Little Simz: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Cameron Robert | February 21, 2017 - Simbi Ajikawo, who records and performs as Little Simz, first gained widespread recognition with the release of her debut album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons back in 2015. Receiving praise from better-known artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, the British lyricist has been compared to the likes of Lauryn Hill for her self-reflective wordplay that shies away from the often braggadocios nature of mainstream rap music.
While on her first album Simz opted to tell stories that spoke of her childhood experiences (and the insight gained from them), on her most recent release, Stillness in Wonderland, she expands this notion of self-exploration by creating a world that pays ode to the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland. Much like Alice, Simz's newfound success has taken her on a journey that's leading her to discover a whole new world.
Only 22-years old, Simz is still early in her career. And while she's constantly challenged by the abnormal experiences that come from success, her performance for our Tiny Desk was poised and confident. Accompanied by three members from the Brooklyn-based R&B group known as Phony Ppl, Simz performed a set of three songs off of Stillness in Wonderland, including the standout "Poison Ivy," which chronicles the outfall of a failing relationship. As Simz continues to grow as a musician it will be exciting to see what new worlds she brings to her audience next.
Stillness In Wonderland is available now:
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/sti...
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Stillness-Wond...
Set List
"Poison Ivy"
"No More Wonderland"
"Picture Perfect"
Musicians
Little Simz (vocals, guitar); Matt Byas (drums); Omar Grant (bass); Aja Grant (keys)
Credits
Producers: Cameron Robert, Niki Walker; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Niki Walker, Morgan Noelle Smith; Assistant Editor: Morgan Noelle Smith; Production Assistant: A Noah Harrison; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@nprmusic]

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[@chido5924]

We need a new Tiny Desk with her! Shes had sooo much growth now, but she is still as amazing as she was here

[@slaapkaamers3377]

can't stress this more!

[@eva.mia.]

yessss !

[@dariantroon3237]

Yesss girl

[@aristofanespaulo6280]

I totally agree with you

[@jbecknc]

Great talent. So thoughtful and decent.

[@MrKaje72]

Simz, I'm sorry for being late.

[@7mya7]

same

[@3leven]

I will forever keep saying Little Simz is one of BEST UK rappers period

[@guileteemgowitevryteeng1711]

Emmanuel lol I couldn't name another U.K. Rapper.. cuz rap is dead. Now Jungle I can dig.

[@morganstokes1930]

For years she's been the best rapper in the UK alongside kojey radical. Actually have talent compared to those grime shits

[@teeb.2904]

Shes one of the best in todays rap era

[@cameroncorp]

You can delete "one of"

[@kokolatte825]

Totally underrated as a female rapper too. I feel like I hardly hear her mentioned.

[@mial2781]

This is sweet. She is radiant. Beautiful how much she has grown in the last 4 years. Her NPR gig from 21 is fire.

[@88pwnstar88]

Dang yall, chill....this is a jam session, they arent trying to sound perfect...just jamming and felling it...damn.

[@larryfunz2757]

Panda-Cube i feel you, but im sure this is a paid gig and if im paying I'd like you to b as close 2 perfect as possible! save the shedding for practice. i enjoyed it myself

[@zacariasbaker]

I don't understand the critics... people in here are bitter as fuck. I loved this

[@markmarkovich6618]

Giorgia Larara I like the songs jus when you're a professional musician and you spend all this time studying music it just feels so weird because there's all this harmony but the vocals stay around the same pitch and it just feels so wrong cause the melody (her voice) doesn't follow the chords very well. when she raps it works cause she's kinda rhythm instead of melody but when she's actually singing it feels really off

[@b00tsyallday]

Me too.

[@Alex-rn6xu]

She is so underrated.

[@michaellammay9937]

why isn't anyone talking about this drummer? this drummer!!

[@rugginsjones4361]

yeah... he buggin' especially on the last song. That fools’ got me rRollin !

