Flow & Finesse: Watch the Freestyle Queen Conquer the Booth!
Lady London, The Come Up Show Live Freestyle
‘I’m not the type to hit feet when I’m targeting chest
When I'm Metta World Peace, put your art to the test’-
Lady London, “The Come Up Show Live” Freestyle
A 28-year-old Eastcoast native and fellow Howard University Alum is making waves with her most recent EP, S.O.U.L, just seven months after joining forces with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings. Before sealing the deal with the label and joining Ciara on ‘Da Girls’ remix, the rapper drew eyes and ears with her ‘Pop Ya Sh*t Freestyle.’
Most recently, she wowed listeners with a gripping freestyle on “The Come Up Show Live” released on April 10, 2024. This freestyle is similar to her 'Pop Ya Sh*t' freestyle, showcasing her extensive vocabulary and unique wordplay – especially refreshing in a culture where many female MCs choose from a repetitive and hypersexualized pool of content with limited vocabulary.
After the first 60 seconds of hearing her flow, my first impression was ‘This woman is a FORCE to be reckoned with, in the BEST way possible.’ After three and a half minutes of her tearing into two different beats, I couldn’t help but wonder why her industry reception and impact aren't as vast as her lyrical talent. Freestyling is a lost art but crucial when sizing up my favorite rappers; it's a clear sign of mastery. Hence why my list only includes those who have proven they can deliver off-the-cuff lyrically, like Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Big Sean, Childish Gambino, Megan Thee Stallion, Young M.A., and now, Lady London.
Rapping is a craft that can be learned and polished, sure, but freestyling? That's a different beast— a blend of innate ability and honed skill that only few can claim. Reciting written lyrics requires memorization and rehearsal. To freestyle requires rhythmic confidence and impeccable timing, not to mention word-slinging precision and even more grit. Lady London has it all and displayed it during her “The Come Up Show Live” freestyle.
I eagerly await the day her lyrical genius meets its match in production, creating anthems that elevate her to the recognition she merits. What's more, her rap voice /vocal tone is endearing and infectious. Without a doubt, she stands out as one of the most well-read and eloquent female emcees of our generation.
In the world of rap, there's a well-trodden path for female artists who emphasize their sexuality, but there seems to be little room for those who don't focus on sex appeal while speaking their truth. Despite endorsements from rap legends like Nas and Busta Rhymes, one has to ponder why a particular artist's work doesn't crackle with the same energy or allure. Perhaps, it's her choice not to use sexuality for leverage or compromise her integrity for profit that may mean her road to significant influence is a bit longer.
I truly hope her skills take her beyond the recording studio. As she expressed in her December 2022 "On The Come Up" interview, ‘I hope to transcend a generation, I hope to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of everybody I touch, whether that’s music or in person. I just want to leave an imprint, I want to be a legend in my own right. The highest form.’
I look forward to seeing every word of this statement manifest throughout her career and watching her perform on her upcoming tour stop at the Howard Theatre next month.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.
Lingering Questions, From a Fan and Fellow Bison Alum #HU #UKnowwwwwww
What's your perspective on the revival of female rappers in the Hip-Hop scene today? How do you position yourself in this movement?
Did your upbringing in New Jersey shape your music, or was it your experiences at Howard University? Maybe a combination of both? How and Why?
Since your S.O.U.L project is an EP, when might we anticipate a full-length album release from you?
What prompted you to join a major record label, and what insights have you gained during your time with them?
Beyond Jay-Z and Prince, which artists (specifically female rappers) have had an impact on your rap style?
As a solo artist, what do you find most challenging?
Given the chance, what aspects of the music industry would you want to transform?
Looking ahead, where do you envision your career in five years?