Ms Banks’ SOUTH LONDON LOVER GIRL

Ms Banks in 2024 released Bank statement. An EP preparing us for her debut album. We didn’t know this album in itself would be a great, well crafted Ms Bank’s Statement.

For a rapper, singer, song writer with multi influences and regional/international influences: SOUTH LDN LOVER GIRL deeply explores African identity, Woman hood, Femininity, Equal (equitable) rights, Unemployment struggles, generational wealth and more.

To enjoy the album, forget Ms Banks and pay attention to the South London girl. With the powerful intro she sets the tone of the album in just two tracks. She channels all shades of her style, sound and taste to give us the 14 tracks album featuring Tiggs Da Author, Layyah, Strandz, and Zinoleesky.

Two versions of the album were released; one with skits and the other without. Listened to both. I encourage the skits version for a first time listen.

She certainly says there’s no love for any doubters, unemployment rates are definitely so high; worse if you are a woman of color abroad. So basically Work Harder. She reminds us she is still the blue print many copy and don’y want acknowledge. It is really for all ladies and at large women.

There’s a moment for introspection and collective inspection with WHY, POV and even on the skits like at the end of CATCH YOU LACKIN.

We don’t want [im]migrants in this town
Don’t want migrants in this town
Europe, Asian, Black or Brown
Europe, Asian, Black or Brown

Banks definitely placed the theme and title track at the midpoint of the album. The tracklist signifies a story the moment you are at the 8th track. SOUTH LDN LOVER GIRL (SLLG); is her opportunity to tell a story of heartbreak, resilience through different perspectives like the sad Rih, Mike, and Pam – Jack stories. How some black men are prone to mental health issues. Mental Illness is serious and this is the most powerful moment on the album touching on all the struggles of men and women; in the black (immigrants) community and beyond.

Ms Banks shares via Apple Music that the two stories are true and she lost a best friend to domestic violence. For a black girl in a white world; misogyny and DV are yet another hurdle to jump over.

You got what I need

We all need each other; men and women. Love is beautiful but there’s a war outside: Ms Banks asks’ if you will be by my side. A bright movement from the very intense title track, a call for hope. Rich warm sound. It is love Banks. IDK allows us to explore a stunned and in love woman.

Glory to god, I manifest what I desire

SOUTH LDN LOVER GIRL is a well packaged album with references of Ms Bank’s Nigerian roots and the experiences of an immigrant girl in South London. Racism, unemployment, betrayal, domestic violence all are things that concern every human in the world. She delivers across Rap, Afro Beats, Dancehall, Reggae and Rnb – a rich sound palate she has.

healing breathe till I ease.

A strong opening with a gentle resolution laced in warmness and optimism. Bold and enjoyable to listen even for new listeners because the production ensured she stayed clear, informative and above all entertaining.

I have been waiting for my season/I don’t know what to believe in

The album closes with ME & YOU; an ideal closure stating we are all responsible for the hate or the love. Banks is not deterred, the SLLG stands above all the noise and ends with triumph – she did it!