Little Simz provides the antidote on Stillness in Wonderland’s “Poison Ivy”
UK rapper Little Simz may have just wrapped up her first North American tour, but for many of us stateside, she’s a relatively new face. Until today, I was one of those uninitiated, but now that I’ve gotten a taste of what Simz is all about, I’m kicking myself for not catching her when she was here. Her sophomore album Stillness In Wonderland dropped last December, and “Poison Ivy” is one of its many impressive cuts. Stream it below.
Hip-hop is usually to defined by its heavily-emphasized 4/4 time signature, but “Poison Ivy” throws this rule to the wayside. It’s a straight-up waltz, giving the SHE-produced beat a stately, tip-toeing feel amidst its warm guitar and thick, hulking bass. In the hands of a less-experienced emcee, the track might feel off-kilter or awkward, but Simz handles it with ease. With her cool, understated flow, she details a relationship gone toxic, but with a refrain like “Show me love/show me now,” she’s not ready to give up just yet.
Little Simz will headline Union Transfer this February 27th. For tickets and more information, head over to XPN’s Concert Calendar.
(h/t Okayplayer)