Little Simz has just dropped a brand new single and music video for ‘Young’ – the third single to be released from her upcoming album, ‘Lotus’.
The playful, punky spirit of the release leans into a more comical side of Simz’s artistry, from an artist who’s commonly remembered for her heavily thoughtful, thematic works. Over a sharp bassline, Simz drops some catchily simplistic flows about everyday English living: “A bottle of Rio and some chicken and chips/In my fuck-me-up pumps and my Winehouse quiff”
The energetic music video comes from director Dave Myers, who previously worked with Simz on her video for ‘Gorilla’ from her 2022 album ‘NO THANK YOU’. The video sees Simz dressed as a boisterous old lady, causing trouble from her window and on the streets, before performing with a band at a punk party.
Simz said she was happy to share a less serious side of herself with this new single: “I was able to tap into a character. That was fun for me. It’s just a moment of light heartedness.”
The single is the third offering from her upcoming ‘Lotus’ album, after the Mercury Prize-winning rapper shared ‘Free’ and ‘Flood’ earlier in the year. ‘Flood’ features a similar bass-led, drum-heavy sound to her latest single, while ‘Free’ gives a soulful, tender production with lyrics about loving others and yourself.
In a press release for the highly anticipated record, the LP was described as an embodiment of “renewal and growth, mirroring her evolving artistry and the album’s thematic voyage through life’s intricate phases.”
In an interview with Jack Saunders of BBC Radio One, Simz explained her fascination with lotuses, being one of the only plants to bloom in muddy waters – she felt that this is a fitting metaphor for “anything” to become something “extraordinary” no matter the conditions.
The rapper recently shared the tracklist for the upcoming album, containing 13 tracks with a roster of collaborators including Michael Kiwanuka, Moses Sumney, Sampha, Obongjayar, Wretch 32, Moonchild Sanelly, Yussef Dayes and more. The record, which has had its release date delayed before, is now expected to drop on June 6. You can pre-order/pre-save it here.
Simz is also ready for the 2025 edition of Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre, where she will be performing an orchestral set alongside a stellar lineup featuring The Streets, Lola Young, Ghetts and more. You can read our MXDWN coverage on that here.
