Theophilus London is the perfect example of the blending genre lines within today’s music culture. Ever apparent through the electro and house inspired beats and breakdowns of current pop and mainstream hits, the use of just one sound is no longer as economically viable. Or maybe just not as fun.
London’s body of work to date shows why he is becoming a poster child for music’s genre confusion. His rap themes follow the fresh directions of Lupe Fiasco. His Brooklyn upbringing puts him in the heart of the indie scene. His alternative hip-hop method most commonly brings up Kid Cudi. His style reminds followers of… 1980s David Byrne?
On stage and in public, loud and vintage outfits usually accompany London’s appearances. The music video for “I Stand Alone” is no exception; however, the cowboy theme is suddenly quite prevalent. Inspired by the 1986 film True Stories directed by David Byrne of the Talking Heads, a number of cowboy hats garnish London’s constant wardrobe changes throughout the video. His clothing label even makes the costume rotation as he dons a baseball cap marked LVRS — apparently pronounced “lovers.”
Whether his clothing line has an ’80s feel to it or not is unclear but it’s certain that his music cannot be easily dated or classified. Hip hop or indie; leather or fur? Alternative or soul; Stetsons or skinny jeans? The aptly titled Timez Are Weird These Days LP is worth the identity crisis created when added to your iTunes genius or Pandora radio stations.