‘The Bear’ Star Lionel Boyce’s Emmys Outfit Included A Nod To His Odd Future Days

lionel boyce
Getty Image

The Bear didn’t get a second consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series trophy at the 2024 Emmys, but the show hardly went home empty handed. Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Liza Colón-Zayas all won in their retrospectives categories, and co-creator Christopher Storer was presented with Outstanding Directing for the “Fishes” episode. Lionel Boyce didn’t officially win anything, but he won the hearts of Loiter Squad fans everywhere by wearing clothing with a nod back to his Odd Future days.

As noted by GQ, Boyce, who plays pastry chef Marcus on the FX series, was “dressed in a smart black zip jacket with roomy pleated trousers, a club collar shirt with a pastel pink tie, and a wool baseball cap, all from Odd Future founder Tyler, the Creator’s label Golf Le Fleur.” He took off the beanie, so you know it was a big deal.

“Custom @lefleur for the Emmys,” Boyce wrote on Instagram. “Thank you Tyler, @darrenvongphakdy, @bykaidan, and @ruby.vickers for making it happen. Also thanks @nilou_nilou for always helping with the styling.”

Ahead of the Emmys, Boyce told Variety that he was on a plane when he learned about his first nomination. “I was asleep, and I woke up to a text,” he said. “I didn’t buy Wi-Fi, and I forgot to put my phone on airplane mode, so I got a random text saying, ‘Hot damn!’ I woke up all confused, and there were a couple of people on the plane who knew, so they said, ‘Congrats’ and stuff.”

The Bear season 4 does not currently have a premiere date.

Sagan Lockhart’s ‘I Don’t Play’ Takes A Critical Look Back At Odd Future’s Beginnings

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Zig-Zag/Merle Cooper

Hip-hop’s global importance is often talked about, but what often goes overlooked in those discussions is just how integral photography has been to its rise — and its continued authenticity as a culture. It’s so hard for hip-hop to be completely co-opted or corporatized because its rise has been documented so heavily by those within it.

Take Sagan Lockhart, for instance. Once a humble apparel salesman in Los Angeles’ fabled fashion district, Fairfax, Lockhart’s interest in photography led to him becoming the unofficial photographer for Odd Future as they rose to stardom, terrorizing local skate shops and sending parents clutching for their pearls. Now, the group’s members have Grammys (Tyler The Creator has a Best Rap Album award for each of his last two albums) and could potentially be adding Emmys to their prestigious collections (former member Lionel Boyce is up for an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award for The Bear).

With all that success ahead of them, though, there’s no better time to look back at their beginnings — which is what Lockhart’s first book, I Don’t Play does. After hosting a jam-packed launch party sponsored by Zig-Zag rolling papers brand, Lockhart jumped on a Zoom call with Uproxx to break down the process for his book, the LA underground’s skate shop epicenter, and what it means to have captured history in the making.

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What made you want to put out a photo book now, and what went into specifically using Odd Future stuff for it?

It was just a project that a lot of people had been asking for over the years. Some friends of mine started a publishing company, and the way that they presented it to me just made it seem pretty seamless and easy for me to get done finally after all these years, so I was like, “Yeah, sure, let’s do it.” I was kind of just expecting to just make 10 copies, but it went a little bit crazier than that.

I started taking photos probably around ’09, 2010, and that’s when I was working on Fairfax and all the Odd Future stuff was going on, so I kind of just learned how to take photos with them as a lot of the first subjects. It wasn’t this intentional thing of making this book around Odd Future. It’s just that a lot of my earlier photos from this time period that I was showcasing in there just happens to be a lot of them. There’s other experiences and places and people that I wanted to show in the book that I was also shooting, and all of that is in there, but from 2010 to 2013, which is the bulk of the book, there was a lot of Odd Future stuff going on. It wasn’t like this intentional, “Let’s make an Odd Future book.” That’s just what life was at the time.

What did you take away from the launch party?

