A Curious Tale of Trials & Persons
by Little Simz
  • Record Label: Age 101
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2015
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Mixmag
    Sep 25, 2015
    90
    Snoop Dogg, André 3000, Mos Def and Skepta are all fans, with this assured debut proving why she's rated so highly. Better prepare that throne, then.
  2. The 405
    Sep 25, 2015
    85
    Through ten booming orchestral tracks, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons is a much-needed self-defensive assault on the industry. On labels. On genre and gender norms. On materialism. On blinding ego. On expectation. On the box so many people have attempted to put her in. So don't refer to Little Simz as a female rapper. Just call her king.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Oct 14, 2015
    80
    Practically every bar the 21-year-old spits is full of fiery indignation, aimed not just at exposing (and undermining) entrenched social hierarchies, but at the insecurities that might also hold her back.
  5. HipHopDX
    Sep 25, 2015
    80
    Continuing to build her movement brick by brick, A Curious Tale Of Trials + Persons finds the artist Little Simz flexing her superego while exposing the all too human frailties of Simbi Ajikawo. Proof positive she’s unafraid to stretch her musical limitations.
  6. Pitchfork
    Sep 30, 2015
    78
    The album’s language is intelligent but wholly straightforward, rarely witty and almost device-less; Simz always says exactly what she means.
  7. The Guardian
    Sep 25, 2015
    60
    It’s a debut that leaves a feeling of an artist still working herself out.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. clem666
    Oct 30, 2021
    7
    Stunning debut album for king rapper Little Simz. We already feel what will define her later: devouring ambitions, control of the weight ofStunning debut album for king rapper Little Simz. We already feel what will define her later: devouring ambitions, control of the weight of each word used, infectious flows, orchestral instrumentals and an amazing verve.

    Themes addressed are stunning as Simz doesn't fear to be authentic, transparent about her fears, weaknesses and ideas. Lyrically she did a gigantic work on 'A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons'. Each song benefits from a true meaning, a measured impact and perfectly matches with the rest of the tracklist.

    As I said the production begins to be particularly interesting at the beginning of the project, especially on 'Persons' and 'Wings'. After that it unfortunately sounds way more accessible, less worked out. There are some highlights however with 'Dead Body' and 'Full or Empty'. Little Simz's confidence and self-awareness are definitely here to surprise us from beginning to the end. Add this to the fact that she is able to mix genres and her approaches and you get this eclectic and resourceful record.    … Full Review »
  2. samarium
    Apr 14, 2019
    10
    When I first heard this album I was underwhelmed because I wasn't really into this style of hip hop. Hearing this album a few times over theWhen I first heard this album I was underwhelmed because I wasn't really into this style of hip hop. Hearing this album a few times over the years has actually changed my taste in music. The way this album presents its message along with Little Simz's delivery creates a magical experience of an album.… Full Review »
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