[@scarletpeoni9347]

Michael Lammay brrrrrrrrrraaaaa

[@erincurley1234]

check out their band Phony Ppl, seen them live a few times. they are tight

[@TheCfrazier]

This is tinydesk & not RapCity

[@metcalfethegod]

I agree. He's killing shit

[@Davetookthewave]

Everyone hatin' on the singing 'cause she doesn't sound like every other basic r'n'b vocalist for a change. I'm glad there are still some artists out there who got some character in their voice and do their own thing instead of copying the same thing over and over again.

[@samueltaylor2757]

No hate but it's less about sounding the same and more about being in key. Objectively, here singing technique has space for improvement

[@sockratmemes]

Samuel Taylor she sounds a lot better now if you want to search a new video of her live

[@BibtheChib]

I don't really think it was so much for singing, more like spitting. I guess you could call it spoken word if you dont wanna call the first two rap.

[@dabudamba]

0:00 Poison Ivy 3:25 No More Wonderland 7:56 Picture Perfect

[@theirnewreligion5138]

1st UK MC to do a #TinyDesk. Go Simz.

[@MozzieMutant]

Their New Religion Kate tempest did one like 2 years ago

[@eddiesmith7727]

She's a poet + spoken word artist.

[@beng432]

Eddie Smith definitely also an mc

[@jorgecuza9848]

King Krule

[@TeamHiDDenArsenal15]

I LOVE it. She knows shes not a singer but she knew her voice would be so raw and unique. It made the live version the best it could be!

[@jtrealfunny]

Real artist and unafraid, she's grown from this to super boss and deserves all her accolades.

[@brothrewhobrothrehood840]

bro I love her, like legit

[@adkinskendall90]

That last song, Picture Perfect, was so dope

[@soundmethod]

You mean she was on some dope? Fucking horrible.

[@Supre3m3Kai]

Naw you must have been sniffing some lines if you think it wasn;t dope.

[@soundmethod]

You need to buy some Q-tips or take a music appreciation class. I have heard cats fucking that sounded better than that Jizz.

[@jaredmh90]

How have those Q-tips and music appreciation classes helped you get on Tiny Desk? She is making music and expressing herself. You don't like it, great. Go find a video you like.

[@lillianf.5021]

Her lyrics are personal and her vocals are genuine. I want to hear words from the mouth that wrote them, regardless of level of technical skill. I wouldn't replace Stephen Malkmus with... Justin Timberlake? You get the point. If the content is good then the vocals have room to be rough around the edges and that applies in this case.

[@sk8ratz462]

Beautifully put

[@campbellswan2517]

Michael Buble is a 'better' vocalist than Lemmy. I know which one I'd rather listen to.

[@charlesclark3572]

Stevie did it

[@theinfamouspokeinrichmondc3543]

I'm here from just watching Top Boy on Netflix. WOW she is incredible!!!!!

[@DARRYBBB1]

She's a genuine soul and that makes the music even better

[@shonna_77]

Please bring her back for more! Her 2019 "Grey Area" album is brilliant!

[@Jubileein5D]

she is a real lyricist. her flow is so good it hurts. you inspire me to keep doing my craft, sista

[@EricCKeys]

Some people need to stop being so hyper critical and enjoy the art of music.

[@user-zv4zg3ip1e]

Amazing! Dancing somewhere between rapping, singing, and spoken word. Pretty original!

[@Hamuelin]

Seen her live supporting Gorillaz, man she can pull off these vibes even in an arena. Big props to her. Her melodic vocals are better too, even tho they aren't awful here.

[@hungryanna]

I Love her, her lyrics, she's just so mellow and real.

[@baterashouse5241]

Great Drummer !

[@louzeh9978]

people don´t seem to get it ; ) this is real sophisticated stuff

[@perico5192]

its perfect because it isnt

[@Staalstraal]

She's so charming!

[@gabrieletavassi5388]

what a beautiful Jazz and R n B performance from a so genuine Rap Artist! We need more music like that.

[@kennylogue7947]

Although Simbi has developed her musical expertise beyond belief this is still wonderful. She is simply head and shoulders above the rest and miles ahead of the field. ❤

[@Brave_English]

This is amazing! I love the blend of genres and sound. It's pushing the boundaries of music we are all used to, which seems to make it hard for some people to accept. Their music is chill and has a lot of layers (and I love her accent)... super badass.

[@clementsilinda]

Little Simz raps sound mellow on this intimate live session. Made me see another side of her, I never knew existed. Pretty good! 👌

[@1800shortking]

little simz is a wonderful rapper and her sound has grown immensely in the last 3 years. amazing energy

[@saleemhousee1]

Fresh bibes

[@malarch7]

I love the quirky, vibin nature of this set. Unconventional quality that I can understand doesn't have mass appeal. But for those who appreciate uniqueness...this is solid! Drummer is raw...really liked his vibe...ended up carrying the set IMO.

[@Toastergod44]

Their vocalist's talking in key style kind of reminds me of CAKE's lead singer. Really like it.

[@RTRoberto]

I love her energy

[@cherryontop8858]

Idk why, but I can't help wondering how well Amy would fit in here with her soulful songs :( R.I.P. love

[@chriscurls1111]

Y'all complaining about her music really need to gtf....she's expressing her love of music through song and there's no right way to do that

[@hevathestonerbabe]

I love her singing voice 💚 it's unique and that's what sets artists apart. Everything would be shit if everyone sounded the same.

[@mhare8984]

I have no idea why folks COULD be critical of the singing here? As a singer I am SO HERE for this!

[@samantalima9118]

The difference that the new tiny desk and this one omg

[@eileenbutler3793]

Yes more now she’s grown so much… another Tiny Desk please👏

[@jesserogalski1402]

She has a good flow, good lyrics, and a good vibe. Her voice isn't very good, but she still somehow owns it and makes it work.

[@Nina-yf3ly]

the instrumental is beautiful

[@RealMitchyyRow]

i love her growth !!!!

[@babyleafsaladd5322]

love her, I really hope they invite her back for another Tiny Desk soon - her sound has changed a lot in 3 years and I'd love to see the comparison between then and now. Her lyrics are fantastic and her delivery is so raw.

[@123MargotB]

easily gonna be one of my favorite artists for sure. such great style/flow/lyrics i love itttt

[@Meli-ul9zt]

i didnt want it to end. wow she is amazing, im in love. we really do need a new one!!!!!

[@jbecknc]

Something special here. Thanks Simbi.

[@soulthoughts209]

Thought she would do BACKSEAT! I root for you still! Thanks for the vibes! She is really underrated!

[@omargray5279]

check colors show for dat but you probably already did

[@soulthoughts209]

@@omargray5279 I did. thought she would perform here too

[@soulthoughts209]

@@omargray5279 thank you 🙏🏾

[@Tammy8746G8]

Love it. Grungy and raw feeling

[@raulvega2922]

What are yall talkin about, this is great. Shes different and it sounds good. I lover her style, I hope she keeps going

[@christianwebb-jenkins7393]

Amazing performance by the whole ensemble. Brilliant, every one of them.

[@moutonvincent]

Amazing to look back at this set and see where she’s at today. Amazing journey, what an artist. Can only be respectful about what she achieved.

[@FreeformThoughts804]

Every since I heard that joint with her and Kent Jamz, Top Down, I was hooked! This little mama is a sleeper! Hellified flow! NPR, keep that hot shit coming...by far one of my fav channels on youtube!

[@blRaZORbl]

Loved the album.

[@g.l.shamir2629]

She is amazingggg

[@kierah16]

I thoroughly enjoyed this vid!

[@therover65]

This is awesome. Can’t get enough

[@tnightwolf]

This is fkn smooth and brilliant! Perfect chillout "mix"

[@colettecool1827]

I love what she does with all she is. She's great.

[@johannbae9817]

i love u guys for bringing little simz in your show

[@linzeeb4]

I've watched this at least 5 times since it was posted and I just noticed that the bassist is the same one who's toured with Kali Uchis and Phony Ppl. He's everywhere. Lol.

