SL expresses himself in a manner similar to how he raps; methodical, unhurried, and exuding a self-assurance that indicates he’s not hurried into revealing more than he plans to. At just 23, he has spent nearly ten years in a unique position within UK rap, receiving commendation from prominent figures like Stormzy, Drake, and JME even before completing his GCSEs, all while maintaining a strong sense of mystery. Rarely engaging in interviews, he has allowed his music to convey his story, sharing just enough to captivate listeners. Now, with the release of his latest mixtape ‘Block Tales’, SL presents his most personal work to date, slightly widening the door while still keeping the balaclava securely in place.
His composure is remarkable. When asked about the time dedicated to this project, SL remains typically understated. “Excited, looking forward to it,” he succinctly replies. “I think everyone knows it’s a good piece of work, so it’s about how it will be received.” There is no effort to overstress its importance or to exaggerate. Instead, he draws confidence from the process itself rather than the performance; a quiet belief in the quality of the work, leaving the audience to interpret it as they will. This kind of calmness isn’t unfamiliar for SL, but it appears more refined, marking a transition from a gifted youth to a fully realized artist mastering his craft.
‘Block Tales’ exemplifies this mastery. SL characterizes the project as “street cinema,” presenting him as both a filmmaker and rapper. He meticulously crafted the narrative arc, outlining the storyline and characters before organizing the tracks. “I mapped out how it began, how it concluded, and what happened in between,” he clarifies. “Then I identified the characters and considered the ten songs that would fit in order.” The resulting mixtape unfolds with editorial precision, each track acting as a chapter in a broader story of survival, ambition, and consequences experienced in South London. “I wouldn’t say it mirrors my life,” he clarifies, “but it certainly reflects experiences I’ve had.”
This balance of intimacy and distance, confession and secrecy has always been a hallmark of SL’s artistry. Reflecting on his earlier tracks, ‘Tropical’ and ‘Gentleman’, SL admits that at 15 he didn’t fully grasp the significance of those moments. “I was just living life one day at a time,” he chuckles, neither captivated by the acclaim nor crushed by the expectations. What he cherishes most from that formative period is the humor present in his writing, even as his themes grew more complex.
However, the stakes are markedly higher now. “More pressure, more people,” he acknowledges. “Back then, being so young, it felt like you could just do anything. Now it’s a numbers game; everything is quantified, and everyone is judged.” The bluntness of this observation highlights the conflict many artists encounter today — between creativity and metrics, instinct and algorithmic demands. Despite this, SL remains steadfast in resisting these pressures. He has always opted for scarcity over saturation, allowing his singles to resonate rather than inundating the market, maintaining that discipline is integral to the art. “I don’t focus too much on the industry,” he states. “I just do what I enjoy.”
He notes that writing has become more natural and fluent with age. “You become more at ease with it; your vocabulary expands, and being in the studio frequently makes you adapt to the whole process.” SL also confesses he never sees his songs as complete. “There’s always more to add. Unless a song has been released or submitted, I don’t view it as finalized. There’s always room for improvement.” This mindset, embracing imperfection while maintaining momentum, aligns with the broader ethos of ‘Block Tales’, a project that embraces rawness without shying away from its contradictions.
The soundscape mirrors his careful approach. SL has always favored unconventional beats, from the shimmering eeriness of ‘Tropical’ to the haunting slow build of ‘Paranoia’. He takes time to select beats, often spending hours until the perfect one is found. “Many people hear two or three beats, but you must wait for the right one,” he explains. The outcome is a sonic landscape that both unsettles and captivates, enhancing the impact of his narrative.
Then there’s the mask. The balaclava has accompanied SL since his beginnings; while it continues to protect his privacy, it has also evolved into something more — a symbol, a shield, and a storytelling element in its own right. “I think it represents the freedom to live as you choose,” he states. This freedom permits him to navigate both public and private life on his own terms, steering clear of the overexposure that often engulfs young stars. In the visuals for ‘Paranoia’, he even plays with this tension
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“The continuity of the ego is a myth.” This statement from playwright Bertolt Brecht encapsulated something that was already present for the London-based singer and songwriter.
SL communicates as he raps; deliberate, calm, and exuding a confidence that implies he’s never in a hurry to share more than he plans. At 23, he