Earl Sweatshirt – Chum

We haven't really heard much from Odd Future's Earl since 'The OF Tape Vol.2'.  'Chum' is his latest and first release since coming back from Samoa, a mellowed out , emotional track about his family life over light pianos and drums. Many expected Earl and the other OF guys to have fizzled out by now, but with this being the latest of a series of impressive releases from the crew, we can only see big things ahead of Earl, Tyler, Hodgy and co.
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Flying Lotus feat. Earl Sweatshirt - Between Friends

Having dropped sometime in late July, 'Between Friends' might be old news for some. However we're giving it a follow up post, since we don't really believe that this excellent collab got all the attention it deserved.
'Between Friends' is Flying Lotus' contribution to the weekly Adult Swim Singles Series and features the back and forth between Earl Sweatshirt and a mysterious character named Captain Murphy.
Naturally, with Earl on the mic, the level of wordplay and lyrical delivery is phenomenal, just as we've come to expect from the ever-maturing Odd Future member.  Combine that with Lotus' inspired beat work, and you've got a track with all the best introspection and imagery of Odd Future's Earl, accompanied by one of the finest and most complex beats we've ever heard.
For all you Hip-Hop fans, this really is worth checking out and since it's a FREE download here, it's an instant library addition. Hard to believe this didn't get more attention in the first place. Something tells us, FlyLo's  full-length release, Until the Quiet Comes, due October 2nd, is gonna be one hell of an album. WANT MORE? Then follow The HotBox on Facebook and Twitter

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Odd Future - The OF Tape Vol. 2

So the 'OF Tape Vol. 2' has been out a few days and the reaction positive, though lacking the shock factor of previous releases. But this is a good thing for OFWGKTA, the album itself represents a move away from filler tracks and shock factor for shock factors sake. Yes, we did receive the "Rella" and "NY (Ned Flander)" videos; two high budget 'look at us!' head turners for the fleeting hipster-hop fans of Odd Future, but ultimately this album goes back to what made the OF boys really stand out (if only really coming to fruition a few times on the album) tight unified collaborations on beats, aggressive verses and spontaneous videos.....all of which is summed up in the 10min long epic finale of the album, 'Oldie'.
'Oldie' doesn't need to be 10 minutes long and it doesn't need a lo-fi spontaneous video with members stumbling over their verses, but both these factors are as deliberate as the inclusion of every OFWGKTA, member, up to and including Hodgy Beats, Mike G and Frank Ocean, hell even Jasper Dolphinspits his debut verse.....it might border on overkill but it reminds us all not just how each member can stand alone on their individual skills, but how their collaborative nature is what made them worth watching in the first place.....and yes while Tyler the Creator still dominates this album as he has before, it's hardly a bad thing.....plus Earl Sweatshirt's return is much appreciated.
Check the video for 'Oldie' below and grab 'The OF Tape Vol. 2' available via iTunes


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Odd Future: Syd Tha Kid - Who Are You? (Instrumental)

While the internet debate rages on as to the credibility of Tyler The Creator and co of Odd Future, much of the scene's attention is turning to the collective's only female member...namely Syd Tha Kid. Until now she's worked mainly behind the scenes as a DJ, Producer and Audio Engineer. However Syd is now trying the industry out on her own with the each solo release it's getting harder and harder not to notice just how talented she is.
Her latest release 'Who Are You?' has just made it's way onto the web (soon to take over the hypemachine no doubt) and really showcases her producing talent.
Check it and download for FREE below...


Syd Tha Kid - Who Are You? (Instrumental)

Also check Syd's deep remix of Little Dragon's 'Seconds'
Little Dragon - Seconds (Syd The Kid Remix) by pushinghoops

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Album: Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra

Those who already know about Frank Ocean will recognise that this is old news. Nevertheless i've posted this up for the ignorant. Frank Ocean is the best thing to happen to R&B in years. His production is stunning, vocals and lyrics are thought-provoking and in general very original. 

Ocean is a member of the acclaimed Odd Future (OFWGKTA), but certainly not your typical member. Unlike the Horrorcore of Tyler the Creator and EARL Sweatshirt, Ocean takes a much more laid back approach to his music. This makes it far more accessible to the 'not so alternative' listener. Despite this however, many of his tracks are highly dark and emotional, a notable example being the excellent "There Will Be Tears"

the only dad i'd ever know

but pretty soon he'd be gone too

hide my face hide my face

can't let em see me crying cause these boys didn't have no fathers neither

and they weren't crying

my friend said it wasn't so bad

you can't miss what you ain't had

well i can

i'm sad and there will be tears

The whole album was self released by Ocean and is available for free here, I strongly recommend you give it a go....to wet your appetite ive linked the drug fueled 'Novacaine' below. Be sure to give it a go.

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