The cover for his debut album, “Timez Are Weird These Days,” isn’t just a bold fashion statement, but also serves as an homage to the 1982 release by Leon Ware. London says Ware, best known for producing Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” and writing a hit for Michael Jackson in 1972, has been a “huge inspiration” on his career.
Though his new record could comfortably sit next to releases by Lupe Fiasco or Kanye West, London has more eclectic influences ranging from The Smiths to German electronic pioneers Kraftwerk.
“This is bigger than just a rap record,” London says of his debut. “It’s taking pop-culture references and mashing them all together like a mad scientist would do.”
London has welcomed interesting collaborators into his musical lab, including TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek and Holly Miranda. “Rappers featuring rappers is boring,” he says simply.
He even brought in Sara Quin, half of the sister duo Tegan and Sara, to contribute to a track. “I love her music,” London says of Quin. “I wanted to take her out of her element and put her in my element.”
London never seems out of his element, whether he’s performing as the opening act for Nas or playing a cameo gig on the CW’s “90210.” But performing is just a small part of what’s on the horizon for the young star.
When asked about his plans beyond his current national club tour, London rattles off, “Another mixtape by the end of the year, a new EP at the start of next year, an album in the summer, [and] tons of collabs.”
Oh, and he’s putting out a line of jewelry through his LVRS clothing company. Each of the new pieces will look great with a black cowboy hat.
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