Theophilus London Interview

Lately the Hip-Hop scene has been re-flourishing, showing signs that the music and culture really is being kept together, and not falling apart like the media would like you to believe. With artists popping up all over the nation, including but not limited to Baltimore, Inglewood, CA and Chicago - it’s a definite sign that Hip-Hop is healthy as can be. Now, let me introduce you to the man that’s putting Brooklyn-Vietnam back on the map, Theophilus London (a/k/a Theo), or b/k/a Kapps. Influenced by legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, The Smiths, The Ramones, and Coldplay (just to name a few) - homie is already showing that he ain’t like the rest of ‘em. I recently got a chance to chop it up with the BK emcee and pick at his brains. Peep the interview as well as his latest mixtape after the you know.

KNOWxONE: Peace Theo. Tell the viewers out there how you came up with the name Theophilus London, as well as the nickname Kapps.

Theophilus: Man, to keep it official, my dad came up with that name at birth. Theophilus London is my real government name! I hated it growing up, but now I’m living this legacy. It’s been fun. People come up to me and ask “What’s your name?” I take a deep breath and say “Theophilus London.” And then there’s an awkward moment of silence. “Wow!” Oh, and Kapps was my name growing up in the hood. Then it came to me that i was just a captivating person.

KNOW: How long have you been in the game, and at what age did you start writing?

Theo: In the game? I’ve never been in the so called “game.” I feel like being in the “game” is very limiting. Fuck man, I’m the Sega (system), not the cartridge, nah mean? It’s that serious. If you know of any other systems, tell ‘em to call me. We’ll have dinner.

KNOW: (Laughs) How do you feel about this new sub-genre, “hipster rap” that seemed to pop out of nowhere? I know Mickey Factz had some words to say about this.

Theo: I feel like you just need to stay true to yourself. Do what you love to do and create music. A lot of that hipster rap comes from gangster rejects in the hood that rap over electro and techno beats with no feeling or mood. And dress really colorful!

KNOW: Alright, speaking of Mickey Factz, you’re down with the whole GFC New York crew, correct? How did that come to fruition?

THEO: Yeah, Mickey is my dude, and the whole GFC movement is family. Those guys are just dope to be around. We met a year ago at an underground show I was performing at. It was like back in my Purple Rain days. But they seen me and the next day we had a meeting. I’m sure me and Mickey will create something for you guys soon. KNOWxONE’s EDIT: Make sure to grab Mickey Factz X Theophilus’ first collab joint, “Rest Of ‘Em” produced by Clyde & Harry.

KNOW: Who does GFC exactly comprise of?

THEO: Get Fucken Cool! Joking. Your gonna have to hit Saint up for that one.

KNOW: You have also been working closely with Clyde & Harry (production team), whose beats are bananas! How did you link up with these cats, and will you continue to record material with them?

THEO: I met them in my Purple Rain days as well, doing those same underground shows. Man those guys are like my brothers. Real dope cats, humble and family-like. We just clicked right away. We hung out everyday and created music everyday as well. Check out their new interview on Thisis50.

KNOW: Tell us a little more about Machinedrum whom mixed your latest mixtape, JAM!

THEO: Man thats my new roommate. (Shakes head). We have like 50 albums in the works. (Laughs) I’m very scared of the future. The music we have been creating is golden. The responses are amazing. He is a very kind, loving and hard working person. Yup, that’s the sum. Soon you’ll need to contact the military to talk to him. Mark my WORDS!

KNOW: Besides your main influences (Michael Jackson, Prince, etc.) what other artists are you feeling, or feel is about to blow?

THEO: New Look is a duo on my label, normREX. They’re dope as hell. I love the way their music has layers. Be on the look out for their debut EP, “Hows my Hair?”

KNOW: A lot of new artists have been using the internet as a gateway to promote and get their music out to their specific demographics. What are your stances on this, do you feel the internet is a great marketing tool, or would you rather do it the old school way (mailing out hard copy demos)?

THEO: Man, imagine the world without Myspace. Fucking crazy! Phone bills would be thrown off the roof, annoying people would be handing fliers out everywhere you turn. I love it. And I think it’s great and easy to (just) post a comment. Peoples lives revolve aroud myspace. (Shakes head). Besides, this is the “Computer Age.” Be on the lookout for robots.

KNOW: Do you have any plans, as far as major labels go?

THEO: Nope. But I’m defintely sure they have plans for me. I don’t care about majors or any major artist. I’m comfortably satisfied with being on an indie label. I believe in the music content, and the rest is History. I’m speaking ‘Michael Jackson History’. (Laughs)

KNOW: You recently unleashed your fresh-to-death mixtape “JAM!” JAM! has seen lots of praise from Hip-Hop bloggers, mainly because it has a different vibe than your average mixtape. What was the creative process behind this?

THEO: Wow! JAM! was inspired by my 21st birthday party this year. It’s been great. JAM! is a wonderful music collection mixed by Machinedrum. Breathaking and embellishing music is back in full effect.

KNOW: So now that you have a pretty strong buzz, will you be working on a solo album?

THEO: My EP, “This Charmig Man” will be dropping this Summer with classic songs such as “Blindfolded,” “Hero,” and “Higher.”

KNOW: You know what an incredible record would be? A collaboration between you, Mickey Factz & J.A.M.E.S. Watts, with production from Clyde & Harry. Do you think this could be possible in the near future?

THEO: Oh yeah! That would be murder. You should hook that one up! Everybody, don’t forget to pick up “JAM!” on www.myspace.com/londonwave.

“Theophilus goes back to his inspirations to develop a classic music sound that signifies soul in its core.

With Remix’s of Artist such as—
Michael Jackson
New Look
Prince
Kano
Edit
John Maus —- and many more.

Also, new and old selections from the Theophilus London Vault –such as
The Blues
Night Ridin
Blindfolded
Superbad— and many more.”

JAM!
Blindfolded
Future Times
Die 4 U
Late Night Operation
One For Me Freestyle
Epitome
Night Ridin
Star Scream
Leader Of The New School
Invisible Man
Superbad
Rest Of ‘Em (ft. Mickey Factz)
Call Tyrone
The Blues
Forever Begins
Ber Ber Der Dant
Ultra Violet
DVRC
Stranger In Moscow

Theophilus London - JAM! [Mixed By Machinedrum] | mediafire

Special thanks to Theophilus London for the interview, and the whole GFC crew for holding it down.