Le1f released his latest mixtape, Tree House, this past Tuesday, and it is the realness.

Le1f, nÌ©e Khalif Diouf, is a queer New York native who broke into the scene by producing “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell‰” by Das Racist. His music video “Wut‰” generated internet buzz and created an image for the avant-garde artist. In April 2012, Le1f released critically-acclaimed mixtape, Dark York. In January 2013 he put out the Fly Zone mixtape, which was also well-received by the music blogosphere.

When I first heard “Wut,‰” I loved the electronic sound and speedy rapping but was not convinced that Le1f would ever be a go-to artist in my music library. Dark York and Fly Zone made me realize that he had serious lyrical skills, but could Le1F do it again? Could he deliver?

Tree House mixtape definitely delivered! Le1f raps purposefully over nuanced club and trap beats. Producers The Drum, Cybergiga, Potionz, DE, Eyedress, Shy Guy, Boody, Rick Rab, FaltyDL and Aeirs TV have distinct sampling styles that complement Le1f‰’s deep, calming voice.

There is no doubt that sex is a prominent theme in Tree House. Unlike some, Le1f is not afraid to address more challenging topics like romantic affirmation, friendship and drug use. His lyrics are meticulous, while his manner of speech stays smooth throughout fast verses.

Stand out songs include “Swerve‰” and “Kadabra/Anubish‰” because of the heavy bass and downbeat samples. The track “Oils‰” features outspoken rapper Junglepussy where she drops story-like rhymes and takes the lead after an intro from Le1f. Junglepussy is a fashionable Brooklyn-based artist named Shayna. Her emphasis on certain words shift the focus of the song to a Junglepussy club encounter. “Star Me‰” includes raps from up and coming artists like Lofty 305, DonChristian and JODY & Rahel, “Blood Oranges‰” features Ian Isiah and Juliana Huxtable.

Le1f appeals to the underground-club-going, drink sipping, mesh-wearing, metropolitan, 20-somethings. His audience is, of course, more expansive and it doesn’t hurt that he speaks his mind on Twitter. Le1f criticized Macklemore‰’s VMA win by tweeting “that time that straight white dude ripped off my song then made a video about gay interracial love and made a million dollars.‰” Le1f is referring to his jazzy beat in “Wut‰” (released July 2012) that resembles the percussion/woodwinds sound in “Thrift Shop‰” (released August 2012). I am not sure there was plagiarism involved, but I do find it troubling that the VMAs awarded Macklemore for advocating a cause that does not affect him. Thank goodness we have Le1f to keep us in check!

Tree House is filled with bangers and unforgettable verses. Listen to the whole thing here:

Le1f is performing in D.C. at U Street Music Hall on September 25, 2013 with Antwon and Lakutis. Undoubtedly, it will be the concert of the year.