Odd Future-The OF Tape Vol. 2

Obscurity.  The operative word that has surrounded the L.A. collective since their meteoric rise has been a staple of critics and listeners alike.  Gimmicks, comedy, ego, and a nonchalant attitude towards hip-hop and people within the culture, is what has helped propel OF into stardom, whether they want it or not.  However, the different personalities, abilities, and overall place in the group, have detracted from one cardinal facet that, for the Wolf Gang, is often overlooked, their talent.  They are a RAP group.  The rappers can RAP and the producers can PRODUCE.  Setting aside the group's antics, that for some hip-hop fans could be depicted as just a ruse for publicity, OF is not receiving the appropriate recognition as some of the best in the game.  "The OF Tape Vol. 2" is going to provide them with that recognition.  The much anticipated follow-up (which is released as an actual full length album despite it's title) to "The Odd Future Tape" gives OF heads a familiar feel to their previous works, but also expands to a more maturing and wide-spread fan-base.  The production from Syd, (the sole female member) Left Brain, Jet Age Of Tomorrow, and Tyler, the Creator (front man of the group) is melodic and simplistic, which has been the credo for their success.  While some of the beats are hard-hitting, the subtly whithin the production allows for dynamic lyricism, which they have in spades.  Tracks like "Bi*ches," (Domo Genesis/ Hodgy Beats) "Ned Flander," (Hodgy Beats/Tyler, the Creator) and "50" (Mellowhype) are signature songs that are the foundation of the OF sound.  Mike G shows off his lyrical expansion on "Forest Green," The Internet provides a funk influenced track with "Ya Know," and Taco and Jasper (non-rapping members) spit on "We Got Bi*ches," which is a comedically driven mockery and snub to main stream hip-hop.  R&B crooner Frank Ocean shines and displays why he has exploded in the last year with songs like "White," Snow White," and fan favorite, "Analog 2."  Proclaimed "weed" rapper of the group, Domo Genesis, once again proves his lyricism and flow should be mentioned with some of the best with the song "Doms."  Tyler, the Creator is all over the album and it stands to good reason.  He's growing, rapidly, as not only a rapper, but an artist who is able to propagate a significant message through his music.  The album ends with "Oldie," a 10 minute song that everyone gets a crack at, including highly touted, anticipated, and mysterious Earl Sweatshirt.  The expectation and pressure that has been placed on Sweatshirt, (who is still 17) is burdensome, but the verse he spits on "Oldie" could have been acapella and solo and still been the best track on the album.  Hyperbole aside, he is a lyrical monster!  Earl's youth and foresight into hip-hop are going to put him in a position to challenge some of the biggest artists for rap supremacy.  "The OF Tape Vol. 2" has great lyrics, punch lines, melody, and variety with an undeviating feel to what makes OF unique.  This album will undoubtedly contravene Odd Future's critics, vanquish any remaining doubt to their relevance, and prove that the Golf Wang's future is brighter than ever.