the first woman to do so in the process. This was a massive achievement for the rapper.
Did Little Simz win a BRIT?
At the The BRIT Awards 2022 with MasterCard, Little Simz won her first BRIT Award, taking home the award for Best New Artist. She invited her mum onto the stage with her and delivered a powerful speech while her mum proudly held the award high and showed it to the crowd. This was truly an ICONIC moment and one of the stand outs of the night.
On top of this Simbi also delivered one of the best performances of the night, performing a medley of her songs 'Introvert' and 'Woman.' For this performance she was joined by none other than 'The Crown's' Emma Corinn, who also contributed to the album.
Watch Little Simz perform at The BRIT Awards 2022 with MasterCard:
Simbi was nominated for three other BRIT Awards: Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act, British Artist of the Year and British Album of the Year for 'Sometime's I Might be Introvert.' She lost Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act to Dave and British Album of the Year to Adele. Both Dave and Adele congratulated Simbi on her win, however.
Dave said: "Simz I’m so proud of you". Adele echoed similar feelings saying: “I want to say a massive congratulations for Little Simz, I've got so much love for you." High praise indeed for two of the biggest names in British music.
Little Simz: MOBO 2024 nominations
Little Simz was announced to have been nominated for FOUR MOBO Awards in late 2023, for the 2024 awards. She was nominated for the following categories: Album of the Year ('No Thank You'), Best Female Act and Best Hip Hop Act, and Video of the Year ('Gorilla').
Taking place on Wednesday 7th February 2024, Simz won Best Hip Hop Act.
Will Little Simz perform at Glastonbury?
Yes, the rapper will be taking to the iconic Pyramid Stage at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival. Simz joins a line-up which includes Dua Lipa, Coldplay and many more huge acts.
Is Little Simz in Top Boy?
Little Simz starred in the third series of Top Boy in 2019 (the first series released on Netflix), alongside fellow rappers Kano and Dave. She played Shelley and returned to the show for its fourth series in 2022.
What are Little Simz's biggest songs?
'Introvert'
Contains explicit language.
'Woman' with Cleo Sol
Contains explicit language.
'Venom'
Contains explicit language.
'I Love You, I Hate You'
Contains explicit language.
'Point and Kill' with Obongjayar
'101 FM'
Contains explicit language.
'Selfish' with Cleo Sol
Contains explicit language.
'might bang, might not'
Contains explicit language.
'Boss'
Contains explicit language.
'Offence'
Contains explicit language.
'Rollin Stone'
Contains explicit language.
Gorillaz - 'Garage Palace' with Little Simz
Contains explicit language.
Does Little Simz have Instagram?
She does - you can follow her @littlesimz.
Does Little Simz have X?
She does - you can follow her @LittleSimz.
Does Little Simz have TikTok?
She does - you can follow her @reallittlesimz.
Take a look through the previous BRITs Rising Stars (formerly Critics' Choice)
Adele: 2008
Adele won the award in 2008 and has since gone on to enjoy world domination. The singer has released four albums, '19', '21' ,'25' and most recently, '30' in November 2021.
With hits like 'Rolling In The Deep', 'Chasing Pavements' and 'Easy On Me', it is no surprise the singer is adored across the world by fans.
After making her comeback to music in 2021, Adele hasn't slowed down since, with the singer currently enjoying a stint in Las Vegas.
Florence & The Machine: 2009
Florence Welch of Florence & The Machine was given the award in 2009, much to her fans' delight. The singer went on to release amazing albums and perform at sell-out shows across the world.
Ellie Goulding: 2010
Ellie Goulding was crowned the winner of the award in 2010.
Ellie went on to release five massive albums, with her latest arriving in 2023. She teamed up again with Calvin Harris in 2023 on the track 'Miracle', which the pair performed at The BRITs 2024.
Jessie J: 2011
Jessie J won the award in 2011 and has smashed the charts ever since. After releasing her debut album 'Who You Are' in 2011, Jessie went on to achieve global success with hits like 'Domino', 'Price Tag' and 'Bang Bang' featuring Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Emeli Sande: 2012
Emeli won in 2012 and released her massive debut album 'Our Version Of Events' in the same year.
