Ledé Milestone “I Stand Here Alone And Raise This Toast”

As the often-repeated quote goes: “Artists are here to disturb the peace”. Famously written by James Baldwin, this statement applies to all sorts of art, in all its shapes and sizes, even in locations as small as Luxembourg, where you would least expect it. This search to find ways of expressing one’s truth, no matter how inconvenient, is an unspoken mission of artists for whom focusing their lens on uncomfortable matters is the very core of their being, and their source of creativity. The same can be said about the Luxembourgish rapper, Ledé Milestone, and his latest album “Riot” which premiered in October.

“I started rapping when I was about 8 years old”, says Ledé about his beginnings. “With my older brother, we were one of the first ones to have a rap band, to do DJ-ing, produce beats, but also perform on small stages in the northern part of Luxembourg”. The expected breakthrough did not come easy, though, as he recalls he “always struggled to get the respect for what they did because hip hop was not as popular as it was today”. 

Some would say, this is the bitter truth about the music industry in general – feeling let down, ignored or “underrated on purpose” – however, the wider context is always about the people you meet along the way, as they define the quality of your experience. “I knew most of the local rappers personally”, he continues, “so I always tried to help out, organise events, collaborate, etc. But when it came to sticking together, people quickly forgot.” Many would give up at this stage. Ledé, to the contrary, felt even more motivated and learned everything he could about recording, mixing and managing himself as an artist.

The thing about true passion is that you push no matter what and you don’t look back. And here’s where this circle closes and we return to music. Ledé’s latest album, called “RIOT”, is an accumulation of frustrations, anger, but also a sign of an incredible strength and the will to survive against all odds.

Blending traditional rap with a touch of Brazilian Baile rhythms, as well as elements of pop and dancehall, Ledé delivers sharp lyrics in Luxembourgish, offering unfiltered insights based on his firsthand experiences in the music industry as a rapper, and as an individual. Controversial? Sure. But maybe also challenging the status quo in the only way possible. Loud, clear, and with an undeniable need to “disturb the peace”? I will let you judge for yourselves. Mic drop.

Photo: Press release