If one person comes to something that I’m doing, it’s just a reminder that like, “Okay, I’m doing something cool,” but when hundreds of people come to your thing? I was just overwhelmed with gratitude, and to have the support from my friends and new friends, and the event space, and [publicist] Pristina helping out, and especially Zig-Zag supporting the event and coming through with their people. Just super stoked on the way that it turned out, for sure. Definitely super thankful from our sponsors and Zig-Zag for helping out with that.

When did you get interested in photographing or documenting your experiences?

My interest in photography stems from… My godfather was a photographer for Hustler and sh*t like that, so I was always like, “Man, this job was dope. I like what this guy does.”

I’m sure any kid would

When I was younger, I think every young skateboarder, you want to be a professional skateboarder, but as I was getting older, and wanting to do other things, and seeing that maybe that route was not a possibility for me, I was already stoked for working for these street wear and skate adjacent brands, but I was like, “Maybe a skate photographer or something would be dope to do.” A friend of mine just gave me this old 35 millimeter camera, and he was like, “Yo, you want to take photos? Just play around with this and just see where you want to go.”

I want to know what timeframe you were going over there at, just out of curiosity?

Probably around the same time, but just in the interest of like, “Oh, I want to get this Hundred shirt and be out.” I was never like, “Let me hang out, let me kick it.” I was a sneaker kid, so that was what I was always trying to get… I was more on Melrose than Fairfax, honestly.

To me, during this time period, Fairfax was a little bit more… Maybe more of a secret. I mean, La Brea had been around forever. Union was the spot we would go to as kids, and then there was Undefeated and Stussy over there, and then Supreme started the new wave on Fairfax, but this is all very pre-internet.

I was working a full-time job over there, so it was like, “I don’t think I would go out of my way to go shoot Fairfax,” but I was there for 40 hours a week, so I didn’t have a choice. It was like, “I guess this is where I’m going to take photos at.” But from the jump, there was already people hanging out. My first gig over there, before I was at Diamond and met the Odd Future guys, I was working at The Hundreds. Dom Kennedy was hanging out every single day. Nas would come in. Nipsey [Hussle] would kick it all the time. There was already just all these characters that I was lucky enough to be around and just talk with, so it was super natural that when I got the camera to just start shooting whoever was around me.

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When you look at the photos from that time period, and then you look at how it’s evolved, what’s your overall impression of the changes that have been made, or how things look different and how much things look the same?

When I do look at it, I’m like, “Damn, all these people went on to do really, really great things.” Without them going on to do that with their lives, I don’t think the book would be as impactful, so I guess that’s what I think when I look at it. I’m like, “Damn, Lionel was just chilling with us, but now he’s up for an Emmy in acting.” That was never a thought in my mind at that time period.

There’s some photos in there where it’s, like there’s a couple old Fairfax shops in there where it’s like, “These businesses are just not there, and it’s going to look completely different.” There’s probably some show photos in there where you’re like, “Oh, this looks like the same exact that I see today.” To be a part of something and some music history, even the smallest scale of where I’m at, just super thankful. A lot of these dudes I just grew up idolizing and listening to, and knowing their albums word for word as a kid. To be a part of that in some capacity, like I’m saying, I’m just super thankful for it.

What do you want people to take away from the book, from the documentation of these experiences?

If I had to split it into two things, I would say for the people who were there, or for the fans from around the world who were looking at this under a microscope at that time, I would hope that they look at it and it kind of brings them back to that time period, and just like, “Oh sh*t, I remember this,” or gives them some sort of positive feelings.

Then for the younger crowd of the people who weren’t there, maybe it just shows them maybe what they missed out on. I got people messaging me about this, and they’re 15, 16, and I’m like, “Damn, you were literally born when this stuff was first going on.” So maybe I hope that y’all look at it, and it just shows you this time period that you missed out on just because you were hella young.

They can take from that. They can learn things like, don’t let anyone stop you. Pursue, pursue. Do the thing that sounds crazy, even if everybody calls you crazy. My guy Shake used to complain about Tyler all the time, because Tyler was terrorizing his blog 2DopeBoyz at the time, and he was just like, “Yeah, that kid’s annoying. But man, he’s a genius. He’s so smart.”

