“Odd Future Tape Vol. 2″ by Odd Future

On March 20th, controversial hip hop group Odd Future released their new mix-tape simply titled the Odd Future Tape Vol. 2. This tape has been the latest release to feature the whole Odd Future crew since their brilliant 2010 “Radical” mixtape. With this new record, Odd Future returns with another set of tracks featuring their trademark style of brutal lyrics spat with impressive ease and flow, hard hitting beats and incredible energy. Forming in Los Angeles in 2007, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA) is made up of front-man Tyler the Creator, rappers Hodgy Beats, Domo Genesis, Mike G, producer Left Brain, and many more with varying levels of involvement. After a number of records and tapes, Odd Future has become one of the most talked about and celebrated hip hop groups of the past several years.

On the new tape, old fans will most likely be pleased with the variety of tracks and impressive performances. For people who weren’t fans of the group before however, I don’t think this tape would be the one to change their opinion mostly based on the lack of standout radio singles (with the possible exception of the fantastic Mike G track “Forest Green”) While the tape is very solid as a whole, it is more about Odd Future doing their thing—and doing it well—than it is about pushing the envelope as a group and making serious progress musically. One of the biggest highlights of the record is the epic closer “Oldie”. Clocking in above the ten minute mark, “Oldie” features all the major OF members including the recently returned Earl Sweatshirt. After releasing one record at the age of 15 to enormous acclaim, Earl left the rap scene temporarily to stay in the island of Samoa to organize his life and take some time off. Now that he’s back Odd Future is a full unit once again and this track is a perfect example to prove Earl hasn’t lost his touch. Overall this tape features a strong set of OF tracks that would please nearly any fan. For an introduction to the group I would recommend starting with some of their earlier records including “Radical”, Tyler’s “Bastard” record and Earl Sweatshirt’s solo debut. Highly recommended.

By Steve Cameron