He’s a Brooklyn musician showcasing the alternatives to musical expression.
There’s an innovative and sophisticated newcomer to hip-hop who is prepared and equipped to put a spin on the rap game, as we know it. Trinidadian-born London grew up in the streets of Brooklyn, NY, and with his success in the states and overseas he has deemed himself an international artist. Wearing many hats, the rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, and producer has interweaved molecules of soul, 70’s funk, punk, pop and new wave to create the “Theo London” sound. The electro-pop and European influences in his music places London a notch above the rest, giving the listener a hybrid of styles in one artist. London’s futuristic groove is helping to bring hip-hop deeper into the 21st century.
Theophilus London came onto the scene in 2008, working with super producers Mark Ronson and Damon Alburn on his debut mixtape Jam!. London’s freshman mixtape introduced the world to his fresh approach to East coast rap. In 2009, London was back at it again, releasing his second mixtape, This Charming. The sophomore debut showcased London’s evolution as an artist. His flow was tighter and the beats were sicker. The Euro-influence in his music was more apparent, especially on “Late Night” and “Love Always.”
London is forever proving his consistency and dedication to his craft. In 2010, he released his 3rd mixtape, I Want You, which was even more noteworthy than the previous two. The hot and sexy title song was sampled from Marvin Gaye’s 1976 hit single “I Want You.” “Oops (Tweet Cover)” was also a sensation. The video for the track was directed by Va$htie, and featured Lindsay Lohan. The Va$htie intro on I Want You certainly added to London’s street cred while tracks like “Don’t Be Afraid” and “Julia” hipped fans to London’s funky Afro-pop infusions. I Want You propelled London’s acclaim and affirmed that he is a force to reckon with. Another smash on this mixtape was “Flying Overseas,” whose remix features Solange Knowles on the vocals. This smooth and breezy track and its video are buzz-worthy. In late 2010, it was used by Mountain Dew in their “Waves” commercial.
On February 8, 2011, London released his debut EP, Lovers Holiday, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Though only five tracks strong, this is perhaps London’s best work to date. He collaborated with Sara of indie rock group Tegan and Sara on the funky “Why Even Try.” The song—and London—made its first TV appearance on February 14 on the “Late Night Show with David Letterman.” According to London in an interview with Spin Magazine, he wanted a sort of Notorious B.I.G. meets Jackson 5 meets Rick James kind of vibe for the track. “Girls, Girls $” is quirky and pokes fun at viral star, Kat Stacks who became a household name through World Star Hip Hop. Throw in “Wine & Chocolates,” “Flying Overseas,” and “Strange Love” and you have an undeniably dope album.
Valentine’s Day also marked the beginning of London’s tour, which began at Williamsburg Music Hall in Brooklyn, and will cover the U.S. and Europe, stopping in Washington, DC on February 22. The Madbury Club recently documented London’s sold-out January 2011 Bowery Ballroom shows where he opened up for Swedish electro-R&B group Little Dragon.
Aside from his music, Theophilus London’s style is yet another entity to marvel at. In February 2010, London was interviewed and showcased in a fashion feature for Complex Magazine. In December 2010, London was profiled in GQ in a feature called “Rebel Style.” The article contended that London is not “just a rapper,” but a “Morrissey-obsessed songwriter, who at age 22, has already become a style icon.” For Spring 2011, London was photographed and interviewed for Cole Haan’s “Makers. Creators. Innovators” campaign, which seeks out to celebrate true artistry and creativity. Four others artists were selected for the campaign including, painter/photographer Kate Neckel and the team behind Dossier Magazine. In the spread, London reveals that he was named after his great-grandfather, Theophilus London. “Theo means ‘God’ in Greek and -philus means ‘love,’” he divulged. Most recently, London has collaborated with creative brand +Fresh.I.Am+ for a limited edition line of snapbacks titled LVRS. The boy has been making paramount moves.
Theophilus London, the Brooklyn-ite with the sick flow and even sicker style, certainly gets a 25Mag stamp of approval.
We expect astronomical things.
Don’t sleep on him.
-Heather R. Taylor
Photos: theophiluslondon.wordpress.com