I think that the industry needed and still needs a personality that f*cking strong. Because if he wasn’t so intense, he wouldn’t be making those waves worldwide like that. We didn’t need a humble individual at the time. There’s already some of those. We needed something very strong and crazy like that to shake things up.

Vince Staples’ New Album Gets Co-Signed By Rock Legend Flea

Vince Staples has won over the world with his new album, Dark Times. Despite being one of the bleakest and densest releases of his career, the album has received universal praise critics and fans. The L.A. MC has also gotten a co-sign from one of the definitive West Coast bands of the last four decades: Red Hot Chili Peppers. The bassist for the band, Flea, hopped on X (formerly Twitter) on May 26 to praise Dark Times and Staples’ approach to songwriting.

Flea is a man of few words, but a lot of personality. It’s what makes him arguably the most famous bass player of all time. His Dark Times review was predictably brief yet succinct: “New Vince Staples so deep and good,” he wrote. Flea has been an advocate of hip-hop since the 1990s. He told AllHipHop that his favorite producer is J Dilla, whom he was put onto during a jam session with Erykah Badu. “I was doing this thing,” he recalled in 2012. “I was playing with Erykah Badu a while ago, you know, and she really…got me into J Dilla… It was like brought me to tears because of how beautiful it is.”

Read More: Vince Staples Pays Homage To New Orleans Hip-Hop Culture On “Étouffée”

Flea Has Liked Vince Staples And OF For Years

Flea has also voiced support for Odd Future. “The Odd Future kids,” he singled out in the same interview. “I can [relate] just, in terms, like, it’s like wild, you know.” The similarities between OF and Red Hot Chili Peppers are obvious, especially considering how raucous the latter were in the 1980s. The bassist’s love for Odd Future hasn’t wavered, either. In 2023, Flea welcomed Earl Sweatshirt as a guest for his podcast, This Little Light. He praised the rapper’s dense wordplay and production style.

He also compared the OF crew to prime Wu-Tang Clan (who he is also a fan of). “You know, Wu-tang has been, like, a big thing for me a lot through the years,” he explained. “You know, all the solo records, and I love Ghostface and the Apollo Kids [album] he came out with.” Given Flea’s favorite hip-hop artists, it makes perfect sense that he would love Vince Staples. The rapper was an affiliate of Odd Future during their heyday, and he had arguably the best verse on Earl Sweatshirt’s major label debut, Doris. He knows talent when he hears it.

Read More: Vince Staples Updates Fan On Future Of His Netflix Show, Admits He Was Surprised By It’s Success

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Tyler, The Creator’s “Wolf” Reaches Unexpected Streaming Milestone

Tyler, The Creator has undergone a staggering transformation over the last decade. He went from raucous and controversial rapper to critical darling. He went from being the guy who ate the roach in the “Yonkers” video to the guy who donned a blond wig for “EARFQUAKE.” It was an unexpected trajectory, but one that has seen Tyler accumulate an entirely different group of fans. There’s something to be said for the rapper’s early works, however. The qualities that made an album like Wolf polarizing are the very qualities that have allowed it to reach an impressive milestone on Spotify.

On May 26, Chart Data announced that Tyler’s sophomore studio album (and third project overall) has reached one billion streams on Spotify. It managed to do so in less than a decade, and without any major radio hits. Wolf didn’t have a single as notorious as “Yonkers” or a TV performance like “Sandwitches” to bolster its numbers, and yet, fans have kept coming back to it. Wolf has stood the test of time due to its quality, which something Tyler, The Creator hoped for back in 2013. “All the songs are my favorite for different reasons,” he told Fader. “I love the whole album.” Wolf was also the first time Tyler mixed an album by himself.

