the Informer

As evident from the work of the most recent superstars in the hip-hop industry, the best way to get your music out to the masses and develop a thick following is the mix tape.

We’ve seen it do far more than just “work” for rappers including Drake and Lil Wayne who have illustrated for us that you honestly do not have to be signed to a major label, or have a real album, to make hits and top charts.

This past week, in the midst of randomly browsing Twitter, I came across “The World is a Cartoon,” Khleo Thomas’ debut mix tape, and after the constant stream of tweets encouraging everyone to listen to it, I had to give it a try. It isn’t surprising that the tape just reached 100,000 downloads on Jan. 28.
Khaleed Leon “Khleo” Thomas is an actor known most notably as Zero from “Holes” (2003), who has always had an interest in music but only recently embarked on getting his music out and displaying his passion to the world. Listening to his mix tape all the way through in one shot was enough proof to affirm that Thomas’s talents stretch exceedingly past the silver screen.

The first track is now one of my favorite songs. Being the title track, Thomas displays a witty and clever attitude accompanied by a fearless ferocity for manipulating words to make his lyrics powerful, entertaining and unforgettable.

The point of this song is to illustrate to us how he sees the world—as a cartoon. Just the references alone show an undeniable humor and charisma, let alone an impeccable lyrical prowess once you get to the meat of what he’s saying. This colorful and fun track ignites an eagerness and enthusiasm in the listener to hear more of what Thomas has to say.

As the tape progresses, Thomas gives us a taste of everything. We get a sip of vanity and indulgence in opulence with “Car Show,” a lush serving of romance, some definite club-bangers like, “Purple Yellow Mango,” and a few bites of Auto-tune, not overdone in any way (thank God!).

Some major standout tracks include, “Lay You Down,” a very sensual number that speaks for itself, and, “Break Up,” which is a remix of Mario’s chart-topping R&B hit, spun into an incredibly entertaining rap rendition, Thomas’s way.

Lucky enough, I got a chance to talk to the entertainer about his latest endeavor. When asked about what inspired him on these tracks, he said, “Real Life events. I believe in venting through music. It seems to have worked perfectly.”

Perfectly really is the key word because Khleo’s honesty and talent have created nothing short of that in his music. As for what he wants people to get out of his music, Khleo states, “To relate. My music seems to touch those emotions or those events we’ve all been through in life—love, hate, sex, play, all of it.”

“The World is a Cartoon” has the potential to be one of the best mix tapes out in a while and for a while.

His music can be enjoyed universally and plays to no particular gender. As for what the success of this mix tape will bring, Khleo feels, “If it comes, it comes. Music is something I love so I’m gonna continue to do it because people seem to enjoy my lyrics.”

Thomas’s talent is incontestable and we can be sure to see more and more from this ambitious and bright star in the future.