Biography

With a calm yet sometimes aggressive flow caught on the bridge between mumble rap and trap, Accra rapper Jaleel Thomas sets himself apart from the herd with ingenious production choices and uniquely vulnerable lyrical accounts. The fascinating young talent addresses his struggles with mental health and daily life in his songs, and has collaborated with the likes of $pacely and Questo. He has released multiple contemporary EPs such as 2017’s MORE POWER TO YOU and more elaborate projects such as 2020’s KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Jaleel Thomas a.k.a Leelo was born Jalil Sanni-Thomas in 1999 and grew up between Accra fast-paced city life and the quirky streets of East Providence, Rhode Island USA. He began rapping in high school and took a 3 year hiatus from 2017 to 2022 with the aim of improving his skills behind the scenes. His first EP after returning, Keep Your Distance, was released in 2020 and showcased the rapper’s versatile rap style and ingenious beat selection with songs such as RUMORS, RAPIDO & 01. As he battled with personal demons, his struggles with mental health and self-worth were reflected on the somber yet druggy sound of A Globall Interlude (2021). After another brief hiatus to get his head together, the young rapper, now in his early twenties returned with the explosive FAITH, a rager for certain. The single was a pleasant surprise as it was less dark and more exciting and emotionally uplifting for himself and fellow listeners.