Leon Flames is a rapper and hip hop artist born and raised in South London. With a background in rap battles and a reputation for lyrics writing, its through his single Stalin’s Lapel that we’re coming to his music.

By Graeme Smith

Leon adopted the recording name ‘Flames’ in 2011, reflecting his delivery style and the fact that he also works as a firefighter. Since then, he’s opened for rap legends Mobb Deep and the Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and made quite a name for himself on the underground rap scene.

Stalin’s Lapel marks a bit of a departure from his usual style though. Inspired by the artist Picasso, there’s a, free-flowing, Avant Garde approach to the track. The lyrics are rich with literary, historical and pop culture references, reflecting on art in all its forms. I love its thoughtful approach, and the fact that it stays true to hip hop’s roots.

You can give Stalin’s Lapel a listen below.