Read More: Tyler The Creator Reveals Why He Was Jealous Of Doja Cat’s Coachella Performance

Tyler, The Creator’s “Wolf” Now Has One Billion Streams

“This is the first album I got to mix,” the rapper told the outlet. “I’m stoked I got to experience that. Now I know, next time, what sound I want and how I should approach it when it’s time to mix it and other sh*t like that.” The practice of learning what works and what doesn’t extends to the musical stylings on Wolf. Tyler, The Creator’s production was more lush than it had been on his previous releases, and there was an embrace of neo-soul and funk in ways that had only previously been teased. “Treehome95” points towards the rapper’s 2017 masterpiece Flower Boy. “PartyIsntOver/Campfire/Bimmer” is an early rendition of the multi-part songs that would dominate 2021’s Call Me If You Get Lost.

These sonic leaps exist with classic Odd Future anthems like “Domo23” and “Trashwang.” It’s jarring as a cohesive listen, but it also speaks to Tyler, The Creator’s staggering versatility. The fact that he could rap over “Tamale” and croon over the title track puts him in rarified air. Wolf will never accumulate the artistic praise of Tyler’s subsequent albums. That said, the album’s ability to reflect the rapper’s past while pointing towards his musical future is undeniable. The streaming numbers prove it.

Read More: Tyler The Creator Stuns At Coachella, Brings Out Childish Gambino & More Guests

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Earl Sweatshirt Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

As of 2024, the estimated net worth of Earl Sweatshirt, a prominent figure in the rap industry, stands at a remarkable $4 million. This estimation, provided by Celebrity Net Worth, reflects not only his success as a rapper but also his ventures in various other aspects of the entertainment industry.

Born Thebe Neruda Kgositsile in 1994, Earl Sweatshirt gained prominence as a member of the Los Angeles-based rap collective Odd Future. His raw talent and unique style quickly set him apart in hip-hop. His debut mixtape, Earl, released in 2010, received critical acclaim and established him as a force to be reckoned with in the rap world.

Diversification of Talent

Earl Sweatshirt
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 01: Earl Sweatshirt at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival on February 1, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Marc Grimwade/WireImage)

Earl’s journey in the music industry showcases his versatility. Beyond his solo career, he has collaborated with numerous artists, contributing to his steady income stream. His albums, such as Doris and I Don’t Like Shi*t, I Don’t Go Outside, have been commercial successes, further solidifying his place in the industry.

Apart from music, Earl Sweatshirt has diversified his portfolio through various business ventures. He has delved into merchandise, selling branded clothing and accessories, becoming a lucrative aspect of his brand. Additionally, his investments in other business sectors contribute significantly to his net worth.

Impact On The Music Industry

Earl Sweatshirt
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – APRIL 07: Earl Sweatshirt performs in support of his “I Don’t Like Sh*t, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album By Earl Sweatshirt.” Release at The Warfield Theater on April 7, 2015 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

Earl’s influence extends beyond his financial success. His innovative style and profound lyrics have impacted the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists. His contribution to the evolution of rap music is undeniable, and his influence resonates with both fans and fellow musicians.

Earl Sweatshirt is not just about accumulating wealth; he also engages in philanthropic activities. His involvement in various charitable causes demonstrates his commitment to community service. This aspect of his personality adds depth to his public image and endears him to fans worldwide.

Future Prospects

Earl Sweatshirt
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 03: Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, and Domo Genesis. Of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. Departs “Late Show with David Letterman” at Ed Sullivan Theater on April 3, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)

Looking ahead, Earl Sweatshirt shows no signs of slowing down. His net worth will likely grow in the coming years with new music, potential business ventures, and continuous influence in the rap industry. His ability to adapt and evolve ensures that he remains a relevant and powerful figure in the music world.

Overall, Earl Sweatshirt’s estimated net worth is a testament to his talent, hard work, and business acumen. His journey from a young rapper in Odd Future to a successful solo artist and entrepreneur is inspiring. Earl Sweatshirt’s legacy and financial success are set to reach even greater heights.

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Odd Future Makes Their Return In A Unique Way With “NEW FUTURE ERA”

Odd Future, collectively, has been out of the rap game for over 11 years. Their last effort together came on March 16, 2012. That release featured the most successful tracks in their short discography. The OF Tape Vol. 2 boasted featured 18 songs that only this group was capable of producing. Odd Future’s influence reached new heights with songs like “White,” “Oldie,” and “Analog 2.” Before that, the only other album was 12 Odd Future Songs.

