(Sigh of relief) finally finally finally [hip-hop] music is getting good again– and no I’m not talking about Drake, Kid Cudi, or even Wale (those guys are all really cool) I’m moreso speaking of the Bobby Ray’s and Theophilus London’s of the world– the artists with the unique versatile sounds.
Theophilus London first grabbed my attention when I heard his remix to Solange’s “Sand Castle Black x Blue” a year or so ago. Since then I’ve been secretly addicted… a few of my favorites from his charming mixtape: “Want You for Myself” (Peter Hadar featuring Theophilus London), “Grey X Sage” (his remix to the international hit Sabali), and “Always Love You” (a poppy electronic version of Whitney Houston’s hit song).
And now on May 31st:
Well, I’ve spent the last three weeks entranced with his latest mixtape, I Want You. Between his new album and Janelle Monae’s The ArchAndroid, minus a few rounds of Ella, Sammy, and Frank, it seems like the new-wave of music is all my itunes player knows. (Oh and Lykke Li has been getting alot of play too)
His cover of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You”, Tweets “Oops”, and the mysteriously erotic beats of “Soles Of Fire (Chauffeur)” float around in my top three. (The first 57 seconds of Soles Of Fire, can’t be described as anything but sexy, the beat goes hard and it’s also very sexy). Matter of fact, just listen to it yourself…
Theo’s style can’t just be categorized as hipsterish… it’s more like a direct ode to the past, 96% vintage 4% new school. He likes layers– lots of em, swanky college or NBA snap-backs (90s style), blazers, button ups, jean outerwear, corduroys, classic frames (he usually sports brown tortoise shell by Oliver Peoples, clubmasters, or classic clear wayfarers), and whichever kicks complete his raw vintage 70s/90s look. Mr.London’s style is actually reminiscent of past local urban gentleman Curran Swint.
To authentically get Theophilus’s style you’d have to spend your days in vintage and thrift stores and on sites like etsy and ebay. And I know its often hard to dig through the thousands of threads these stores have, but you have to get in the mindset of shopping there like it’s the only option you have, lol. Once you lock-down on that mindset it’ll be much easier to have visions for the clothing these stores offer (and it wouldn’t hurt to have some inspiration photos in your pocket or on your phone).
well you can scoop his look below:
Complex Mag had one of the freshest Theophilus spreads,
They sort of created a refined version of his look…
And as far as his album, well…
Like most new artist Bobby’s style isn’t quite set in stone, I’m sure he’s still dealing with contractual duties and wearing the threads that the sponsors and record label’s stylist provides. But within all of that he still manages to add his personal touch to most of the ensembles he sports.
It’s safe to say that when it comes to Bobby, there’s two dimensions, two personas, two __(fill in blank with an appropriate word)__: B.o.B and Bobby Ray… and yes they are the same person, but as made apparent by his 2nd mixtape “B.o.B vs Bobby Ray” they’re almost completely opposite, not only in sound, but in looks and overall style.
“B.o.B…. Uno is my numeral, they said that hip-hop was dead, hmph, I musta missed the funeral”. B.o.B doesn’t like to be categorized in a genre, but humbly accepts the fact that guys like him are bringing back hip-hop… making it respectable again, making it an art form, making it the feel good music it once was instead of the, well, ummm– crappiness it had become.
And with his hip-hop flavor, BoB brings the one day classic 2010-ish hip-hop style. An eye-catching graphic tee, sneakers, a cool jacket (if the season calls for it), trendy shades, and maybe an optional well thought-out tattoo or two, is all it takes to get his look down.
Fedoras, classic wayfarers, beaded alternative looking accessories (usually one necklace and one bracelet), button-ups, henleys, cardigans, basic tees worn under button-ups and cardigans, and whatever shoes fit the look– maybe classic allstars, maybe boots, maybe boat shoes, its whatever that particular moment in time calls for.
I slightly prefer Bobby Ray’s style at this point, only because his fedora collection is sick! And he manages to wear them without looking cheesy. He just looks like a really cool southern guy (georgia born and bred)… I can think of several artist that should take note, I would call names, buuuuut I won’t.
and purchase it, or to your local record store and purchase it. But I suggest just getting it right now for 8 bucks on Amazon. The album features one of my other BoB favorites Lovelier Than You. Oh, and if you’re a true-to-heart music head then you can buy the vinyl here.
Check out more Bobby Ray aka BoB HERE.
