2024 was a transformative year for me, particularly when it came to my relationship with music. My playlists took a surprising turn as I gravitated toward trap : a genre characterized by infectious beats, carefree vibes, and undeniable grooves. This shift felt strikingly different from my previous leanings, which revolved around boom bap and introspective rap that often felt like a soundtrack for deep self-reflection. Suddenly, I wasn’t seeking music to ponder life’s complexities; I was reaching for something that let me escape them.
At first, I was taken aback. Why had my taste changed so drastically? Was it because the quality of introspective rap had declined? Was it a reflection of personal growth : an indication that I was stepping out of a depressive fog? Or was it simply a way to avoid confronting my own challenges? The answer remains elusive. What I do know is that, for someone who once lived on tracks like Julia, Cutting Corners, and Yellow by Shane Eagle, this change marked a significant shift in my listening habits, one that demanded exploration.Back in 2023, Shane Eagle’s AKIRA left a lasting impression on me. Tracks like MUTANT, HEALiNG x RIZE, and ALi were staples in my rotation. Yet, as 2024 rolled around, I found myself struggling to connect with the same type of sangfroid, introspective lyricism I once cherished. It was during this period of detachment that I stumbled upon an album that changed everything: Silk by Pretorian artist LEO.
Silk came to me in a serendipitous moment while scrolling through X (formerly Twitter), a platform increasingly becoming a hotspot for discovering South African hip-hop talent. When I pressed play on Spotify, I immediately knew that Silk was an album I would have on rotation for years. It was an album that reignited my love and appreciation for lo-fi and jazzy raps. Silk is the kind of album that feels like the sun’s presence after a long, gloomy day. It’s the kind of project that is well-put, polished, smooth, and luxurious: perfectly encapsulating what its name suggests. The album’s production is subtly grand, characterized by a dreamy, textured, and deceptively minimalist style. It’s a kaleidoscope of different textures and elements that have been planted to bloom together, creating something like a sonic garden. It’s an album rooted in soul, lo-fi, jazz, and R&B, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. This production beautifully complements LEO’s potent and poetic lyrics. His intricate wordplay throughout the project weaves through like threads of silk, delivering vivid imagery and an air of sophistication.
“A debut album created while life’s challenges actually won. But in this life, one needs to understand that life isn’t one battle or one big loss; Silk was birthed from that,” LEO said. These words encapsulate the exact sentiment I get from listening to the album. At its core, Silk reflects LEO’s journey of striving for greatness while grappling with challenges in both his personal life and the music industry. It’s an album that offers a glimpse into his psyche: raw yet refined. On songs like “Free” and “Team,” LEO boldly confronts the mediocrity of the music industry while asserting his individuality and artistic integrity with unflinching conviction. Through lyrics like “Hope that my rhythm excites you, hope that my notes to your heart and mind inspire a love that is real,” he positions himself as a beacon of hope and originality, striving for greatness without compromising who he is.
Songs like “Team” and “Phone” delve into the complexities of love and emotional intimacy, juxtaposing vulnerability with strength. In songs such as “Trust” featuring Kimberly, LEO blends moments of tenderness with the complexities of trust and emotional reciprocity, standing tall as an emotionally intelligent artist. While songs like “Imagine That” and “Life” are affirmations of persistence and vision, capturing his aspirations to break through barriers while critiquing the cyclical nature of the mainstream industry.
The album impeccably balances LEO’s reflections with his ambitions, presenting the view that life is all about growth—both personal and artistic. Songs like “Clueless” and “Twisted” grapple with loyalty and self-actualization, while “Friday” and “Fire” celebrate fleeting moments of joy and connection, highlighting the beauty of life’s simplicities. As I listen to and engage with the album, I realize that it feels like LEO is having a conversation with me as the listener: intimate, unapologetically honest, and calling me to embrace my essence and envision a reality beyond the mundane. LEO’s superpower is that his art is anchored in truth, and that truth resonates across boundaries, times, and space.
The cohesiveness of Silk is no accident. LEO, who doubles as a producer, ensures every detail serves the project’s narrative. The arrangements are deceptively simple, often just a hook and a verse, but that simplicity underscores the album’s message: life doesn’t need to be overcomplicated to be meaningful.
In an exclusive interview, LEO shared his thoughts on the making of Silk:
Q: Your project Silk is a well balanced offering- from the production, to the arrangement and the lyrics, it feels well polished. What do you think makes a rap album great? Is it the production or the raps?
A: Both are equally important, but I would say what’s most important is the connection a creator(s) have with the album they put out. When you feel that connection, it’s easier for it to be passed down to the listener.
Q: For you, what was the goal with Silk? Which aspect of rap did you want to shine?
A: My goal is to show there are musicians in South Africa who excel in both being in front of the mic and behind the boards, and what I want to shine is my individuality. Yes, mainly because I can rap but it’s not what defines me but I understand the importance of it but my goal is not to become number 1, but rather to create timeless music with a message.
