Halifax-based rapper and producer C Stone-Léon has released New Hollywood, themed around his love for film, VHS tapes, and, as the title suggests, the ‘new Hollywood era of film.’ It features sampled film dialogue and pop culture references.
New Hollywood is the first project I’ve done that truly represents my vision. –
C Stone-Léon
Entirely self-produced, Léon describes the album as his most authentic work. “New Hollywood is the first project I’ve done that truly represents my vision,” he says in a media release. “I was able to shape the sound, visuals, and overall feel exactly as I intended.”
The nine-track album includes a guest appearance by Starz Coleman on Dollar Store, a track on which Léon chose not to contribute vocals. “I’ve wanted to work with Starz for a while, and letting him do the record solo felt right,” says Léon.
The other guest artist on New Hollywood is Léon’s long-time friend Luke French, who appears on the track My Dinner w/ Andre. French’s album Forever Hold Your Piece, released late last year on the NoLoveNorthern label, was the label’s first album. Leon’s New Hollywood marks NoLoveNorthern’s second.
Citing artists such as Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, MF Doom, and The Alchemist as key influences, Léon describes his song as “groovy and grimy.” “It’s real, unfiltered hip hop that’ll make you visualize, bob your head and dance,” he says.
New Hollywood is now available on most streaming platforms. Léon and other local artists will perform at The Toothy Moose (1661 Argyle St, Halifax) on March 6, 2025.
You can follow Léon on Instagram.