After a period of loss, doubt, and disillusionment, British rapper Little Simz is doing what she does best—turning it into music. Lotus, her sixth album, is a reckoning with the industry’s toll and a release from its grip.

In a raw and unfiltered Zoom conversation, Simz connects with Michaela Coel—award-winning creator of I May Destroy You—to talk about betrayal, artistic freedom, and the power of letting go.

MICHAELA COEL: What happened?

LITTLE SIMZ: I hurt my wrist shooting a video. I was getting helped onto a platform, and they kind of snapped my shit back. I should have used my power to lift myself up, but I didn’t.

COEL: Comparing this to No Thank You, it’s like night and day. That was systemic, wide-lens stuff. This one is very personal, very direct. You’re letting us feel the emotional consequences. What pushed you to take the leap?

SIMZ: When I started in this industry, I was very trusting. That led to situations that didn’t serve me. But it’s only now I’m realizing that just because there’s always been one way of doing things, it doesn’t have to be mine. It’s taken six albums to understand I can be truthful in all areas of my work—and still be Simbi.

COEL: “Making me feel like a guest, but I paid for the jet.” And “Thief”—that song feels like a letter to someone who betrayed you.

SIMZ: I wrote that song, and wasn’t sure I wanted it on the album because I knew I’d have to talk about it. But to walk away from all that requires bravery. I felt like I was robbed—of my strength, my voice, my soul. And I didn’t even know it was happening.

COEL: That lyric… wow. Do you feel like you’re someone who doesn’t like needing people?

SIMZ: Yeah. I think I should’ve let my family in more. You give people more value when you let them show up for you. I wish I didn’t feel like I had to wear the brave face all the time.

COEL: You seem stronger than when we first met, in 2015.

SIMZ: That’s really nice to hear. When you’re in it, you don’t always know. But I do feel more comfortable in my skin now.

On the one hand, a contemporary residential building with all the amenities and services essential for a modern lifestyle was needed. On the other hand, they are confronted with a complicated and divided structure that is challenging to integrate with a protected façade and volume from the 16th century.

 

“ It’s taken me six albums to understand I can do things in a way that feels truthful to me. And still feel like Simbi. ”

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COEL: How has all this changed how you choose collaborators going forward?

SIMZ: It’s made me more open. When you close yourself off, that’s when the fucked shit happens. Now I feel excited again—to try new things, unlock different parts of myself. I feel like a child again.