OFWGKTA

This weeks blog is on the very popular, 10 person Hip Hop group, Odd Future. I have to admit, when I first heard about Odd Future's front man Tyler, the Creator, I thought to myself "....there goes another trouble child, writing his suicide note on wax." But Tyler, and the rest of the group are far from "troubled." (Musically at least) Besides all of their "satanic like" videos and behavior, Odd Future is a group comprised of very talented artist.

First off, Tyler the Creator is the ringleader, sparking controversy through his music, including his latest CD, Goblin, where topics such as Jesus Christ and homosexuality, (not in too much of a good way) often come up. Don't forget his controversial video entitled "Yonkers," which is actually nominated for a VMA this year. "Yonkers" has scared (especially me) and shocked viewers who watch it, but has artistically showed the mind of a schizophrenic personality, which Tyler said he's interested in.

Then you have R&B weirdo, Frank Ocean. Between Ocean's original vocal presence and off centered lyrics, his talent and music is a recipe for success. Frank Ocean gets constant radio spins with the dark but catchy hit song, Novacane. The 23-year old Ocean, keeps generating buzz as he recently made a guest appearance on a couple of songs for the super collaboration album Watch the Throne, which is by Jay-Z and Kanye West. The album will drop later this year.

Finally......like out of nowhere, there is this folktale hero. A 17 year old teenager, who's lyrical ability and flow has the potential of giving a top tear veteran in the Hip Hop game, a run for their money. He goes by the name of Earl Sweatshirt. To be so young, this kid's lyrical ability is simply brilliant. His debut album/mixtape Earl, was regarded as a classic and in some Hip Hop circles (NOT MINE) as "better than" Hip Hop legend Nas' Illmatic. What really makes Earl's story so extraordinary, is that he dropped this cult classic music and then he disappeared from the rap scene. Well according to several news and personal sources, Earl's mother enrolled him in boarding school. When word got out, his fans started making "Free Earl" posters, shirts and pictures as if he was in jail. Earl's presence is certainly missed but Tyler assured fans that he will be back with Odd Future soon.

Odd Future maybe weird, but lets face it.....who isn't in Hip Hop these days. These young kids from Los Angeles have tapped into controversy to make themselves popular and I can't blame them. Everyone has a gimmick in Hip Hop. So whether they do or don't believe in the Devil, I support their originality.

I'll leave you guys with three videos from all three of the artist I just named, so if you haven't heard of them, you can get a feel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQhpXOSaQqU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSbZidsgMfw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78_loMbmKJ8&feature=related

Peace and #FreeEarl!