This guy defines cool, embodies what it means to be an artist and who he is today is the result of hard work, struggle, and perseverance. I speak of Warner Bros. artist…Theophilus London.
The Brooklyn-native is a new wave emcee who has a style all his own and an approach to the industry that deserves the respect of his musical peers. Hip Hop emerged from the toil and strife of a struggling community…this guy carries the spirit of said rappers who spit rhymes that left the people feeling good, proud to be who they are and likely eager to hear more.
Peep the rest below… I first caught wind of London in 2008 after I heard his collaboration with Solange Knowles, which almost sold strictly off association, on “Sand-Castle” on Your New Favorite Mixtape, presented by The Exactly. The two eventually cooked up something ill together with 2010′s “Flying Overseas”, also featuring Devonte Hynes. Theo says of the track…
“This song is about a kid from Brooklyn having dreams of jetting off to an exotic land with a loved one. I want to inspire kids to travel..”
London’s sound is a cohesive mass mixture of chillwave..a supposed subgenre of electronic, soul, indie rock and pop. Think Common, without the lyrically conscious approach…. more-so poppy and love-driven. Think Drake, without the sensitivity and punchlines. Think Jay-Z, without the egotistic and elusive flow. Somewhere along those lines…there’s Theophilus.
Besides his music, London’s timeless style catches the eye of fashion notables like GQ, who featured the emcee in Rebel Style, an editorial that praised him for his sartorial elegance and even deemed him a “style icon”, despite his fresh arrival. Prince, Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye stands as influences for the rapper who released a slew of mixtapes like Jam! (2008), This Charming (2009), and I Want You (2010) that bagged the attention of hipsters, rebels and hypebeasts alike through the blogosphere.
His first EP, Lover’s Holiday, was released earlier this year and features Solange Knowles, Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara. The album specifically totes the collaboration of women only for a reason. London tells SPIN…
“I wanted to only collab with women for Lovers Holiday,” he says.
“I really wanted this record to feature some dope boy/girl sing alongs. Sara is on my label, so that was easy to put together and Solange is a good friend.”
London released his debut album, Timez Are Weird These Days, July 19th and followed the trend set by himself of brilliantly energetic tracks, easily-spoken, yet refined lyrics and experimentally-mastered production. The album features Holly Miranda and Sara Quin and is led by first single, “Last Name London”.
While we’re grooving to the chill sounds of London here at IABG, you can go and buy Timez Are Weird These Days on iTunes and in stores and experience Theophilus London for yourself.
Check out the video for “Last Name London”…
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