There has not been much coverage of Odd Future’s return, though. It seems like it would be a bigger deal with how many fans were on board with their trailblazing style. But, here at HNHH, we are bringing you an update on the Los Angeles, California rap outfit. It is a massive one, with them coming back with a new single, “NEW FUTURE ERA.” However, the vocals are not what you might expect, and the song is very short.

Read More: Drake Unleashes On Charlamagne Tha God, Calls Him A “F*cking Goof”

Listen To “NEW FUTURE ERA” From Odd Future

The only lyrics are, “Embarrassing! / Card was declined / By the way.” It does not appear to feature any vocals from the members either. It also feels more like a snippet with it being just 54 seconds. The beat has an unfinished quality as well, but that is something that they are known for. Going against the grain is in Odd Future’s DNA and we hope that more full-fleshed material comes out soon.

What are your initial thoughts on Odd Future’s first single in 11 years, “NEW FUTURE ERA?” Are you excited for the return of the group? How long do you think it will be before we get a project from them? We want to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always be sure to keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the hottest song releases, as well as the rest of the latest breaking news around the music world.

Quotable Lyrics:

Embarrassing!
Card was declined
By the way

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Tyler, The Creator Joins Earl Sweatshirt Onstage At LA Show

During a recent performance at the Novo in Los Angeles, Earl Sweatshirt surprised audience members with a very special guest. The Chicago-born rapper was joined onstage by fellow Odd Future artist Tyler, the Creator. The duo performed “Whoa” from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2013 album Doris, and fans went wild. The performance was in celebration of his solo debut’s 10-year-anniversary, with a few more anniversary shows still lined up for this month. As Tyler, the Creator makes his way onto the stage, attendees immediately erupt into a cheer. It’s no shock that the crowd was pleased to see the performer, as it’s not too often they get together these days. Partway through the song, Earl Sweatshirt approached him, and the two shared a hug.

Tyler wasn’t the only Odd Future associate to come out for the show. A photo began circulating this morning showcasing various members of the collective posing together. The photo features Syd, Taco, Mike G, Jasper Dolphin, and more. With that being said, several fans pointed out that Frank Ocean, Hodgy, and Left Brain weren’t in the photo. It left fans pining for an official reunion, however, in the past Tyler’s claimed it probably won’t happen.

Read More: Tyler, The Creator Links Up With Syd, Taco, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples And More

Tyler, The Creator And Earl Sweatshirt Perform “Whoa”

In a 2020 interview, Tyler was asked about whether or not Odd Future would be putting out any new projects in the near future. “Nine times out of seven, no,” he replied. “I would be open to it, but I think everyone is kinda past that. I think some people base it on nostalgia rather than like, ‘Would it actually be good?’ Like, we don’t always need a Bad Boys 5. Even though I like the last one. N***a, it’s there, listen to it.”

Earlier this week, Tyler, the Creator also unveiled the lineup for his 2023 Camp Flog Gnaw carnival. Syd, Earl Sweatshirt, Mike G, Domo Genesis, and Left Brain are set to take the stage at the two-day event. Camp Flog Gnaw 2023 will take place on November 11 and 12 at Dodger Stadium, where fans can also catch performances from SZA, Ice Spice, Rex Orange County, Lil Yachty and, of course, Tyler himself.

Read More: Tyler, The Creator Unveils Full Camp Flog Gnaw Lineup: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & More

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Tyler, The Creator Links Up With Syd, Taco, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples And More

Several Odd Future members got together recently, as seen in a new photo. Tyler, the Creator poses alongside Syd, Taco, Earl Sweatshirt, Mike G, Jasper Dolphin, and more. They were also joined by Vince Staples, all appearing to be in good spirits. It’s unclear why exactly the group linked up, but regardless, fans seem overjoyed to see them all together. With that being said, some users are disappointed that not all the members made it to the mini reunion, missing the presence of Frank Ocean, Hodgy, Left Brain, and more. The Odd Future artists are off pursuing their own separate careers at this point, so either way, it’s interesting to see them revisit their roots.

