A Softer Side

Theophilus London's Minneapolis debut delivers a dose of sensuality

Image credit: Eddie Brannan

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Theophilus London did a lot more than drop lyrics during his Saturday night stop in Minneapolis.

The Brooklyn-based rapper provided several female audience members with on-stage serenades, holding them close while looking deeply into their eyes. He jumped into the crowd so fans could touch the coveted “LVRS” bomber jacket. And he shared tastes of his latest sounds to a clearly entertained audience.

The concert, London’s first in the Twin Cities, began with what looked like a sequined, handmade banner falling to serve as a backdrop. The sign for his “Tour de Roses” shimmered in a pink light, providing a dose of softness amid the raw, abandoned feel of the once cubical-peppered space that is now The Loft at Barfly and reinforcing the “love is real” philosophy that London holds dear.

London’s rich, electronic beats – backed by a skull-shaking bass – kept concertgoers physically and mentally engaged throughout the performance. Literally feeling the room shake in unison with the warming boom in your chest lead to instant hype from the crowd, their hands in the air and eyes closed in meditative enjoyment.

I went into the concert expecting London and a DJ to be the only stage presences. But to my surprise he was backed by an electric guitarist and bassist – additions that underscored London’s genre-defying sensibilities and gave his better-known beats an unexpectedly organic and energetic feel

I’ve been following London for a few years now, so having him visit Minneapolis and perform in front of a small crowd was a treat, even if the performance had a thrown-together-at-the-last-minute feel.   

If London’s ascent continues, his next performance is likely to be more composed – and the audience a bit larger. Minneapolis will be waiting.