Nice holiday surprise, that this fifth album by British rapper Little Simz appeared a few days ago, a little over a year after the powerful Sometimes I Might Be Introverted, winner of the Mercury Prize. Less ambitious than the latter, NO THANK YOU is on the other hand more concise, both in terms of the musical direction – again provided by the composer and director Inflo (SAULT) – and in terms of the themes addressed. The music industry is in the crosshairs of the musician, from Angel in opening: What did I expect from those livin’ the corporate life? / Unfortunately, honesty isn’t normalized / Had to get my shit together and get organized / If your hand’s in my pockets, I’m callin’ up all the guys. Simz settles accounts in a subdued but fearsome voice, as friend Cleo Sol sings the chorus — it’ll be heard throughout this album, filled with soul, R&B and lavish string and brass orchestrations, Like on Gorilla and the epic Brokena top in its repertoire.
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