The 2022 Mercury Prize was finally given out - and between Harry Styles and Sam Fender - the award goes to British rapper Little Simz, who was also nominated for the same award in 2019.
Little Simz took home the coveted Mercury Prize. It is an annual prize awarded to British acts for the best album released in the United Kingdom by any Irish or British act.
Formally known as Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, Little Simz, has been recognized for her work on her 2021 album, "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert."
According to Variety, Little Simz's "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" has been selected by a panel of judges, including DJs, journalists, music industry personalities, and a whole bunch of British artists too.
Originally intended to be given out on Sept. 8, the event was rescheduled to give way to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on the same day.
This was the second time that Little Simz's name was on the bill. The first time she did this was in 2019 for her album "Grey Area." However, British rapper Dave took the Mercury Prize for his debut album, "Psychodrama," instead.
"I want to say a thank you to my brother and close collaborator Inflo. Flo [has] known me since I was so young, he's stuck by me, we created this album together. There was times in the studio I didn't know if I was gonna finish this record, I was going through all the emotions ... he stuck by me," Little Simz said in her acceptance speech.
"Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" was a critically acclaimed album as The Telegraph and The Independent both graded the album five stars out of five. It debuted at No. 4 on the UK Albums chart, marking Little Simz's first Top 40 entry and her highest charting yet.
The "Woman" singer has been widely considered a major artist in the United Kingdom for many years already, breaking through the scene in 2010. However, it was this album that catapulted her to US stardom. The album has charted No. 3 on the Billboard Heatseekers album charts and No. 33 on the US Top Album Sales charts.
Little Simz has officially beat out other British acts like Harry Styles, Adele, Sam Fender, The 1975, Radiohead, Coldplay, Florence + The Machines, and Arctic Monkeys, among artists who had been nominated but failed to win a Mercury.
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