[@metcalfethegod]

Simz is amazing. I love her sound and her music is phenomenal.

[@arazija]

Big up for the good vibes you spread! love from Isr

[@anthonycomito403]

This is so soulful. This band is incredible

[@dubzs5428]

ahh the vibes so awesome simbi much love

[@raktimmajumdar6584]

They are an absolute treat.

[@cenkuluisik6656]

i know it can have musical flaws, but I like the idea of it and I think creative composing deserves more appreciation than just skill of hitting notes or whatever. my own opinion though

[@jensknappe2485]

Thanks for this wonderful piece of music !

[@DJPhanaticWorld]

Josh Rogosin I watch these performances all the time & just want to say your audio engineering skillz sound great man! Love the mixes and just how clear & perfect everything always sounds. Peace & keep up the excellent work! - DJ Phanatic

[@iorhansouza9665]

I'm in love with little simz so much

[@camilaibaralonso4783]

Que elocuente su performance. Es bella bellaaaaa

[@sagage07]

Just beautiful!

[@paridoesupcycling]

wow... 5 years pass and she's A LOT better!! amazing artist

[@bryan5072]

Just said she has saved HIP hop for me with tiny desk

[@Dejcandoanyting123]

Gorgeous, beautiful, crying, 💘❗❗

[@paulo.1067]

NPR always does a great job!! Either my favourite artists I already know or new artists I really like and should know. Thumbs up.

[@NyakzOTSD]

The rapping is the way forward simbi!!

[@senaadjovi]

just incredible, her vibe, capacity to adjust her intensity, energy, voice... in love

[@talu-cultura3304]

She's amazing!

[@CharlieKwameGh]

am loving the UK music scene right now...

[@rainer288]

omg! just want to say her style in on point!!

[@dahmeneekah]

So pretty!

[@thegodnasr]

She’s so dope👸🏾🔥

[@eplivingston]

How could you even begin to click a thumbs down on this genius!? Love Lil' Simz!

[@fastforwardprod.3792]

Ayee I definitely feel the second song! About to go download it RIGHT NOW!! Straight 🔥🔥🔥😎

[@helenrae1445]

I'm in LUV....

[@kalirogue9732]

omygah and she plays guitar too! love you even more! Lauryn hill vibes

[@cheb-el5919]

All yall Haters is Sleep, I think she knows she doesnt have the best voice. But Honestly its more about the vibe. She just Vibin, Vibe with her. But Honestly, u cant say this is horrible tho. Thats Just Ignorant

[@colbywahl4467]

Agreed... love me some little Simz

[@rmnatchez7197]

Yep,the dislikes are prolly disgruntled artists, get the hate out your heart guys

[@caino0567]

great album, but this is pretty shite, anyone could do this.

[@Supre3m3Kai]

These people are just idiots. I don;t mind those people. Especially this troll that keeps commenting negatively on every post.

[@Supre3m3Kai]

"I honestly say it have absolutely no value whatsoever"? You mean "in my honest opinion, it HAS no value whatsoever"?! ok bro. lol

[@shenzous]

I just found out she performed at Tiny Desk and had Phony Ppl as her band? WHAT??? FORREAAAAALL

[@dibikinioficial4044]

aie. Quero um Moleton desse!

[@alyssalo3853]

I absolutely love this!!

[@brillantemorgan9444]

She is so talented 😍 I love her music

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

just got introduced to you today and i'm straight vibing

[@kianataylor658]

Fire performance sis!

[@nhd6128]

Stillness in Wonderland is a fantastic CD! Just discovered Simz a couple of weeks ago, she is a true artist. Much love from New England 🤙

[@TheColebyArnett]

Way dope. Her album is really good.

[@axisboldaslove5726]

Agreed. The album, "Stillness In Wonderland" some of the production technique....

[@2Pinapod123]

my gosh im so happy 2 have found simz and matt byas a G the drums are so sick wow this was great thanku 11/10 great content

[@benoplustee]

god bless little simz