Exploring Vulnerability: Little Simz’s *Sometimes I Might Be Introvert

On her third album, *Grey Area* (2019), British rapper Little Simz navigated the trials of her mid-20s, addressing a “mid-life crisis” concept with surprising maturity for a 24-year-old. Now 27, on her follow-up album *Sometimes I Might Be Introvert*, Simz continues to delve into her vulnerabilities and confront personal risks, revealing old wounds from her relationships with her father, past lovers, and herself.

Introvert is a complex work, interspersed with interludes and spoken word elements, expanding upon the ideas from her previous album, *Stillness In Wonderland*. While her earlier work grappled with how to fully articulate her expansive ideas, *Introvert* boldly examines themes of fame and longevity with a thought-provoking mantra: “Do you want 15 years or 15 minutes? Do not tire yourself out.” Across its 19 tracks, Simz balances confrontation with introspection. On “I Love You I Hate You,” she reflects on her troubled relationship with her father, admitting, “Never thought my parent would give me my first heartbreak/Anxiety giving me irregular heart rate.” The song reveals her struggle with these emotions rather than outright condemnation. As the album progresses, Simz explores her creative breadth. “Protect My Energy” features ’80s pop synths and presents isolation as a form of empowerment, stating, “Total silence is my therapy, I don’t need your sympathy … I got problems, but I’m not weak.” The gospel-tinged “How Did We Get Here” reinforces the album’s core message: Despite our vulnerabilities and doubts, we achieve. The song’s shift from personal reflection to a broader commentary on overcoming obstacles is encapsulated in the line, “Tell your kids to play this.” Ultimately, *Introvert* portrays Simz as a champion of her own narrative—proud of her achievements and introspective about the effects of stardom. As she asserts on “Miss Understood,” “I really wanted it to work, and God is my witness.” Her willingness to confront and share her truth, however challenging, underscores the album’s powerful impact.