Mercury Prize Winner Little Simz Overcomes Near-Career Exit with Transformative New Album 'Lotus'q

Award-winning British rapper Little Simz has revealed she almost quit music entirely while working on her latest album, following a devastating split from her long-term producer and ongoing legal disputes that left her questioning her entire career. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Simbiatu Ajikawo, describes her sixth studio album 'Lotus' as a journey of healing that ultimately restored her confidence and redefined her artistic purpose.

The album, released on June 6, 2025, marks Little Simz's first major release since ending her professional relationship with producer Dean Cover, better known as Inflo, whom she first met at a youth club in London. The separation has been anything but amicable, with Simz filing a £1.7 million lawsuit against her former collaborator in January 2025, alleging he failed to repay loans she had provided for recording costs and live performances.

According to court documents reported by Law360 and confirmed by multiple music industry sources, the legal dispute stems from Simz's claim that Inflo withheld the substantial loan for over a year, allegedly preventing her from meeting her tax obligations and resulting in additional interest charges. The lawsuit, filed in early 2025, represents one of the most significant financial disputes in recent UK music industry history.

Speaking to BBC Radio 1Xtra's DJ Target, Simz opened up about the psychological toll of the professional breakdown, stating that self-doubt had consumed her creative process. "When self-doubt seeps in, when you really lose confidence in yourself, it's not a joke," she explained. "It'll have you questioning everything." The artist revealed that despite being at the apparent peak of her career, having won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2022 for her album 'Sometimes I Might Be Introvert', she found herself paralyzed by uncertainty about her musical abilities.

The creative crisis deepened when Simz was forced to scrap four complete albums she had been working on with Inflo. In an interview with Billboard published in April 2025, she described the devastating impact of losing years of work, explaining how the experience left her sitting in studios with "her head in her hands" wondering what to do with music she couldn't complete. The tracks 'Thief' and 'Lonely' on the new album directly reference this period of artistic and personal turmoil.

'Lotus' takes its name from the resilient flower known for thriving in hostile conditions, a metaphor Simz says perfectly captures her own journey through what she describes as "muddy waters." The album explores themes of isolation, growth, and ultimately transcendence, with Simz describing it as "very exposed... literally, here's my diary." The track 'Lonely', which she performed at a special BBC Maida Vale session, has been identified by music critics as the "emotional epicentre" of the work, representing a moment where she decided to "tell it how it is and leave it on the record."

The album features an impressive roster of guest appearances including Obongjayar, Moonchild Sanelly, Moses Sumney, Miraa May, Yukimi Nagano, Wretch 32, Michael Kiwanuka, Yussef Dayes, and Sampha, demonstrating the respect and support Simz continues to command within the music community despite her personal struggles. Released through independent label Forever Living Originals and AWAL, the album represents a significant step toward artistic independence for the rapper.

Industry observers note that Simz's legal battle with Inflo, who is also known for his work with the mysterious collective SAULT, reflects broader issues within the music industry regarding producer-artist financial relationships and creative control. The dispute has highlighted questions about transparency in recording cost management and loan agreements between collaborators, particularly in cases where substantial sums are involved.

Critics have praised 'Lotus' as potentially Simz's strongest work to date, with DIY Magazine noting that "her legacy as an all-time great has never been more assured." The album has been described as a testament to resilience and artistic integrity, demonstrating how personal adversity can fuel creative excellence when channeled effectively.

Simz's journey from near-retirement to artistic renewal reflects broader themes of mental health awareness and professional resilience within the creative industries. Her candid discussion of self-doubt and creative paralysis has resonated with fans and fellow artists alike, particularly in an era where discussions about mental health in the music industry have become increasingly prominent.

The transformation documented in 'Lotus' appears to have been genuinely therapeutic for Simz, who told Radio 1's Jack Saunders that the album "has really helped bring me back to what my purpose is." She describes feeling "way more empowered" and confident than when she first began working on the record, suggesting that the creative process itself served as a form of healing and self-discovery.

Research from various music industry publications and legal documents confirms the significance of this case, with Euronews reporting that the dispute involves one of the largest loan amounts in recent UK music industry legal history. The case continues to develop through the court system, though Inflo's representatives have not provided public comment on the allegations.

The album's release comes at a crucial time for UK hip-hop, with Little Simz having established herself as one of the genre's most critically acclaimed artists. Her previous accolades include not only the Mercury Prize but also Brit Awards, MOBO Awards, and Ivor Novello recognition, positioning her as a significant voice in contemporary British music culture.