“It’s giving 2010 and we love to see it,” one Twitter users writes. “BROOOO THEYRE BACK,” another excited fan says. The photo has left commenters taking a trip down memory lane, and pining for a formal Odd Future reunion. Unfortunately, Tyler has said in the past that the members are past that point in their careers, making it unlikely that fans will get to see one, at least in the near future. He didn’t completely write the idea off however, claiming that he’d be open to it.

Read More: Tyler, The Creator Unveils Full Camp Flog Gnaw Lineup: Kendrick Lamar, SZA & More

Odd Future Members Get Together

In a 2020 interview, the Odd Future founder spoke on whether or not the collective would ever get back together to put out another project. “Nine times out of seven, no,” Tyler said. “I would be open to it, but I think everyone is kinda past that. I think some people base it on nostalgia rather than like, ‘Would it actually be good?’ Like, we don’t always need a Bad Boys 5. Even though I like the last one. N***a, it’s there, listen to it.”

He continued, adding that he doesn’t feel like their styles would work together as well as they used to. “Honestly, the OF tapes weren’t that good,” Tyler explained. “It was just a fun time, but musically, it’s like, ‘Uh, coulda did better.’ But, for the time, it was tight. I think now…and I could probably figure it out. I don’t know if the styles will mesh much for a good cohesive thing. No niche like, ‘Oh, this is a good idea.’ Like an actually good thing. I don’t know if the styles would mesh much with everyone. But, who knows, this could change in six weeks.”

Read More: ASAP Rocky’s “RIOT” Featuring Tyler, The Creator Seemingly Leaks Online

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Revisiting Odd Future’s Members And Their Influence

Odd Future and its eclectic members arrived at the perfect time. The iconic LA-based group’s rise coincided with a tidal wave of internet counterculture that begin to seep through the younger generations. The hip-hop collective formed in 2007 around its leader, Tyler, The Creator. Deciding to forego his jobs at Starbucks and FedEx, his rebellious attitude quickly propelled the collective to stardom. Sporting ski masks while strolling down the left side of sidewalks, the group’s image was primarily associated with a steadfast desire to go against the status quo.

Behind the chaos is a quiet architect who managed to keep it all together. That man was Christian Clancy, Odd Future’s manager. At the time, Clancy had recently departed Interscope Records, where he was working with rappers such as Eminem and The Game. Becoming tired of rinse and repeat nature of major labels, Clancy had planned “to hike the Himalayas, do yoga, chill the f**k out.” However, his inspiration was re-vitalized when he watched the music video of Tyler, the Creator’s “French.” Essentially, the video sees Tyler unleashing mayhem amidst a menacing verse. While the talent was utterly unhinged, Clancy was eventually able to hone in on the potential of Tyler and the collective as a whole.

Odd Future’s Impact Went Beyond Music

Tyler The Creator & Odd Future in 2011.
(Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

Music was solely one aspect of the entertainment value of Odd Future’s members. Their empire included Loiter Squad, an online radio station, and an iconic line of street fashion. The collective has grown immensely since their respective teenage days. Frank Ocean and Tyler, the Creator would blossom into worldwide superstars, each creating genre-defining records such as Blonde and Igor, respectively. Lyrical virtuoso Earl Sweatshirt forged strong ties with budding underground acts from New York, helping spearhead a new wave of East Coast hip-hop. The comedic minds of Yung Taco, Jasper, and Lionel Boyce have had successful careers on the film screen.

Still, the group’s founder, Tyler the Creator, questions the influence of Odd Future. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, he stated, “I still don’t even know the impact we had on a generation. I just lived in it. We were just doing our thing and being us. I don’t think I know how much deeper it goes aside from some people wearing certain shirts.” It’s a fair point to raise, as a glance back into their influence can sometimes feel more like a fever dream rather than a trend-setting revolution, especially when considering the “riots” they supposedly incited.

