During our trip to Austin's SXSW music festival this past March, The Mix became acquainted with this month’s artist spotlight, Toronto's own, Lex Leosis.
Lex was one of 6 bands to test pilot a brand new pro feature, the Lyric Videos app, which allows artists to create short clips for social media with synced lyrics (you can see her creation below).
While the lyric video feature isn’t officially available yet, you can request an early access to this feature here.
Lex is a hip hop artist who has been making waves in the Canadian music scene since the release of her debut Soundcloud EP, “Leosis”. Like some of our previous features (such as Dyvr and Ruby Duff), Lex is dedicated to using her platform responsibility and inclusively - making space for other women and gender minorities in what is traditionally a male-dominated space, and acknowledging the contributions of her predecessors as a self-proclaimed “guest” in the Hip-hop genre. Known for her introspective lyrics, confident delivery, and unique blend of boom-bap and funk/jazz infusion, Lex has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of Canadian Hip-hop.
Lex began writing her own raps in high school, honing her skills by freestyling with friends and performing at local open mic nights, rap battles, and other various competitions. In 2016, after a few years of grinding on the Toronto hip hop scene, Lex teamed up with fellow Toronto rappers Haviah Mighty, Keysha Freshh, and pHoenix Pagliacci to form The Sorority, a supergroup of talented female MCs. The group's debut album, "Pledge," was released to critical acclaim and helped to cement Lex's reputation as a rising star in Canadian Hip-hop.
In 2017, Lex released her sophomore solo album, "Tomboy” followed by Mythologies in 2020. While her latest works show her growth as a producer and songwriter, incorporating fresh musical influences and production styles, one of the most poignant developments in Lex’s discography can be found in her lyrical content; the raps, themselves. Lex’s earlier works explore self-discovery, vulnerability, and now with her latest single, “Dangerous”, complete ownership and power in her personal narrative. The story arch of her lyrics are raw, honest and passionate. Lex Leosis is a rare artist, who, having tirelessly worked her way up in the Canadian and American Hip-hop scenes, is conscientious about making space and giving encouragement to newcomers who, like herself, have found their home in the genre.
While her music and voice are ever-evolving, Lex continues to deliver her unique flow, commanding stage presence, and empowering messages that have earned her a loyal fan base. Stay tuned to more from Lex and don’t forget to pre-save her upcoming single TOO CLOSE, which will be available on all major streaming platforms from the 21st of April.
Look out for our upcoming special SXSW interview of Lex on The Mix Podcast in the coming months.
Lex Leosis Lyrics: Dangerous
Pre-save: TOO CLOSE