LD 50 is 22 year old Thomas Widmer, an up and coming rapper from Richmond, Virginia, whose presence on the local scene has not gone unnoticed. While he can usually be spotted at house shows around the Greater Richmond area, he’s recently begun his breakout into the club scene with shows at The Camel opening for local favorites Black Girls. The latest of these shows with Black Girls will take place tonight, Thursday, June 20th, at 10pm.
LD 50 is 22 year old Thomas Widmer, an up and coming rapper from Richmond, Virginia, whose presence on the local scene has not gone unnoticed. While he can usually be spotted at house shows around the Greater Richmond area, he’s recently begun his breakout into the club scene with shows at The Camel opening for local favorites Black Girls. The latest of these shows with Black Girls will take place tonight, Thursday, June 20th, at 10pm.
RVA got in touch with the recent VCU graduate to get the scoop on what he is doing these days, and where his post-undergrad life will take him next. Before you go out to the show this Thursday night, take a step back and get to know LD-50 first. He has a lot to say about empathetic thinking, and is open to conversation with anyone willing to listen. We got together to have a humble conversation about art, inspiration, and influence, and we now present the results for your enjoyment and edification.
When did you first know you wanted to be a rapper? Is this a career path for you? What did you go to VCU for?
I was around 14 years old when I realized that I wanted to write for a living. It began with poetry and flash fiction, and eventually progressed to attempts at full length novels. I was about 60 pages into my third novel attempt when my girlfriend (my first true love) broke up with me. The breakup really made me take a step back, reassess my situation, and think about where I was and where I wanted to be. Having been isolated from most of my “friends” by proxy, I had an unprecedented thirst for catharsis and no means to quench it. Then, while listening to music alone in my room one night, it hit me. I was completely fascinated by the extent to which the expressive potential of words could be amplified by music. In combination, words and sounds can evoke far more powerful and profound feelings in the listener than either could alone. I’ve been writing lyrics ever since, and I plan to do so for the rest of my career.
I started in Computer Science at VCU. I did fine but decided it wasn’t for me. I almost switched to English in order to pursue teaching, but decided I would be better off with a Business degree. This past May, I graduated with a BS in Business Management. I definitely learned some things that will come in handy when I get my own business up and running. I’ve submitted the articles of incorporation for my nonprofit environmental organization, and I’m waiting for the Virginia SCC to process it. I plan to grow the organization with my rap career.
When did LD 50 become a project for you, and when did you become serious about it?
I actually started off with a different name. LD50 has been around since March 2012, and I’ve been pursuing it seriously this whole time.
All the songs I’ve heard thus far are you rapping over the remixed songs of other artists, and it seems the beats you choose are not all from hip hop. Which artists have mostly influenced you?
I love to rap over electronic music. It feels great, and seems to be the style that I vibe with most naturally. That said, I never want to pigeonhole myself into any specific style or genre. I draw inspiration from all types of music, so it would be almost impossible list the artists who influence me most. While countless musicians have influenced me subconsciously, there are only a few whose influence I am consciously aware of and acknowledge: Wale, Talib Kweli, Kid Cudi, Eminem, Glitch Mob, Ratatat, Logic, Kanye,
Are you working on any original material now?
Yes. I just linked up with a producer, who I found on the Hip-Hop Heads subreddit. We’re working together on an EP. Hopefully it will be finished and released by the end of August. I’ve also started working on my next mixtape, and I’m beginning to learn how to produce beats myself.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I draw my inspiration from my life experiences. The reason I wanted to write for a living was because I’ve always had a lot to say. I desperately want to change the way people perceive this existence. I want to encourage and foster empathetic thinking. I want to share my pains and my struggles, in hopes that it will help other people through theirs. I am inspired by the potential of each individual, and by the impact that one can have on another.
How has your style changed since you began LD 50?
I feel that my style has only changed slightly over the past two years. Apart from the natural progression in technicality and flow, I’ve definitely become more confident and more willing to push outside of my ‘comfort zone’ in terms of my voice and my overall sound.
How has playing at The Camel with Black Girls affected your status in Richmond? Do you know them well?
I’m sure it has helped more than I know. I haven’t really broken onto the performing scene, even though I realize how important that is to building a presence as an artist. Erica, the manager of Black Girls, was my neighbor until recently. Over the past year I became very good friends with her and most of the band. They are all great guys, and I really appreciate Erica & the band’s support, as well as the opportunity they’ve provided me in opening for them as many times as I have. They always bring big crowds out, and they make great music, so it’s awesome to be able to open for their shows.
You’ve only played house shows and at The Camel, what has the reception been like thus far?
It’s been great! The people have been really encouraging and supportive. I do my best to put on a good show every time, and Richmond has showed me nothing but love so far.
What’s in line for LD 50’s future?
A lot of work!! I’ve got a website that I need to get finished; a nonprofit to establish; an EP this summer; mixtape after mixtape after that. I’m trying to set realistic goals for myself and tackle them as quickly and efficiently as possible. If all goes well over the next year and a half, you’ll see me on the 2015 cover of XXL’s freshman edition.
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LD 50 performs with Black Girls and My Way tonight, Thursday June 20, at The Camel, located at 1621 W. Broad St. The show starts at 10 PM, and admission is $6. For more info, click here.
