THE NEW KING OF POP.

Theophilus London is quite possibly our biggest tip for 2009. Even sure things like Passion Pit and Clare Maguire don’t have the potential Theo has to really turn the music industry on its ear in ’09. We used to hail him as the future as hip-hop, but even a lofty title like that might not be doing him justice. Hype much? Yeah, but if Theo’s not the hottest new artist in the game by 2010 we’ll close up shop and start going to Dave Matthews Band shows.

Theo’s brand new mixtape dropped yesterday and it’s pretty much fire. Beyond the Smiths-referencing title and brilliant Elvis Costello-referencing cover (above left), This Charming Mixtape compiles some of London’s best work to date, including his amazing remix of Amadou & Mariam‘s “Sabali” which kicks things off as the intro track. Try it out for yourself below. Uh-oh, uh-oh.

MP3: “Sabali” (Theophilus London Remix) – Amadou & Mariam