As he continues to rub shoulders with the scene’s brightest voices, El Londo runs us through his favourite things in the world, from Palace tracksuits to Air Max 95s and Madlib beats to Ashbeck tracks.
Words Liam Cattermole (@liam_cattermole)
Photos Finn James (@finnjames.online)
Front and centre of Britain’s UK rap revolution, El Londo needs little introduction on this platform. Riding a wave that’s showing no signs of slowing down, for the past few years, he’s eloquently crafted a unique sound that boasts fans like Capo Lee, Bawo and close lyrical accomplice, Ashbeck. Returning with more gusto than ever, his most recent project, ‘THANKSLONDO’, refuses to be boxed in. It’s a milestone moment that illuminates the Londoner’s metamorphosis from a loyal beatmaker to an artist in his own right.
Clocking in at 41 minutes, across 15 tracks, Londo explores the breadth of his production capabilities. The protean beats evoke a range of emotions: from the playful angst of ‘SARIOUS’ to the mellow sultriness of ‘PURE’, few stones are left unturned during this odyssey of self-discovery. Longtime vocal collaborators BlazeYL, Meron T and Namani provide razor-sharp verses, while AntsLive, Youngs Teflon and Oscar #WORDLPEACE create the project's more extraordinary moments. An array of other notable vocal talents add their lyrical know-how throughout too.
Londo’s built a following who admire his ability to challenge the confines of contemporary music. Striving to innovate with every release, the pioneering producer established himself in 2019 with his auspicious debut, ‘Ashlondo’. The now legendary mixtape is a full-length collaboration with Ashbeck: an extended school friend who’s creating a similar buzz thanks to his quick-witted wordplay. Bonding over Madlib and J. Dilla beats, the duo gravitated to each other when they realised that they shared similar music-making goals. The Madlib and MF DOOM of Britain’s UK rap scene, Ash and El have worked tirelessly ever since and the fruits of their labour are beginning to show.
As he continues to rub shoulders with the scene’s brightest voices, El Londo runs us through his favourite things in the world, from Palace tracksuits to Airmax 95s and Madlib beats to Ashbeck tracks. Tap in below.
'THANKSLONDO' has been out for a while now! What’s your favourite track on there?
That’s a difficult one. Off the top of my head, I’d probably say ’TEAM’. I love that track and the story behind it.
And what’s your all-time favourite hip-hop beat?
I’m trying to think of something that’s inspired me. I think I’d say ‘Shame’, by Madlib and Freddie Gibbs.
What’s your favourite song Ashbeck’s made that you haven’t made yourself?
I‘d have to say ‘Side By Side’.
What’s your favourite Victory Lap Freestyle?
There are bits in all of them. Kare’s Victoy Lap had some really cool parts, but the Central Cee RulesTheWorld one was cold as well. There are bits in everyone really, they all have their gems.
Current favourite UK streetwear brand?
I’ve been fucking with Peak [Television] a lot recently. I fuck with GCLO as well, of course.
All-time favourite trainer?
I’d have to go with the Air Max 95, man. All black as well, I've got those on today.
What’s your favourite thing to do in London in the summer?
Studio. Studio, bro! I’ve done outside studios before. Well, not really but I’ve made beats in my garden. If I had to say something other than the studio, kicking it with my friends in the park, just having a good time.
Favourite venue you’ve performed at?
In terms of performance, the Lafayette for ayrtn’s tour. I don’t really perform, as in rap, but that was sick. In terms of DJing, the party I did at The Lower Third lately was sick, it had a great soundsystem.
Favourite thing to have on your rider?
I usually just get whatever Ash[beck] asks for. I wasn't really that picky with alcohol, but then I started getting Southern Comfort and lemonade, which has a banging taste. It’s so sweet! I do ask for that a lot.
What’s on Ashbeck’s rider, as a side note?
I think it changes quite a bit but last time I remember him getting Patrone.
Favourite tracksuit currently in your wardrobe?
I like this Palace tracksuit, you know! It’s nice and comfy and you can wear it any way you want. It’s convenient.
I saw you in the Supreme x Umbro one, which is hard…
Thank you, bro. I got the bottoms for that and I was in two minds about getting the top. I was looking everywhere and finally, Stock X patterned it.
Where’s your favourite place to get away from the hustle and bustle of London?
If I could pick anywhere, it sounds crazy as it’s just another city, but I’d probably say New York. It’s obviously like London but because I’m not from there, there’s less responsibility and I can roam around freely. I like being in the city because I like that fast-paced lifestyle.
Did you make any music while you were there?
We made a bit of music, we intended to make more. It ended up being more chill and relaxed.
What’s your favourite homemade meal?
I don’t know, you know! I like those winter roasts, like a roast beef or something.
You went to uni in Nottingham. Where was your favourite place for a night out in Notts?
I got sick of that place, I burnt out. I went out a bit too much in my second year. If I was talking with my second year mindset, I'd say Rock City but I’d actually rather not step foot in that place ever again. Back then, that was the place I would most commonly end up in.
Actually, in my third year, my mates started Dreams, which was a student night events company. They were sick because it was people I knew, good vibes and always sick DJs. That was somewhere I could have a night out and I knew it would be banging; all the boxes were ticked for me.
What’s your favourte club drink? Is it a Southern Comfort lemonade?
Nah, rum and coke!
To wrap up, what's your favourite box set?
Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. They come hand in hand. Honourable mention to The Sopranos.
