By shelz.

Theophilus London crept up on Hip-Hop.  Even though he has been tagged as a Hipster, a purveyor of Pop-Hop and he wears his jeans hella fitted, his movement has been practically unfettered.  It doesn’t hurt that his industry buddies outrank a lot of start ups in the rap game.   Plus he has a grand way with a song and that’s obvious in his latest project Lovers Holiday.

The 5 track EP is all about the ladies and the layers of his interaction with them.  The themes amble from the uncertainty love conjures, to taking off into the friendly skies with your favorite lady, to watching random, unknown gold digger types get drunk and show their vajayjay on the internet.  I believe Mr. London said that particular song was dedicated to Katt Stacks.  I’m just glad I missed that video.

At first listen it is very easy to dismiss London as a Kid Cudi clone with less exciting production.  There are some similarities between London and Mr. Rager, especially in tone and tenor.  The open and at times overly synthesized foundations Mr. London employs can sound low rent.  However, there is a lovely complexity to his song construction that is sometimes betrayed by the equipment he has at hand. It’s a hindrance to all this magnificence that the critics claim for London, but he is still creating some really interesting songs.

“Why Even Try” rolls out some funky strings, a galloping synth line and puffs of electro effects.  It’s retro and upbeat even though the lyrics chronicle the bitter burn of a bad relationship at the finish line.  Sara Quinn sounds angelic as she plays the rain cloud to this cheerless pairing.  London said Prince inspired “Strange Love,” a story of the uncertainty involved in starting over with a different person. It’s a twisted interpolation of “I Would Die 4 U” with less energy but a lovely Twin City vibe that does make you want to pull your lace gloves out.

“Girls Girls $” is the most upbeat of the offerings with a funk-driven snyth line, deep bass and  some higher-pitched percussion laid on top.  There’s a nice distorted guitar on the hook and a bridge that’s all spacey and futuristic.  This might bang in the club, but it’s the least enjoyable of the songs here.  The most polished of the cuts is “Wine & Chocolate” which carries a depth the other song lack.  The simmering synth undercurrent has layers of atmospherics, blips and bleeps sitting on top. London’s vocals are also draped on each other as he sings of chocolate candles, villas and chinchillas.  You can watch a movie, eat lobster and change your facebook status to “in a relationship.” He digs you girl.

The Lover’s Holiday closes with Theophilus and one lucky girl actually jetting off to enjoy some foreign land rest and relaxation in “Flying Overseas,” a tune that evokes “Sukiyaki” and dreamy trips to places where no one knows your name.  Solange is the lucky girl accompanying Mr. London and her vocals radiate that warm anticipation beautifully.

There is nothing extra glossy about Theophilus London or his music.  He’s not going to automatically dominate the FM airwaves or big business endorsement meetings. Hell, hes not that impressive of a rapper.  Nevertheless, his gift for tweaking a tune and painting outside of the genre lines should be acknowledged.  There is a lot of talent here.  Even if it’s not noticeable from first listen.

Theophilus London – “Strange Love”

strange love (1)

3 out of 5

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