Odd Future lives up to the hype

I've always had trouble finding music news and articles about genres I listen to without having to scroll through countless pages of articles that just didn't spark my interest. I can't blame the internet for not having the perfect balance of rock, hip-hop and metal related information all in one place, so I'm taking a shot at throwing together a blog that does! And what better way to kick off a first post than with talented pack of rappers?

(L-R) Syd the Kid, Hodgy Beats, Left Brain, Tyler the Creator,
 Earl Sweatshirt, Taco, Jasper, Domo Genesis
(photo courtesy: mun2)

They might break your nose when they jump feet first off the roof of a venue into a crowd, but they certainly won’t apologize for it. And why would they? Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All has made a name for themselves based on their outrageous stage shows and blatantly offensive lyricism, and fans know that the potential of bodily harm is all just a part of the experience.

Ringleader Tyler the Creator and the slew of rappers, producers, and various friends that make up the group seem to be a bunch of rebellious pranksters who live for skating and pissing people off.

And that's the main aspect of their appeal; they act their age and do what they want; wreaking havoc along the way is just a bonus, especially if it stirs up some controversy. 

Odd Future first got its start in 2007 and started building an underground fan base through shameless self promotion and various social media outlets like Tumblr and Twitter. Every mix tape they released was self produced and made available for free download on their website, making them way more accessible to the masses.

Hodgy Beats (left) and Tyler, the Creator
of Odd Future perform on Jimmy Fallon
(photo courtesy: Esquire)

By the time Odd Future made their television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon earlier this year (you can watch their performance here), the internet erupted with curiosity and controversy over the Los Angeles based rap collaborative group.

Despite taking different approaches in their respective endeavors, the lyrical content of Odd Future remains fairly consistent; frustration, violence, profanity and drug use, all of which have made them an easy target for critics.

Critics may just be wasting their breath. So their content isn't exactly something that you'd throw onto an after school special, but why put them under such heavy scrutiny if they're not going for that wholesome appeal in the first place? Rappers have always utilized abrasive lyrics that weren't short on profanity. Odd Future is no different.

If anything, being put on blast has only fueled Odd Future's success. They’ve already played countless of sold out shows world-wide, collaborated with the likes of Pusha-T and Nas, and have a legion of fans that are ready to shout “Free Earl!” or “Golf Wang!,” at a moment’s notice.

Tyler, the Creator and Hodgy Beats share some stage time
(photo courtesy: HipHop808)

That’s an impressive feat for any group to accomplish in a matter of months. Not to mention, the majority of the members are barely out of their teens.

The young and abrasive nature of Odd Future may not appeal to everyone, but their approach is anything but mundane. Their outrageous and careless antics are kind of refreshing in the somewhat stifling world of today's music and their commitment to their craft has rightfully gained them the attention they deserve.

Odd Future kicked off its first U.S. tour in late September. You can find the dates here. They'll be stopping by Austin's own FunFunFun Fest on November 6 at Auditorium Shores, so be sure to visit FunFunFun's website to get your tickets and check out the schedule!

If you love being right up in the action and don't mind elbowing at sweaty guys for two hours, I definitely recommend seeing Odd Future. I had pretty high expectations when I went to see them at SXSW this past year and I was completely blown away by the intensity of their performance and the allegiance of their fans.

Check out Tyler, the Creator's video for "Yonkers" from his studio album below!

Also be sure to check out music from MellowHype, Earl Sweatshirt, and Domo Genesis.

You can also find and download the majority of Odd Future's mixtapes here for free!