If you are unaware of Tyler the Creator and Odd Future, it's not totally your fault. Popular rap blogs have blocked them as a rift between the blogs and the rappers has emerged. It seems that Odd future's leader, Tyler the Creator, is upset because the blogs would not post his music so he called them out on the types of music and reasons they post them. (I.e. they're selling out, soulless, etc.)
But besides the feud with blogs and a random hatred for Steve Harvey, Tyler the Creator is jarringly nihilistic and shockworthy. This is perhaps best exemplified in the video for his song "Yonkers."
This stuff makes D12 and Eminem look like child's play, no? It's ODB but with a more controlled psychotic mindset.
But like any good rapper, Tyler doesn't work alone. His crazy misfit group consists of the following:
Tyler the Creator - The leader and rapper and producer AKA Wolf Haley or Ace the creator
Hodgy Beats - Frontman of Mellowhype, rapper and producer.
Earl Sweatshirt - One of the younger members, and one of the most villanous rappers in a long time. Unfortunately, he seems to be in bootcamp because of the graphic nature of his music. Mama didn't play that. #freeEarl
Left Brain -Producer behind Mellowhype, and occasional rapper.
Mike G - Rapper with one of the most unique flows, similar to chopped and screwed.
Domo Genesis - Been plagued with the "weed rapper" tag but seems to be more than just that. Also had the album and song name "Rolling Papers" before Wiz Khalifa.
Jasper Dolphin - Occasional rapper but all in all hilarious group mascot
Taco - Hilarious group mascot
Super3/Jet age of tommorow - synth heavy production team and group.
Syd tha Kid - Producer and seemingly an engineer. Also the the lone female in the group.
There are more affiliated members and members who are not involved musically, but these guys are the core. With such a large group the obvious Wu-Tang comparison is being thrown around. And like Wu Tang, Odd Future members are uniquely talented enough to stand out on their own as solo artists.
There is, however, an ugly side to this rosy tale. The content of the group's music (they talk about fecal matter, throw around f**got a lot, etc.) is turning heads and many are understandably disgusted. However, you can't help but be intrigued by some of the sick and crazy thoughts of these 16-19 year olds (yeah, they're teenagers).
The crazy stories are reminiscent of the genius of a Stephen King novel in which one just explores the darkest thoughts of the mind through a stream of consciousness. You go places you don't want to go with Odd Future, but somehow you can't get off the ride.
Regardless of whether you like Odd Future or not, it cannot be denied that this crew is refreshing for hip hop and challenging the likes of Lady Gaga with creativity (granted not with the same amount of money involved).
Boasting critical acclaim from XXL in the top 50 mixtapes of the year and "Earl" by Earl Sweatshirt being named on of the songs of the year by the New York Times, this gang of oddballs just might make it to the mainstream. Enjoy more crazy visuals from the Odd Future crew and pretend like you understand the movement.
