21st century Hip-Hop has followed a simple formula for the most part; cash, money, and hoes have dominated its lyrical landscape. Still, with puberty underway, art form and the anxiety of adolescence has led to a variety of psychedelic changes, none more evident than the movement known as Odd Future. This band of Fairfax skaters represent rap’s first cult status offering since Wu-Tang. Yet, unlike the Shaolin syndicate, this clan of kids is more reminiscent of a group of Old Dirty Bastards.
Yes, the majority of M.C.’s busy bragging about multi-colored diamonds offer youth little to relate to. But when Tyler, Hodgy, Domo, and the crew flow like a band of brothers they can’t help but feel a kinship. On their latest album, everyone in the outfit gets a chance to shine: Frank Ocean muses melodious on “White”; Tyler’s audio goes other worldly on “Analog 2”; and Left Brain sounds spacey throughout. Then there is the McCartney mystery of the modern day, Earl Sweatshirt. After an ample amount of time away, Earl returns with precision poetics on “Oldie.”
The Odd Future was born in 2008 when their self-titled mixtape infiltrated the triple-w. Four years later and not only has the group grown in size, they’ve also matured artistically. The official follow-up to their established introduction dropped on March 20th, and debuted at number 5 on Billboard’s Top 200. Without any mainstream publicity, tens of thousands of copies were devoured in days by youth all over the world. Why, because they’re the rebellion providing catharsis.
From every angle, the Wolf Gang are in creative control on Volume 2. “Oldie” is aided by an outstanding video which contrasts the acidic visuals of “Rella.” Not only is Volume 2 a progressive endeavor, it’s packaged beautifully. Four covers are available when purchasing the compact disc, including one of their most clever group photos to date. Add to that an off-the-wall clothing line and a worldwide tour already underway. En route, the band stopped in Toronto to perform at Sound Academy and sell their wares at Live Stock. The latter saw fans lining up around the block for a chance to meet their idols. Meet them they did because Odd Future is serious about their community. Their community, in turn, is serious about the Future.
Critics may argue that this weird world which awaits us isn’t worth your money, while supporters will scream the opposite. This time around the masses are louder, making it easy to agree with Tyler’s concluding remarks, “these dudes are fucking rad!”
Oldie:
Rella: