Odd Future Gets The Deal They've Been Searching For
Odd Future have taken a very bizarre journey to get where they are today. The group began as a skate crew made up of a motley assortment of characters. Utilizing the internet and all of its power they managed to build a buzz so big that every large record company was salivating when they heard OFWGKTA or 'Swag!'. Then they shunned every single one of them. Not to mention that they ascended at war with 2DopeBoyz and Nahright, two major forces in hip-hop blogging. Now they are no longer unsigned. Rap Radar reports that the crew will form their own record label, Odd Future Records, in a partnership with Sony's RED Distribution. The label will be home to all acts associated with the group and will give them complete creative control. This will allow them to continue to operate just as they have been, but with top notch distribution.
Their manager Chris Clancy sent this statement to Rap Radar about the deal, “It’s based on getting the distribution deal we’ve always envisioned that allows the group to 'sign themselves' to their own company and keep their masters. They will have 100% creative control of all aspects of their music, art, and release schedule with no 3rd party participation in outside business. Freedom and ownership was the whole point. Red and Sony know that its in everyone’s best interest to maintain the group’s authenticity and control. They built it, they deserve it. There’s no cheesy hooks or fluorescent liquor product placements in the works.. It’s about to be fun.. and different.. “
I can't say I am surprised that OFWGKTA was able to pull off a deal of this sort. Their content is very unique and most of the time pretty shocking. Even with such different content they have mastered marketing which makes recording deals seem a little futile. Odd Future Records will afford the group the necessary tools to continue on the path they are currently on. Retaining complete creative control is something that doesn't happen, most signed artists can testify to this, yet Odd Future has managed to do just that. Looking forward OFWGKTA could set the standard for what all artists want. Hopefully their continued success will help to make it a reality for more and more artists. Make sure to check them out this summer when they hit Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago and Purchase Tyler The Creator's Goblin on May 10th.
Sir Michael Rocks x Jugrnaut T-Shirt
To celebrate the success of Sir Michael Rocks solo debut, The Rocks Report, he teamed up with the homies over at Jugrnaut Chicago to release one really dope t-shirt. Together they have produced a shirt that fits perfectly with the album and the artists personality. Drawing on influences such as retro Polo Ralph Lauren and European crests, the shirt is regal yet modern at the same time. Always fresh, nothing less should be expected from these collaborators. It will be available at Jugrnaut this Friday, the 29th. Also make sure to check out RH's recent interview with Sir Michael Rocks, its not one to miss.
Mr. Bathing Ape 2011 Editorial for Inventory
Nigo's Bathing Ape clothing took the streetwear industry by storm when it first released and has become one of its most heralded brands over the past decade, but now he has moved into the field of high end menswear. These photos come from the recent editorial by Inventory and feature pieces from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The focus is the label's tailored suiting, showing off their single breasted, two button jackets in multiple fabrics. The editorial also includes neckties featuring a few of the brands signature patterns and the ape logo. Hit the jump for more photos. Via HB.
[Video] Kid Cudi at the Highline Ballroom
Gracing the Highline Ballroom's stage this 420 Kid Cudi performed "Man on the Moon" in front of a roaring crowd. While he continues to perform his signature jams, it seems that Cudder is staying grounded now-a-days. Apparently done with drugs, yesterday must have been quite a test for the man who once referred to himself as "the lonely stoner". Check out the short clip after the jump and look for more updates about the Man on the Moon.
Juxtapoz: The Art In The Streets Issue
Juxatpoz Magazine is a monthly publication geared towards exposing and highlighting the exploits of cutting-edge artists. For their April issue the magazine is concentrating on street art. In the issue "you will read about men and women who created a spirit of, as Jeffrey Deitch puts it, 'unmediated expression,' a momentum so relentless that even when standing completely outside the normal confines of the traditional exhibition art circuit could no longer be ignored." Artists profiled in the issue include Bill Daniel, Margaret Kilgallen, Dash Snow, Jamie Reid, Fab 5 Freddy, Martha Cooper and many other visionaries. When living in a large city it is hard to ignore the signs of street art that adorn buildings seemingly at random, but many people live outside of a realm where it is prevalent. It is something that should be appreciated, because the artists who perpetuate it do so with the same levels of creativity and innovation as any other artist, if not more. This issue is chalk full of interesting perspectives and fresh new ideas, make sure to check it out after the jump.
[Video] Prodigy Speaks on New Book 'My Infamous Life' Book Signing
Yesterday at Powerhouse Books in Brooklyn, Prodigy hosted a book signing for his new book My Infamous Life. At the event, Toure of Fuse's Hip-Hop Shop, interviewed him about his beefs, childhood, and his recent stint upstate. Toure does a very good job of using the interview to give viewers an better idea of P's personality as well as his evolution as a human being.
Beginning the interview with a discussion about his tumultuous upbringing, specifically his sickle-cell anemia, helps Toure to paint a clear picture for the listener. Prodigy states that the disease made him an angry person. The suffering, pain and agony made him consider taking his own life as a teen. This combined with the fact that both his mother and grandfather were entertainers and his father a criminal, it makes sense that they gave birth to such an MC. The interview also touches on the events that surrounded the rapper before he was sent to prison, specifically his beefs with Nas and Jay-Z. Luckily for us all the air has cleared, the prison system affected Prodigy immensely, saying that it changed him from 'evil' to 'good'. Now that he is free Prodigy has already hopped back into the game, look for more from Mobb Deep and make sure to check out the interview after the jump.
David Dallas: "Ain't Coming Down" feat. Buckshot
New Zealand transplant David Dallas moved to NYC, taking the next step in an already illustrious career to step into a new market. Everything that the MC has released in his time in the US points towards future success for Mr. Dallas. For "Ain't Coming Down", he teams up with Buckshot over his partner Fire & Ice's production. The track is from the upcoming The Rose Tint out on May, 11th. Earlier this year David dropped "Caught In A Daze", featuring Freddie Gibbs, also off of the album.The production comes almost entirely from Fire & Ice, but one track will be Exile produced. The tracklist is available after the jump along with the track and download.
Mac Miller: "People Under The Stairs"
Mac Miller continues to give away more and more free tracks. He is hot off of the release of On and On and Beyond EP as well as his Best Day Ever mixtape. "People Under The Stairs" is a quick freestyle over a signature PUTS beat, where Mac's jazzy flow fits nicely with the beat. The release came about to commemorate Mr. Miller hitting the 300K followers mark on Twitter. Hit the jump for download and a listen.