Mixtape Mayhem: Rose Island Vol. 1

Theophilus London is making big moves in the alternative hip-hop scene. He’s currently touring Europe and just dropped his next mixtape, Rose Island Vol. 1. His style effortlessly blends R&B beats with alternative vocals and skilled rhyme schemes in his raps, always delivering a good, danceable beat. He attributes his inspiration to artists like Prince and Michael Jackson, but also cites alternative rock groups like The Smiths and experimental sounds such as Kraftwerk. If you haven’t already heard, I was lucky enough to see him live, where he previewed new songs due out on the upcoming work.

London has already put out three previous mixtapes and one full-length album, Timez Are Weird These Days, and one last year, Lover’s Holiday. Noteable tracks off of the cuts include “Flying Overseas”, “Strange Love”, “Girls Girls $”, and “Last Name London”. He’s collaborated with a diverse range of artists on past works, from Solange Knowles to experimental rock group Glasser. The new mixtape is no different, promising tracks with greats such as Marvin Gaye, Sade, and Big Boi, to newcomers like A$AP Rocky and Lunice. He continues to cleverly blend the old school with the new, but still keep things his own. The new mixtape is sure to be filled with bangers and can be downloaded for free right here.

By Cerise Castle