Theophilus London is the next big thing in music. Recently, he gave an exclusive, high-energy performance at the W South Beach to celebrate the hotel's two year anniversary. The urban electro-pop sensation is one of several hand-selected artists participating in the Symmetry Live concert series created by W Hotels Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L'Acqua.
Theophilus London was born in Trinidad but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He’s a self-made rapper-songwriter that blends a variety of genres including rock, hip-hop, electronica and pop to create a unique sound. He gained momentum under Green Label Sound, a music label for new artists curated by Mountain Dew, and has performed at Cannes Film Festival, SXSW and The Late Show with David Letterman.
He is also known for his eclectic fashion sense and has been featured in the pages of GQ, Esquire, Elle and Fader magazines. Imagine some retro Run DMC mixed with Pharrell's modern street style with and a sunglasses collection to rival Ray Charles.
London debuted his LP Timez Are Weird These Days on Reprise Records (under Warner Bros. Records) worldwide on July 19th. The album was recorded in NYC, LA and Stockholm and features guest vocalists Holly Miranda and Sara Quin.
You’re from Brooklyn. How does the music scene in Miami compare to the music scene in New York?
Um, I don’t know. I look at music on a international scale. I never look at it from city to city.
How do you think your music would be different if you grew up elsewhere? Does New York really influence your music?
New York was definitely the start. But you know, ever since then I eventually came to Europe, you know, Miami, [I] go to Africa, go to Australia. You know, life and culture and growth changes your music and perspective and makes you do better lyrics and you got a new point of view now. You got issues to talk about, you know what I’m sayin’? Like I’m not broke anymore, I’m making money, and so I gotta talk about different things.
What was the first hip hop song you remember hearing when you were little?
I dunno, I liked Biggie.
How do you describe your style?
Comfortable. High end, low end, you know.
You play basketball in your latest video for Last Name London. Do you follow sports?
Yeah, I love sports. Shout out to the Miami Heat, sorry they lost. I knew they were gonna lose.
Who’s your favorite player?
Um, my favorite player is Dirk Nowitski. [Laughs]. Nah, I’m joking. My favorite player is [Derrick] Rose, on the Bulls.
You can purchase Timez Are Weird These Days, as well as previously released tracks on iTunes.
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