The engrossing documentary “Always, Lady London” shows how an angelic poet transitioned from medical maven to musical maverick in one afternoon.
As fans will see in the three-part Tubi series, the lyrical lioness was well on her way to a prosperous career as a neurosurgeon when fate swooped down, pierced through the Los Angeles fog, and descended on the notorious parking lot better known as Interstate 10.
London just so happened to be entangled within the abominable Los Angeles rush-hour vortex, just thousands of metal coffins just inching along the highway, when London’s raison d’ etre, her reason for being, intercepted her path to getting her master’s in global medicine.
Lady London had an epiphany
The lifelong poet and rapper decided to livestream herself freestyling in her car to kill the time. The clip went viral and amassed over eight million views. Music labels came calling. The career in medicine came to an immediate halt and a new professional path had been born.
The series captures the process of creating the rising artist’s debut album, To Whom It May Concern. Produced by MACRO Television Studios and directed by Erika Bryant, the project captures the artist’s evolution in real time.
From the outside, you couldn’t find two more diametrically opposed professions. But a closer look unveils its similarities: meticulous attention to detail, high skill level, perseverance, long hours, and requiring an indefatigable spirit.
In the documentary, fans will get a glimpse into the turbulent, arduous, but ultimately rewarding journey into international recognition. It helps that her music was endorsed by the likes of Busta Rhymes and Timbaland, which let her know that she was walking in her purpose of delivering powerful messages to the masses.
Lady London has a powerful message to share
“I think that the state of music right now is in a very volatile space. I think we are perpetuating narratives of darkness. And promiscuousness. A lot I do feel like there is a light, a certain level of healing, a certain level of positivity, a certain level of vulnerability that needs to be shared,” she told rolling out.
Lady London is all about taking risks
Lady London emphasized the importance of taking risks and pursuing one’s passion. She discussed the volatile state of modern music, advocating for more positivity and vulnerability.
“So it was a journey, and it was a lot to shift positions, but I do believe I’m exactly where I was always supposed to be, and I believe that I have a message to be delivered, and I didn’t know on what medium exactly, but right now, music seems to be driving it. Absolutely.”
In the documentary, Lady London highlighted the significance of her just completed 33-city tour as a warm-up for her upcoming headlining tour that is filmed on “Always, Lady London.” London’s decision to leave medical school was challenging, but her mother now supports her. She believes her journey was divinely guided and aims to deliver a message of duality in rap.
While growing up between the Bronx and New Jersey, hip-hop and her anger were constants during her formative years. Poetry was her way to reconcile her inner turmoil that she admits often led to violence. By the time she graduated from Howard University with a dual degree in sports medicine and chemistry, she was very secure in who she was as a person. She felt ready to take on Southern California, where she planned on becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
“Los Angeles, California, which was pretty cool, because if you go to a place like that, you have to know exactly who you are,” she said. “You need a strong sense of self in order not to get lost in, you know, the dark, or just the different nuances of what Hollywood, you know, can do.”
The documentary delivers its own message separate from her debut album, To Whom it May Concern, which is a testament to resiliency in the midst of adversities as one steps out on faith to achieve her dreams that were born long ago.