Grey Area
by Little Simz
  • Record Label: Age 101
  • Release Date: Mar 1, 2019
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 203 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 189 out of 203
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 203
  3. Negative: 10 out of 203
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  1. trey_willi
    Mar 1, 2019
    7
    Best rap album of the year thus far. Lyricism and flow are on point and the production is A+.
  2. JXI
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    I honestly didn't know what to think at first, but she had me hooked halfway through "Boss". Creative beats with a great flow.
  3. georgeaaa
    Mar 5, 2019
    9
    Such a good album!! I already loved the singles that came out before the album so I was really hyped for this album. The production is amazing, her lyricism and flow are some of the best of any MC I've heard in a while so this is definitely my favorite rap album of the year so far. This album has a few amazing hard hitting, grimy tracks like Offence and Boss, but also contains someSuch a good album!! I already loved the singles that came out before the album so I was really hyped for this album. The production is amazing, her lyricism and flow are some of the best of any MC I've heard in a while so this is definitely my favorite rap album of the year so far. This album has a few amazing hard hitting, grimy tracks like Offence and Boss, but also contains some beautiful storytelling tracks like Flowers and Sherbet sunset. I also love the track Pressure with little dragon. Overall I have to say that I prefer the singles over the other six tracks, which makes this a 9 out of 10 instead of a 10/10 for me. Still, this wil probably be one of my favorites of the year and I highly recommend listening to it!

    Highlights: Offence, Boss, Selfish, Sherbet sunset and Pressure    … Expand
  4. V1T02
    Mar 6, 2019
    9
    Best rap album of the year so far, the production is amazing and her flow is really great!
  5. FromKanga
    Apr 2, 2019
    9
    Absolutely fantastic, my only problem with this album is just how short it is
  6. jpegmafia
    Apr 16, 2019
    10
    I first heard about Little Simz through the throwaway Gorillaz track "Garage Palace" where she brought great energy throughout the track. Her latest album at that time was quite underwhelming and turned me off of her other material. This album is definitely not what I was expecting. Coming in at a tight 10 tracks, this album delivers immensely on each of them. Little Simz has reallyI first heard about Little Simz through the throwaway Gorillaz track "Garage Palace" where she brought great energy throughout the track. Her latest album at that time was quite underwhelming and turned me off of her other material. This album is definitely not what I was expecting. Coming in at a tight 10 tracks, this album delivers immensely on each of them. Little Simz has really brought a great vibe and amazing lyrics to this album. My favourite track is definitely Pressure, give this album a listen. It's amazing. Currently the album of 2019.… Expand
  7. slurpeemom
    Feb 7, 2021
    10
    What makes this album strong isn't the production and her rapping ability, which are great in themselves. It's the straightforwardness, intentionality, the cleanness of every bar and the way it fits into the concept as a whole. It exudes confidence without sacrificing vulnerability or expression, which is a rare feat in music. One of the few 10/10 albums I've heard in the past few years.
  8. sammyanthony
    Mar 2, 2019
    10
    Little Simz conspicuously got her stance laying bare; questioning life, self-worth, and death feels like staples. They all have a place in GREY Area.
  9. musicwizard636
    Mar 21, 2019
    7
    I try incredibly hard to enjoy this album more than I do, because the content is incredible. The verses are vicious and her flow is on-point. However, only a handful of songs stay with me over time. She doesn't stick to the traditional song-structures, which is a good thing, except this time lack of hooks and choruses do some injustice. Little Simz successfully put herself on every rap andI try incredibly hard to enjoy this album more than I do, because the content is incredible. The verses are vicious and her flow is on-point. However, only a handful of songs stay with me over time. She doesn't stick to the traditional song-structures, which is a good thing, except this time lack of hooks and choruses do some injustice. Little Simz successfully put herself on every rap and music-lover's radar. That's a pretty comfortable place to be and I expect only good things to come from her.… Collapse
  10. farfetchedfan
    Feb 3, 2020
    7
    Very solid and consistently smooth album. Impressive lyricism, good beats, a poppy single surrounded by more traditional hip hop tracks, all with her own unique touch. A decent amount of variety, but not quite enough to hold attention for the whole album. Nothing really blew me away but I've got to give points for consistent high quality.