The Group Spearheaded a Digital Era Of Sound

Odd Future members at SXSW 2011.
(Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty Images)

The impact of Odd Future’s members went beyond influencing fashion or influencing chaos. The group’s refusal to fall within certain creative boundaries inspired a generation to be fearless, or express themselves in as authentic a manner as possible. The DIY nature of their work inspired a slew of artists that succeeded them. Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty were no longer waiting to sign a deal as they were blowing up on Soundcloud. Clairo and Kali Uchis were recording their songs on cheap mics at home. Odd Future, in essence, made un-polished creative work cool again.

Their influence was heightened by their innate connection with the digital era of sound. This isn’t NWA selling tapes out of the trunk. Rather, this was a technologically sound group of teenagers who had an innate knowledge of how to get their message out to millions. The group was constantly uploading to Tumblr and YouTube, whether producing beats or skateboard videos around Los Angeles. In many ways, Odd Future’s marketing inspired many other creatives to outsource their product in a unique manner. Now, musicians weren’t just releasing a new single. They were armoring their enterprise with a clothing line or an impromptu chain of YouTube videos.

Odd Future Celebrated Self-Expression

Odd Future’s impact challenged surface-level societal interpretations of what Blackness should look like. Each member brought a distinct vibe to the table that managed to be both polarizing and unifying. By being unapologetically themselves, they inspired teenagers and young adults to step out of the societal box they were put in. The group was a prime example of how anyone can still win when they go against the grain.

Similar to many creative ventures, legacy is often the biggest tell of how influential a piece of art really was. In Odd Future’s case, their influence clearly goes beyond what Tyler, the Creator may believe. While the group’s individual members now distance themselves from their teenage personas, they’ve influenced a new generation of creatives who still bump tracks such as “Oldie” and “White” to this day. While the likes of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West inspired them, they laid the creative foundation for a more experimental era of hip hop expression.

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Tyler, The Creator Unveils New Single “Sorry Not Sorry”

Tyler, The Creator remains unapologetic as ever on his latest offering. The rapper announced Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale with the release of “Dogtooth.” Now, the Odd Future star is back with a second single from the project titled, “Sorry Not Sorry.” Once again, the California artist delivers a set of visuals that capture the song’s essence, as well as his evolution since Bastard. Tyler The Creator puts together this luscious combination of warm guitar progressions and soulful background vocals with an orchestral touch. The production serves as an excellent soundscape for his confessional of sorts. He addresses the changes in his personal and professional life.

Throughout the record, Tyler details how he’s come to terms with how relationships have shifted since his fame. While he continues to evolve, he also addresses fans who jumped off the bandwagon since his commercial success post-Wolf. “Sorry to the fans who say I changed,” Tyler The Creator gently raps before contorting his vocals with a menacing growl. He continues, “‘Cause I did/ You don’t know me on a personal level to pinpoint what it is.” His range is the cornerstone of the duality he explores as if his conscious and subconscious are tearing him apart.

Tyler, The Creator Releasing B-Sides On Friday

The rapper hasn’t shared the tracklist for Call Me If You Get Lost: The Estate Sale yet. However, we’re hoping that a few unreleased collaborations might appear in the album. Tyler The Creator joined forces with the likes of NBA Youngboy, Lil Uzi Vert 42 Dugg, and Teezo Touchdown. Additionally, Tyler linked up with Lil Wayne, Domo Genesis, Brent Faiyaz, Daisy World, and more.

Tyler The Creator previously explained that Call Me If You Get Lost became the first album he ever recorded that included an abundance of unreleased music. “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I MADE WITH ALOT OF SONGS THAT DIDNT MAKE THE FINAL CUT. SOME OF THOSE SONGS I REALLY LOVE, AND KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, SO IVE DECIDED TO PUT A FEW OF THEM OUT,” Tyler The Creator said on Twitter. Check out the video for “Sorry Not Sorry” above. 

Quotable Lyrics
Let me see you make a decision I made
And claim that I don’t know about minimum wage or Section 8, water in the ketchup bottle to stretch when n***as ate
Gettin’ pressed by n***as hoppin’ gates
Thinkin’ it’s normal ’cause you ain’t supposed to make it past 18 or escape the Figure 8 cycle