10 Best Hip-Hop Albums From The First Half Of 2019
5. Little Simz - GREY Area
Very few rappers from across the pond have been able to successfully cross over to America, but with an album like GREY Area, 23 year old London MC Little Simz seems primed to do just that. Said to be written "from a place of confusion", Little Simz empowers herself and those around her over a series of varied and dynamic instrumentals handled by producer Inflo, ranging from the Japanese-inspired "101 FM" to the choral, uplifting "Sherbet Sunset".
The use of live instrumentation is present throughout, giving the album a feeling of fullness for Little Simz to perform lyrical gymnastics over, attempting to find her place in the patriarchy of hip hop. Simz seems to find the perfect pocket no matter the type of instrumental, lending the album to both casual and deep listening.
If you have time for only one song from this album, make it "Venom".
Over eery strings, Little Simz delivers a menacing performance, attacking those who disqualify her from "Best of" lists, embracing her femininity, and welcoming all challengers to her throne.