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Since the great hip-hop drought of 2021 came to an end, it seems like there has been a consistent flow of perfectly-polished releases keeping fans fed ever since, and Little Simz is no exception. Returning to us with her fourth single this year, “I Love You, I Hate You” is the newest entry from one of hip-hop's most seasoned and skilled MCs. And with “I Love You, I Hate You,” the English rapper brings forward an inspirational energy to deliver one of the year's best tracks yet.

In the landscape of UK rappers, Little Simz truly stands alone, and “I Love You, I Hate You” is a testament to her undeniably infectious star power. Synthesizing the best parts of both classic and contemporary hip-hop, “I Love You, I Hate You” is a cinematic and introspective banger so wordplay-laden that I currently have my thesaurus open as I type this article.  

Providing listeners with a perspective that simultaneously sees Little Simz looking both inward and outward with an existential anxiety, the young creative delivers consistently cleverly written lines over a sample-heavy mix. No matter what subgenre of hip-hop you feel more partial to, it is impossible not to fall for Little Simz's natural talent and charm.

With her upcoming album  Sometimes I Might Be Introvert set to release September 3, there has never been a better time to be a Little Simz fan. Whether you've been listening to her since her debut almost a decade ago, or your first introduction came in the form of the Gorillaz's banger "Garage Palace," Little Simz has consistently proven herself to be one of modern rap's most gifted artists.  

Listen to  "I Love You, I Hate You" below: