How Odd Future Changed Hip-Hop | Genius News

TIA: It's been over ten years since Los Angeles collective Odd Future released their first project, 'The Odd Future Tape'. Since then, they have helped transform hip-hop and expanded from rap into other creative spaces such as fashion and comedy, leaving a huge mark on their generation. TIA: Thanks to Odd Future's powerful lyrics, captivating visuals, and keen marketing sense, the group was not only able to make their mark on hip-hop, but also on the outside world. TYLER: Just a bunch of fucking teenagers doing bad things knowing we can go to jail or get in trouble for it because we think it's funny.

TIA: At its peak, the group numbered nearly 20 members, many of whom eventually launched solo careers. TIA: Including Frank Ocean, Syd, Earl Sweat, Casey Veggies, Hodgy Beats, Left Brain, Domo Genesis, Mike G, Jasper and of course their frontman, Tyler, the Creator. TYLER: What people don't know is that I'm smarter than a lot of people. Just because I joke and BLAHH, they don't understand how aware and intelligent I really am. TIA: At that time there were many other Internet groups making noise. But part of what made Odd Future's music immediately stand out were their lyrics. INTERVIEWER: Well, what about your lyrics?

TYLER: What's wrong with them? INTERVIEWER: What do you say in your lyrics? TYLER: Nothing, shit to piss off old white guys like you. TIA: Whether they were simply trolling or not, the questionable themes of their music caught a lot of attention, mainly due to their repeated use of homophobic slurs and violence against women. PERSON: They are more aggressive and don't care what they say. They can say what they want. And they get away with it. EARL: One thing you have to understand about OF is that we became famous because of our shitty ideas. Your first drafts made us famous thanks to ours.

So people judged us and based us on our first shit. TIA: But while they may have faced criticism for their lyrics, their unconventional sound caught the attention of fans and critics alike. In an interview with The Guardian in 2011, Tyler explained the group's range of influences, saying: TIA: Along with their striking lyricism and sound, their music videos reflected Odd Future's versatility, from dark visuals to more upbeat vibes that showcased their sense. in the mood. TIA: We see that in everything from Tyler's infamous video for “Yonkers” involving a cockroach…. TIA: ...to Jasper's appearance in a workout video similar to Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan." TIA: But in addition to their attention-grabbing tactics, the group also had a diverse collection of creatives.

TIA: While members like Taco, Earl, and Tyler stayed in the spotlight with their antics, others, like Syd and Frank Ocean, were busy. winning over their own fans and openly identifying as queer. SYD: They treat me with the same respect they treat others. We don't necessarily let gender play a role in how we treat each other, so to me it's all the same. TIA: Syd, aka Syd tha Kid, held it down as a thoughtful presence in the group and as the only female member of Odd Future. TIA: Frank Ocean's elusive presence and mesmerizing sound captured the hearts of fans both as a member of the group and. as a solo artist with the release of his debut studio album, 'channel ORANGE' in 2012.

FRANK: They have freed my thinking in some ways, creatively in the sense of knowing that you can do a lot of things on your own. just the songs but taking control of all your movement. TIA: As a collective, Odd Future helped change what it meant to be a rapper. Musically, the group did not fit into a single category and created their own narrative for their art. TIA: And it was hard to miss Odd Future's presence online. They had mastered a DIY approach that allowed them to build an audience and release music whenever and however they wanted, thanks to a sizable following on YouTube and Tumblr.

SYD: I had a template for my press releases with the logo at the top. It made people think that Odd Future had signed with some big marketing company. But we weren't, it was just me. TIA: The group constantly released music and videos that kept fans aware of what they were going through and hungry for more. TYLER: BITCH! Fuck you, fuck you! Expel! Keep your mouth closed! TIA: Your rabid fan base ultimately helped open the doors to your Adult Swim comedy show, 'Loiter Squad,' which ran for three seasons. TYLER: So you're bringing me a birthday present on my birthday to my birthday party with a birthday present?!

JASPER: Happy birthday? TIA: But as word spread online about Odd Future's movement, so did their signature look. TIA: Known for their love of bright colors and the famous Supreme box logo, the group established themselves as trendsetters in streetwear. TIA: Your brand affiliation quickly became more than that, and your merchandise became a staple in the fashion industry. TIA: The collective launched their own line under their name, loaded with bright colors and their signature donut logo. And fans had no problem lining up around the block just to get their hands on a distinctive piece and catch a glimpse of the eccentric group.

TACO: If you had told me this shit would happen a year ago, I would have said, Shit. TIA: As the years passed, Odd Future slowly began to break up as each member began to focus on separate projects. TIA: Tyler released his own solo projects, and the songs from each one took on a wildly different tone than his earlier work. TIA: His next project 'IGOR' is expected to come out in mid-May 2019. TIA: Earl Sweat also released his own solo projects. His most recent album, 'Some Rap Songs', was released in November 2018. TIA: Syd and his bandmate Matt Martians branched out to start The Internet.

His most recent project, 'Hive Mind,' was released in July 2018. TIA: And Frank Ocean, who usually keeps quite to himself, has had fans wondering what's next since he released 'Blonde' in 2016. TIA: We've received solo projects. and music from other members too. Domo Genesis, Hodgy Beats, Mike G, Left Brain and Casey Veggies have released their own work. TIA: And while Odd Future may not get back together, as a group, their mark on this generation of music and culture has been undeniable. TYLER: Intanetz. Is coming down. Let them know. What's going on? Descents. TIA: I'm Tia from Genius News, bringing you the meaning and knowledge behind music.