Theophilus London

Biography

Theophilus Musa London, born on February 23, 1987, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, moved to New York City at a young age and grew up in Brooklyn, graduating from George Westinghouse High School in 2006. Emerging from Brooklyn's underground scene, he began his music career in 2007 with mixtapes like JAM! (2008) and This Charming Man (2009), which showcased his genre-blurring style fusing alternative hip hop, electropop, R&B, soul-pop, post-punk, and electronic elements. His sound draws from influences such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Kraftwerk, and The Smiths, blending fashion-forward flair with introspective lyricism and infectious grooves.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Dedicated his 2014 album Vibes to his aunt.
• His 2009 mixtape This Charming Man mashed up The Smiths and Elvis Costello, earning him friendship with Mark Ronson.
• Performed at major festivals like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and headlined Northside Festival in Brooklyn.
• Sampled Marvin Gaye's 'I Want You' on his track of the same name, aspiring to Gaye's vocal prowess.

Associated Acts

• Chauffeur

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mark Ronson - Close friend and musical collaborator who invited him to studios and tours (Record Collection, This Charming Man mixtape discussions) [2009-2010]

Key Collaborators

• Kanye West - Executive producer (Vibes album) [2013-2014]
• Solange Knowles - Featured collaboration (Unspecified tracks) [2010s]
• Devonté Hynes - Frequent collaborator (Unspecified projects) [2010s]
• Tame Impala - Co-wrote and featured on track (Only You, Whiplash) [2018]
• Azealia Banks - Guest appearance (JFK on Broke with Expensive Taste) [2014]
• Dave Sitek - Featured artist on EP (Lovers Holiday EP) [2011]
• Sara Quin - Featured artist on EP (Lovers Holiday EP) [2011]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-hip-hop, #electropop, #r&b-alternative