- A natural performer, Little Simz has been expressing and creating since she was nine and consistently releasing material since 2010. Now, fresh off the back of a SXSW showcase and right on the eve of her debut album, Little Simz, out of North London, has just dropped part 4 of her Age 101 EP series.

From start to finish, this seven tracker is the most refined of the series - and so we should expect, right? Not learning anything from such steady cultivation would prematurely relegate her to the same coaster-level status as Lil Wayne. I'd rather protect my table from a watermark than preserve my copy of Rebirth. The opening tracks Is This Freedom? and Don't Ruin It with their deeply ominous low-end, cover Simz' continued rise in recognition and the pitfalls that brings. She delivers them a with a self awareness and humility that balances hustler brag and an artist's gratitude.

It's with this undeviating juxtaposition of open vulnerability and resilient self esteem that you get to enjoy Simz transition from the trap-esque openers to the twinkly RnB of Heart Said and the virtuous vaporwave in Top Down. Don't let your guard down, though, she has a dynamic confidence and will call you out if you get lazy. She's unsettlingly mecurial and knows how to use that to best effect.

As a young woman with all that it takes to push conscious rap further, and at a time when rap is revitalising its endorsement of social change, Little Simz is an MC to watch and enjoy. Her work ethic, creative perception and charm, mean this impending debut album is one to keep an eye out for.

- Nick Rodwell.