The singer went on to perform at the London Olympics closing ceremony in 2012. She then went on to wow fans across the world with her incredible vocals on hits like 'Clown', 'Next To Me' and 'Heaven'.
Tom Odell: 2013
Singer-songwriter Tom Odell won the award in 2013, going on to release five albums since. His fifth album 'Best Day Of My Life' was released in October 2022.
Sam Smith: 2014
Since winning the award in 2014, Sam Smith hasn't look back! The vocalist has released four massive albums which include hits like 'Too Good At Goodbyes', 'One Last Song' and 'Promises'.
After teaming up with Calvin Harris in 2018, Sam then worked with former Fifth Harmony singer Normani on the track 'Dancing With A Stranger' and has since dropped tracks such as 'Unholy' and 'Gloria'.
James Bay: 2015
One year after winning the award in 2015, James Bay went on to win a BRIT Award for Best British Male Solo Artist in 2016.
The singer has since released amazing singles such as 'Hold Back The River' and 'Let It Go'.
Jack Garratt: 2016
Jack Garratt won in 2016 and continues to wow his fans with his vocal. The singer dropped his debut album 'Phase' in February 2016. Jack released his second album 'Love, Death & Dancing' in 2020.
Rag'N'Bone Man: 2017
Since Rag'n'Bone Man won the award in 2017, the singer has gone on to massive things.
Not only did he drop the massive hit 'Human', Rag'n'Bone Man, real name Rory Graham, teamed up with Calvin Harris on the amazing song 'Giants', with the pair working together again in 2024 on 'Lovers In A Past Life'.
Jorja Smith: 2018
Singer-songwriter Jorja Smith won the award in 2018 at the age of just 20.
Since winning the award last year, Jorja has released her debut album 'Lost & Found' which was positively received by fans.
Sam Fender: 2019
Sam Fender has become hugely popular over the last couple of years, so it's no surprise he won the award in 2019. His debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles' was adored by fans.
Sam dropped his second album ' Seventeen Going Under' in October 2021 and has since sold out shows across the world.
Celeste: 2020
British singer-songwriter Celeste won the prestigious award in 2020, going on to perform at the 2020 ceremony. After her victory, Celeste released her debut studio album in January 2021 and her single 'A Little Love' featured on the 2020 John Lewis Christmas ad.
Griff: 2021
Singer-songwriter Griff picked up the award in 2021. Gushing over her win, she said: "In my head I'm still screaming from the phone call when I found out. It's honestly such a miracle: how on earth did we manage to win a BRIT and break through during a pandemic?"
Holly Humberstone: 2022
Holly Humberstone picked up the award, now named the Rising Star Award, in 2022. She is known for her tracks 'London Is Lonely' and 'Falling Asleep At The Wheel'.
On receiving the award, Holly said: "I remember watching the BRITs with my parents each year and being totally awe struck by the artists coming together in what felt like another universe. Now to be named the BRITs Rising Star and nominated alongside two other incredible women, with the songs that started within those four walls at home is so mad. It just doesn't feel real. This year has been a wild ride and a year of firsts, and I am so grateful and thankful for everyone who has helped make this happen!"
FLO: 2023
The 2023 Rising Star Award went to girl group FLO, known for their songs 'Cardboard Box', 'Not My Job' and 'Immature'. They said of their win: "From growing up watching the BRITs, to finding each other and forming FLO, releasing our first body of work in 2022 and winning a BRIT award in the same year!! We are so shocked and grateful. We are the first group to win the BRITs Rising Star! We've just made history and couldn't have done it without our wonderful fans and supportive families. It's truly a dream come true. We feel so empowered creating the music we love and we hope others feel that too."
The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party were announced as the winners of the 2024 award after a stratospheric rise to fame. The five-piece from London started out only in 2020, giving their first performance in 2021 - so it's a pretty impressive trajectory.
They said of the win: "We are so proud beyond measure to have won the BRITs Rising Star. It's an honour to achieve something so iconic so early on in our career and we can only hope to keep making music that connects with all the incredible people who have listened to and supported us so far. Thank you!"
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