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By Alicia Foreman

Staff Writer

Rating:

The OF Tape Vol. 2 is the second official project from the controversial group Odd Future (or Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All if you’re long-winded). The record displays a balance between growth from some of the group’s members and regression to the inescapable stereotype of being mindless, shock-value skateboarders from Los Angeles. However, the album successfully showcases each member in their own light.

The album starts off with the 80’s flared beat on “Bitches,” featuring verses by Hodgy Beats and Domo Genesis. Both are consciously out to prove that they are more than shadows of the group’s frontman, Tyler, The Creator, by showcasing their considerable growth since the groups last collaboration, “The 12 Odd Future Songs.”

“NY (Ned Flanders)” holds true to one of Odd Future’s best qualities: their quirky beats. “NY” is a perfect balance of simplicity and aberration topped off with Hodgy and Tyler’s seemingly intuitive play off of one another. Tyler dances the fine line between genius and whack lyricism with his play on words best reflected in his verse “This that we s*** hot s***, p*** off custodians// Get rich and marry fat bitch Lamar Odom.”

Collaborative duo Syd the Kyd and Matt Martians’ (collectively known as The Internet) soul-infused contribution, “Ya Know,” is a refreshing reminder as to why this versatile group as a whole rose to fame.

The insouciant beat on “Lean” made by Tyler attributes Hodgy’s ability to adapt to any flow showcasing some of his best verses on the album. Though it’s a mere 2:35 long, it should not be skimmed over.

Tyler’s self-proclaimed favorite song on the album, “Analog 2,” is a continuation of the song “Analog” found on his solo release, “Goblin.” Sealed with a feature from Frank Ocean, it’s a perfect example of the chemistry between Tyler and Frank that results in an eerie, mellow-infused piece.

Though the video is completely ridiculous, “Rella” is the biggest banger on the album and deserves a hall pass for the damage done by the music video. The lyrics mirror the stupidity of the video, Tyler being the worst offender of them all: “ Yo momma look like a ugly, loser.” All in all the catchy, upbeat nature of the song showcases the essence of Odd Future — quirky Waka Flocka loving outcasts.

Sorry, “We Got Bitches” just isn’t working for me. Though all collaborations involving Tyler, Taco and Jasper (two non-musical members of OF), are to be taken with a grain of salt in accepting it for what it is, I cannot bear to sit through the whole song without cringing. Even “Bitch Suck Dick” on “Goblin” is bearable, even enjoyable with its fun beat and coherent dumb lyrics. “We Got Bitches” is the weakest beat on the album; it sounds like a Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz track circa 2004–no thanks.

The album wraps up with a banger, “Oldie,” that features nine of the 11 group members in a freestyle flow over a hypnotic old school beat. Obviously the highlight of the track is Earl Sweatshirt’s last minute addition to the track after his long-awaited return from the Samoan Islands. He kills it.

The album as a whole isn’t that impressive, but exhibits several breakthrough moments. Luckily for OF though, the hype from their large pool of die-hard fans will ensure a cushion from the critics’ backlash. It’s safe to say that OFWGKTA has stayed relevant for more than 15 minutes.