Q: Why Silk? When I see the album name “Silk” I expect luxurious wordplay, subtle grandeur, fluidity and seamless transitions coupled with intimate themes. I believe that’s what I get from your album. Was that the intention?
A: Lol good question damn. So my music is split into various series: the album series is textures, EP/mixtapes is colours and even since having serious life problems in 2021 that birthed the reality series of that being Beg4forgivenessNotpermission.So Silk title is how I feel I handled the turbulence in my life at that time it was created given that the album was made from Aug 2020 – May 2021. My intention was to be honest it’s a journey of my confidence on days I was able to actually bring the ideas to life and some songs were created after moments.
Q: I remember you started rolling out this album in 2021, saying that it was 90% done by then. What led to the decision to drop it 3 years later?
A: I decided to present such an ‘old’ album due to my artistic integrity. Yes it is an old body of work and I could have made a body of work to embody the spirit of competition with all the great music that has been released this year but I feel like artists forget to stick to the plan which is why I released this.
Q: When you made the project, was there any creative pressure that you felt? Since it was a debut album, an album that comes with a lot of expectations?
A: I mean the album was made in 2020/2021 same time as Tyson S.T (now Sybateli) was creating “Dulcé” , a big thing him and Dooushii introduced to me was coming to terms with not being so niche, cause during the time I was a purely lo-fi artist. I didn’t even like to rap in a competitive manner so as far as pressure I wasn’t feeling that from the music side and I believe you’ve got whole career up until that point to make your debut album
Q: Your music has a niche market. Which I believe is a non-South African market. Was that an intentional move or was it just the music itself that got more attention outside your own country?
A: So to be honest that wasn’t intentional the music itself found it’s people/market if I could say that and to prove this as well I could include the co-signs I’ve also gotten from Fat Joe, Top Dawg Ent. and artists like Clairmont The Second & André The Saint to name a few and as far as here at home project by project I seem to be getting more and more interest which is also keeping me focused.
Q: The album opener “Free” was produced by Chicago’s Monte Booker who has worked with the likes of Smino. How did that collaboration come to life?
A: Social media is an amazing tool hey, quite the short story at the time DM’s were open and the request was met due to also supporting his production kits.
Q: You critique the mainstream industry quite a lot on “Silk” speaking on themes of mediocrity and disloyalty. Is this something you have personally encountered?
A: As far as the mainstream, all I speak on to clarify is the behavior I’ve picked up on or what I’ve experienced and as far as the music making process I’m shedding light on those of us who are extremely hands on with our product as supposed to delegating to teams.
Q: Your album is also centered on the ethos of growth. Would you refer to it as a healing sanctuary for you?
A: Growth is a natural process for every human being, I’m fortunate enough to do this through the commitment I have to my art and indeed it is healing.
Q: In pursuing your music career what has been the most challenging part?
A: Finding those with the same vision as me and individuals with patience.
Q:The SA music market doesn’t really appreciate alternative jazz rap or lo-fi rap as much as other rap types. What is your feeling on that?
A: Influence really but there definitely is appreciation I just feel at the forefront there’s just a certain type of Hip-Hop artist that’s more supported rather than embracing the diverse types of us.
Q: What I enjoyed about the album is its duality, how you balanced speaking on the complexities of life as well as the beauty of its simplicities. Is that how you approach life and your music on a day to day basis?
A: Thank you for this compliment really shows me you’re paying attention and yes life is a series of ups and downs, lefts and rights you cannot favour a certain portion of your life’s journey cause I feel you will miss out on the beauty of it all.
Q: Which song was the hardest for you to make or conclude on the album?
A: “Understand” was the hardest to make because I decided to not sugarcoat my personal feelings with the environment in which I’m tackling in this industry.
Q: The album’s arrangements were pretty simple: just a hook and a verse. Was that deliberate?
A: Great question and yes very deliberate. I often tell my peers whom I make music with that there always has to be progression with a discography and to simplify this lol don’t make your magnum opus too soon that’s self explanatory.
Q: You only have three collaborations on the album: Kimberly, Francis Jay and Yolophonik. Was that a deliberate choice?
A: And TRON PYRE doing back up vocals on Team & Trust. Yes it was, my collaboration personal space has become more than the benefits of making a record that’ll do good, it’s more on if I get on with the other artist and support/love/admiration I have for what they do on their own.
Listening to Silk is like stepping into a meticulously crafted world. It balances the complexities of life with the beauty of its simplicity, inviting listeners to reflect, dream, and grow. LEO’s music doesn’t just entertain; it resonates. It’s art anchored in truth, designed to transcend boundaries and stand the test of time. In a year of unexpected changes and evolving tastes, Silk reminded me of the power of music to reconnect us with ourselves. LEO’s artistry is proof that even in life’s turbulence, there’s room for elegance, and, of course, Silk.
Stream “Silk” by LEO here: https://direct.me/leonitus
