Little Simz has established herself as one of the most significant voices in modern music.
With chart-topping albums like Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and No Thank You, her success is undeniable. But beyond her musical talents, the London rapper has also been thrust into the role of social commentator. This comes with its own set of challenges. As a prominent artist, she feels the weight of expectations to speak out on pressing social issues, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. In a candid interview with Interview magazine, she opened up about the pressure she feels to always be the voice of reason in a world full of chaos.
“I definitely feel the pressures of having to, especially because of the kind of artist I am,” Little Simz said. “I don’t think all artists feel this, because they don’t make a particular type of music. I feel like sometimes people are just on me.” These feelings of pressure are compounded by the fact that not all artists face the same level of scrutiny. Because her music touches on topics like identity, mental health, and inequality, she finds herself constantly being asked for her opinion on difficult subjects.
Yet, despite the pressure, Little Simz admits she doesn’t always know how to respond. “I don’t always know what to say,” she shared. “Then I start to go inwards. I think, ‘S***, am I a bad person?’” It’s a tough internal conflict that many public figures face when they feel an obligation to speak on social issues but lack the immediate answers. For Little Simz, this questioning process isn’t something she takes lightly. “I don’t want to have to question myself like that,” she confessed. “But in the same breath, I need time to figure out how I feel about something.”
At the same time, Little Simz recognizes the dangers of closing herself off entirely from the world. She explained that when she isolates herself, it can lead to dark thoughts and emotions. “When you close yourself off and you’re in a cocoon, that’s when the f***** s*** happens,” she admitted. Instead of letting this negativity consume her, she’s learned to find inspiration in the people closest to her, her family. They help her keep things in perspective and remind her not to take things too seriously.
One of the most influential figures in Little Simz’s life is her mother. “My mum, just her being the pillar, the rock, the head of the family, how she keeps everyone together,” she said. “She does her best to make us see, ‘No, we really are a unit.’” Her family, including her nieces and nephews, plays a vital role in keeping her grounded. “Just being heavily present in their lives, watching them grow up, how they view me, how they inspire me,” she explained. “They remind me sometimes it’s not that serious.” This reminder to take things easy is crucial for Little Simz, who has often felt the weight of the world on her shoulders.
As she looks ahead to the release of her upcoming album Lotus in June, Little Simz is feeling more liberated than ever. The time spent reflecting on her career and personal growth has unlocked a newfound sense of freedom, allowing her to explore new creative avenues. “It’s given me a newfound excitement because what I found is by trying new things, it unlocked something in me that I didn’t know existed,” she said. She feels like a child again, eager to experiment and embrace new experiences. This creative freedom is something she’s learned to cherish, especially as she moves forward in her career.
Yet, even as she continues to evolve as an artist, Little Simz is still grappling with the internal pressure to speak out on every social issue that arises. “I wish I had opened up my world a bit more,” she admitted, reflecting on her past reluctance to share personal details about her struggles. “I just didn’t want to see it. But now, I understand the value of sharing my world and how it can inspire others.”
Despite the pressure, Little Simz remains focused on her mission: to share her gift with the world while remaining true to herself. As she continues to work through the complexities of being a public figure, she’s leaning on her family and her creative process to help guide her forward.
