TL;DR:
Little Simz’s 2021 Afrobeat-inspired track “Point and Kill” doesn’t just make noise musically—it’s a cultural weapon. Recently featured in the Apple TV+ crime drama Dope Thief, the song’s lyrical grit and rebellious spirit align seamlessly with the show’s high-stakes narrative. Here’s how.
The Chorus That Hits Hard
The track’s hypnotic chorus is built around the chant-like repetition of:
“Point and kill / If you don’t know my name, you better ask somebody”
This bold proclamation mirrors the street-smart survivalism at the heart of Dope Thief—a show about two small-town cops who go rogue, assuming the identities of cartel operatives to infiltrate a drug underworld.
The chorus keywords, “point,” “kill,” and “know my name,” symbolize agency, threat, and identity—central themes in both the song and the show.
Lyrics That Speak Truth to Power
In Point and Kill, Simz raps:
“I got the power, I got the soul, I got the everything I need”
This is not just lyrical flair. It’s autonomy wrapped in rhythm, a defiance of systemic limitations—be they political, racial, or gendered. The lyrical confidence speaks to the protagonists in Dope Thief who refuse to stay boxed in, pushing into new, dangerous territory to redefine their roles.
Why It Works in Dope Thief
Music supervision is more than picking cool songs—it’s about vibe-matching. Dope Thief uses “Point and Kill” as more than background—it becomes a soundtrack to personal rebellion, echoing the show’s themes of double lives, moral ambiguity, and survival tactics.
With Little Simz’s genre-bending delivery and Obongjayar’s ethereal Nigerian vocal style in the mix, the track adds Afro-diasporic flair to a gritty American story.
Who Is Little Simz?
- Real Name: Simbiatu Ajikawo
- Nationality: British-Nigerian
- Notable Albums: Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, GREY Area
- Fun Fact: Simz turned down a major label deal to remain independent—aligning with her lyrics about autonomy.
- Awards: Mercury Prize winner, MOBOs, and an Ivor Novello Award.
Simz is also an actress, having starred in Netflix’s Top Boy, making her cross-medium appeal perfect for a cinematic track placement.
Key Cast of Dope Thief
- Colin Woodell as Nate Grayson
- Luna Lauren Velez as DEA Agent Rivera
- Raúl Castillo as Jorge Tavares
- Sam Strike as Ronnie Hale
Their characters navigate blurred lines between justice and criminality, echoing the underlying tone of Point and Kill.
Ridley Scott’s Involvement
Yes, that Ridley Scott—the visionary behind Blade Runner and Gladiator—serves as an executive producer for Dope Thief. Known for mixing stylized tension and philosophical depth, Scott’s fingerprint adds gravitas to the series. The inclusion of Point and Kill feels almost like a nod to his love for rebellion narratives.
Final Thoughts
“Point and Kill” is more than just a song—it’s a battle cry for self-determination. Its placement in Dope Thief underscores the show’s core message: be the hunter, not the hunted. With sharp lyrics, killer beats, and global flair, the song adds layers of meaning to an already thrilling series.