  11. TimW001
    Dec 20, 2019
    9
    This album was a huge surprise in terms of its quality. Little Simz delivers a great and short album. The album really succeeds in its vocal delivery and Simz strong lyrics. Particularly great tracks: Venom, 101 FM, Sherbet Sunset, Flowers.
    This album is a must listen for hip hop fans.
    A look at this short verse shows her versatility in using multiple syllable rhyming with more than one    This album was a huge surprise in terms of its quality. Little Simz delivers a great and short album. The album really succeeds in its vocal delivery and Simz strong lyrics. Particularly great tracks: Venom, 101 FM, Sherbet Sunset, Flowers.
    This album is a must listen for hip hop fans.
    A look at this short verse shows her versatility in using multiple syllable rhyming with more than one rhyme per line and telling a very personal story:

    I wonder what I did for me, I hardly remember me
    What a waste of chemistry, energy and empathy
    Wonder when you plan to let me know about her pregnancy
    You have no integrity, emotion or respect for me
    Clearly wasn't meant to be
    This all temporary
    This the clearest I've seen it, was bound to end eventually
    Still it hurts tremendously, can't bear the intensity    … Expand
  12. kingq22
    Jan 25, 2020
    9
    An all around great album with amazing production and hard hitting lyrics. I'm so glad that I listened to this album. One of the best of 2019
  13. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 10, 2021
    7
    Straightforward
    Catchy
    Production marvel
    Cohesive yet versatile
    Conclusion:i stan
  14. Melchizedek
    May 18, 2019
    9
    It has a very classic sound with very powerful emotional bars. She has pen game slick wordplay and vulnerability that is very beautiful complimented with hella awesome production.
  15. clem666
    Jul 13, 2021
    9
    It is rather a 8,5 out of 10. Shame on me I didn't know Little Simz before listening to her project 'GREY Area'. Fortunatefully this work clearly made want to look closer at her other pieces of work. This particular project is as solid as everyone recognized it, no doubt of it. The first tracks do have an indescribable powerful taste as they instantly get you stuck into the rest of theIt is rather a 8,5 out of 10. Shame on me I didn't know Little Simz before listening to her project 'GREY Area'. Fortunatefully this work clearly made want to look closer at her other pieces of work. This particular project is as solid as everyone recognized it, no doubt of it. The first tracks do have an indescribable powerful taste as they instantly get you stuck into the rest of the album.

    To be honest from the first song 'Offense' to the third 'Selfish' I have been appalled by the amount of valuable bars, conscient lines, striking beats and stellar production oozing straight from 'GREY Area'. Little Simz clearly showcases her gift to navigate between her vulnerabilities and her charismatic self-confidence. Tracks follow each other perfectly as a neat playlist as Little Simz appear to find the perfect balance between raw lyrics delivery and unavoidable silence invoking your hardest desires to hear more from her. Featurings are awesome and finding Little Dragon amongst these is a truly delightful surprise.

    Yet the more I listened to it, the more I couldn't stand the chorus of 'Therapy'. I also felt an imperceptible downgrade as we got closer to the end. Separately, The tracklist is as great as it is consistent, but at times I felt like this album was a little too long despite its few ten tracks. That gave me a weird feeling. Entering and dig into the "GREY Area" will certainly remain a very pleasant moment for the times to come.    … Expand
  16. Drr23788
    Aug 27, 2019
    9
    Awesome album! My only complaints on this album is some guest features vocals did not work for me on a couple of tracks.
  17. oliverschefer
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    Grey area is a culmination of styles that merge beautifully without trying too hard. Little Simz exposes harsh reality whilst staying true to herself.
