The rapper breaks down every song on her career-redefining new album,Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.
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Two years afterGrey Area her first No.
Do you want 15 years or 15 minutes?
she asks early on, presenting an inquiry that becomes central to the album.
Vulture spoke to Simz about makingSometimes I Might Be Introvert, breaking down her opus track by track.
There was nowhere else in the album I think that song could have sat, apart from the beginning.
I wanted it to be as bold and as cinematic as possible.
And I think Flo done an amazing job at really bringing that to life.
We set very, very high standards.
When you listen to the album, its very, very ambitious.
Woman
The feminist message on this song is pretty clear, but also specific.
Two Worlds Apart
Youve talked before about being into older soul and R&B music.
Whats the story behind that choice?I just love his voice, for a start.
But also making it feel like it can still exist today and feel modern.
It felt like a nice transition.Okay, were in the album now.
And in the moment, I found that really difficult to see.
At the end of the day, [though], something positive has come of it.
Little Q, Pt.
1 Interlude
Little Q, Pt.
2
I think about these together, because theyre dealing with some similar religious themes.
Little Q, Pt.
So I just wanted to have that space in the album where it was solely about him.
I wouldnt say, Im not even that religious, its more like I just believe in God.
I dont necessarily follow a religion at this moment in life.
But I have very strong faith my cousin almost lost his life, but he didnt.
So were hopeful and were grateful and we can almost rejoice that.
I didnt want it to feel super depressing.
He now has his whole life ahead of him, which is a beautiful thing.
Gems Interlude
The Gems Interlude introduces this is this a character?
This seems like a question that youre wrestling with a lot at this point in the album.
Ive understood that I want to be here for as long as possible.
Thats essentially what Speed is about, understanding that this is a marathon, not a sprint.
So [Im] just taking my time and trying to get it right.
Tell me more about coming to that point.Standing Ovation is definitely one of my favorites.
But also opening up the floor to the new ones coming through and embracing them and celebrating them.
People that are in the community.
They also deserve standing ovations and their flowers because they contribute so much.
So [its] a big round of applause.
I know youvesaidbefore youd rather not talk about who this song is about.
Because this is healthy, and its cool, and you still can produce great art like that.
Im really looking forward to performing that song live.
Its just a different change than everything you would have had up until that point.
It seems like youre playing a bit with this broader interest in fantasy.
I like the idea of exploring a different realm, but also having it still somewhat centered in reality.
And Ive always thought that concept was really interesting.
This is Simz in 09, 10.
So [Im] reintroducing her again, my little evil twin.
Protect My Energy
This song has you singing on a dance beat.
Or me with a group of friends, singing and getting ready to go to a function or whatever.
I just wanted to jam like that.
Because I give so much with music, sometimes I need to take time for self and protect that.
Point and Kill
This is your only other feature on the album, Afropop singer Obongjayar.
Tell me about making that decision.Point and Kill is me tapping into my roots a bit more.
This is music that I grew up listening to in my household.
Its always been a part of me.
We caught a vibe, and it was like,Yo, this is perfect.
We were just having fun.
I come from a dance background, so this is where I really get my two-step in.
Fear No Man
The Garden Interlude
I was thinking about these two songs together.
How do you reconcile those two sides?Well, this is the thing: Were not one thing.
And this is the whole point.
I think people dont expect you to sometimes have conflicting thoughts or contradicting thoughts.
So Fear No Man is me being really ballsy and holding my own.
Im here and I dont fear no one.
Ive got myself to this point, and Im proud of how far Ive come.
Its too late to start being scared now.
Im walking my own path and thats just what it is.
And I do have those people in my life, and Im so grateful for them.
I think you give value to people the more you let them in.
Also, its called The Garden for a reason.
You dont have a moment.
Not to say my routes going to work for everyone because it might not.
God forbid, if anything was to happen, I would probably regret not getting this one in there.
As much as Ive laid everything bare, you always feel like theres something youre still not giving.
That was Miss Understood, and thats the truth, right?
Sometimes I genuinely do feel like that.
And I know I must not be the only person that feels it.
Thats probably my favorite song, truth be told.
Even though theres not heaps going on in the music, its just a real its just super honest.
Im proud of myself for writing it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
