UK alt rap star Len: “I want to be shamelessly lit”
100%: Ahead of his Boiler Room performance this weekend, we caught up with the Victory Lap associate about his worst habits, chaotic Instagram DMs and the importance of making people feel sexy.
Music
Words: Jade Wickes
For Len, the most important part of being a musician is the energy you bring to the stage. “That feeling, man,” the 24-year-old says, calling in from his flat in West London. “Everything in life isn’t free. People are paying to go see some shit, to escape, to share an experience with their friends. I need to always make sure that it feels worth it for them.
“I want to be the best performer in this country,” Len declares. “The more lit I am, the more lit they’re gonna be. I want to be shamelessly lit.”
With that in mind, the South Londoner will be performing this bank holiday weekend as part of Victory Lap’s Boiler Room takeover, alongside fellow UK underground rappers BXKS and Jawnino, New York’s MIKE and the laidback San Fran star Larry June.
Len’s latest album, COBALT:SOMUCHMoRE, is begging to be played out. Its singular merging of trap, Jersey club and Afrobeats is crafted to get fans’ hips moving. “When I was finishing that record I felt like there was something missing,” he says. “Then I went to Nigeria, had a lot of fun there, and came back inspired. I knew what was missing was that Nigerian influence, that hit I was looking for. So that’s what I added in. I always want to try and bring things back to Africa – the rhythm, the flex, all of it.”
Growing up, his mum listened to Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston; his dad 50 Cent and Max B. It’s fair to say the sensual, playful vibes of these artists rubbed off. As long as people feel sexy while listening to his tunes, Len will consider his mission accomplished. “I want everyone to feel fly,” he says, “like you’re that bitch or you’re that guy.
“When the girls are getting ready to go out, they should be listening to Len. When the guys are about to go on a first date, they should be listening to Len. This country is so gray and stale. We focus on feeling smart, angry, woke. What about feeling sexy? This country needs more people who feel sexy! That’s why I’m here.”
10%
What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?
Biting my nails. I wish I didn’t do that – people be catching me…
20%
Love, like, hate?
I love manga. I like money. I hate boredom and playing things safe. Like, a shit movie will entertain me more than a movie that’s a five out of 10. Shit things will be remembered, at least
30%
What’s your phone screensaver?
Some unused cover art. I really liked them but my team didn’t think they made sense. I’m so used to getting my way – I need to hear them out every once in a while.
40%
Favourite song of all time?
Right now, it’s Fuji Vibe by Asake.
50%
What do you think about when you’re in the shower?
Performing and ways that I can gas the crowd up.
60%
Have you ever stolen anything?
Yeah. A lot of things. Now that’s a bad habit, actually…
70%
What can we expect at your Boiler Room x Victory Lap set on Sunday?
Energy, loud, fun.
80%
What’s the most memorable DM you’ve received?
So you know it was results day this week? I have a lot of fans in Nigeria. One of them randomly DM’d me saying, Len, do you wanna see my results? I was like, why not? He’d done really well, so I told him I was proud. It really made his day. But then he told all of his friends and they all started DMing me their results. So I replied to all of them over the course of about five hours. It was a lot. But it was very memorable.
90%
Who do you wish congratulated you on your exam results?
If Future gave me a pat on the back and told me I’d done well, that would really mean something.
100%
What can artists do to help save the world?
Use your voice to speak on things. People don’t realise their influence sometimes. When things are morally wrong, show your distaste and never sacrifice morals for money. And spread love at all times.
