by Daniel Harris
How do you categorize an artist that is as much hip hop as they are alternative or new wave? Categories have a way of boxing good artists in and holding them to standards that they often supersede. For an artist like Theophilus London, both the alternative and hip hop boxes that many try to put him in are too small and too restrictive for his talents.
The Trinidadian born, Brooklyn raised MC and singer blends elements of hip hop, soul, new wave, alternative, electro and R&B to create a sound that is all his own. With influences like Prince, Michael Jackson, Kraftwerk and the Smiths, an artist almost has to be forwarding thinking in their approach to music. Theophilus is just that.
While his beginnings are humble (making his own videos at one point, DIY marketing and promotion, etc.) Theophilus believes his sound and style should reach beyond the underground status. "I want the music to be popular. I want networks to reach out to want it on their shows" London told HardKnock TV in an interview. Though he doesn't subscribe to the typical "pop music sound", he definitely believes that he his music has the ability to be recognized worldwide.
So, how DO you categorize an artist that is as much hip hop as he is alternative or new wave? Truthfully, you don't. To appreciate an artist like Theophilus London you have to appreciate that he is his own creative entity and does not belong in any predetermined category or genre.
Get even more familiar with Theophilus London and check out his latest album Timez Are Weird These Days.
Shout out to brands like Green Label Sound for supporting out the box artists like Theophilus.
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