The Detroit rapper makes a statement and stays solo through his highly anticipated release.
Detroit keeps giving us authentically good rappers. From Babyface Ray, to Veeze, to Boldy James-the list goes on. Lelo is another name to add to the growing number. Lelo has been making music since 2019 and is an example of an artist who has utilized social media outlets to build a core following before officially releasing any projects. His first compilation, f**ck the function, came in 2021. And he didn’t stop for long afterwards. He continued releasing quality singles like “Stuck Up”, “Proud”, “Upset”, and “kapital” while crafting what would become his most recent output.
A “nightingale” is a rare bird that can produce over 1000 different sounds. On his new project, Lelo acts like a human nightingale in the way he provides a melange of sonics. What sets the rapper apart from his peers is that, although he is from the Motor City, he doesn’t rap over Detroit-influenced beats. Lelo’s choice of production is more futuristic and fast paced at times. He raps over the instrumentation like an introvert that lets his player-ways and designer-dawned attire do the talking.
Three tracks on Nightingale that stood out to me are “Camelot” (prod. Shogun & Bigmillbeats), “Can’t” (prod. Druskiiwhatido), and “New Detroit” (prod. Beanjawn). These three encapsulate the versatility that Lelo possesses as a compelling MC.
Over time, Lelo has only gotten better and as a listener, I believe that it’s only up from here. For me, he has become one of my go-to’s: an artist whose catalog I can play at any time and just let the tracks run. He’s an artist that prioritizes quality and quantity, so I feel that we can expect more good music from him soon. Check out some of Lelo’s most outstanding lines below.
I’m in Margiela like my back against the wall. You can’t sell it, ain’t no passion in the talk. – “Camelot”
I done left you sitting in the rain. Can you stand me now? Vintage Helmut Lang, these five-hundred-dollar hand-me-downs. – “Camelot”
I’m moving, I ain’t going back for who don’t understand. I’m happy that hoe broke my heart, it took me out my trance. I’m happy for this load I got, it took me out my jam. – “New Detroit”