  18. D_cider
    Aug 27, 2019
    10
    It goes with no doubt. Little Simz in one of the greatest female MC's out there. Her honesty album makes the connection with people impeccable . Flow, Delivery, Bars, Content are on point. One this that stands out for me this most in the production. The beats. This shows the authenticity of the music, there is no where i can say in her album "...that sounds like...", Its pure and raw.It goes with no doubt. Little Simz in one of the greatest female MC's out there. Her honesty album makes the connection with people impeccable . Flow, Delivery, Bars, Content are on point. One this that stands out for me this most in the production. The beats. This shows the authenticity of the music, there is no where i can say in her album "...that sounds like...", Its pure and raw. Fantastic Album… Expand
  19. Plumeria
    Oct 7, 2019
    10
    Album of the year. This Top Girl’s a genius and incredible live (like performing Offence on the drum kit while rapping flawlessly. And I can’t stop listening to Pressure. Venom, 101 FM and Flowers are also standout tracks.
  20. Mook19
    Nov 30, 2019
    10
    Good grief! Punchy honest lyrics peppered with fabulous tunes. (I'm not a massive hip hop/rap fan either) but this has grabbed me in many ways and I love it. Album of the year for me. The vinyl offering is sublime!
  21. Spoonyon
    Feb 9, 2020
    9
    The objectively best Little Simz project yet. Impeccable lyricism and straightforward hard hitting production to boot. Not really any complaints on any of the songs. A concisely superb listen from front to back. Very excited to see what she has in store for the new decade.
  22. ssk5753
    Sep 4, 2021
    10
    My fav album so far, so good. Have never heard anything like it! You feel like such a humble badass when u listen to it walking down those streets. 10/10
  23. NoIguanas131
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    I want to throw on a dress a punch someone in the face. Little Slimz from out of nowhere produces a masterpiece and shows she is a force to be reckoned with. Flawless album 10/10. If you aint bumping this then hold your L you prick. Queen ****
  24. PatchWurk777
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    Arguably the best album out of any female rapper, and probably my new favorite album out of the 2010s, Grey Area is hauntingly beautiful at times, with lyrics that cut deep like a knife. A must-listen for all who like rap!
  25. Geckono
    Mar 1, 2022
    9
    Excellent album
    even if its not most impressive of all time, it honestly reinvents nothing. Every song on this album is an absolute success.
  26. Themusicman12
    Oct 1, 2022
    8
    Amazing album and by far her best at the time she put it out. Only complaint is how short it is and a couple tracks weren't as high a level as others but overall the project is very high quality. Some of the guests were really good as well most notably for me Cleo Sol on selfish which is the best song on the entire album in my opinion
  27. indiegirly
    Apr 10, 2023
    10
    Amazing and inspiring album! Little Simz is definitely one of the best modern artists right now.
  28. sennikotka
    Feb 1, 2023
    10
    Fantastic, fantastic album, one of the best albums of the last twenty years. Phenomenal flows and production, great change-up from the rest of Simz' discography. Probably the best record from the best artist in the game right now.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2019
51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2019
4
#4 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. RapReviews.com
    Dec 2, 2019
    85
    Little Simz is at her best when she is coming out all guns blazing, but a little too often on this album her hyper lyricism is unnecessarily hampered by mellow beats that don’t match her fire. “Grey Area” deserves all of the accolades it has received. Little Simz is a talented rapper with a broad range. She is raps with fierceness, attitude, sensitivity, and intelligence.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    May 17, 2019
    100
    On Grey Area, it feels as if everything has come together in perfect unison, resulting in one of the strongest rap albums of 2019.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    May 10, 2019
    80
    On the whole, it's a smart and satisfying record. If she can achieve such mass appeal on an independent release, it will be fascinating to see where she goes if she agrees to sign with a label. Hopefully it won't trip up her laser focus on what matters: herself.
    Read full review
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