Leslie Jonathan Mampe, Jr., (born 26 July 1985), better known by his stage name Da L.E.S, is a South African-American hip hop recording artist and record producer. He achieved early success with his band, Jozi, and is most known for his solo single, "Heaven", which was released in 2013, and features AKA, and

Maggz Gift Magubane, professionally known as Maggz is a South African rapper known for his time with Cashtime Life when Hip Hop music was at its peak in South Africa, and for his guest appearances on Da L.E.S's Heaven and Real Stuff alon ...

Early life and music career

Mampe was born in

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, to South African parents, Leslie Jonathan Mampe, an IT specialist who worked at IBM, and his wife, Priscilla. Mampe, Sr. was a collector of music LPs and was known for hosting parties. It is through this that Mampe discovered his musical talents at a young age, while living in the United States with his parents. Da L.E.S. ushered in a new fun era of rap characterized by his cool kid demeanor and college swag aesthetic. It stuck and quickly became the new flavor of the streets. Les was also largely responsible for the continental success of the Ama Kip Kip brand, which he helped popularize by always flaunting them in his music videos. Most South Africans during that period wore AKK and danced to '' Muthaland Crunk.'' According t
creative-hiphop
Da Les is the only African rapper whose influence covered all three major facets of hip hop – music, clothing and lifestyle. Creative-HipHop's editor in chief, Paperman named him the most influential African Rapper of all time. In 2014, Mampe starred in a South African television series, ''The Real Jozi A-Listers'', as a lead character alongside South African television and media personality Maps Maponyane, both playing fictionalized versions of themselves.

Personal life

Mampe welcomed the birth of his daughter, whose godfather is South African hip hop recording artist and good friend AKA. Da L.E.S is the godfather to AKA's daughter.

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Videography

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:L.E.S, Da 1985 births Living people Musicians from Washington, D.C. Musicians from Houston Musicians from Johannesburg South African hip hop musicians South African rappers African-American male rappers 21st-century American rappers 21st-century American male musicians 21st-century African-American musicians 20th-century African-American people