Usually foreshadowed by Tyler, The Creator, many of the sub-groups associated with Odd Future don't get as much recognition as the work of the ring leader and founder. Mellowhype, a collaboration between Tyler's hype-man Hodgy Beats and producer Left Brain, seem to be the group causing the most ripples beside Tyler. Hodgy has a much better flow on these albums and his ability to bend words and lyrical structures to suit his purpose is impecable and of a much higher rate than many of the other members of Odd Future. The production styles used are also a massive step up and Left Brain is slowly but surely forging his own "style" within the group.The album is also a lot more radio friendly in comparison to the controversy ridden Goblin (released earlier this year). In terms of their previous output, BlackendWhite is a major step up for the group and is a good platform for the group to expand their reputation.However the main aspect bringing this album down is the production, which at times is way off with the vocals in the mix being too quiet and causing quite a clash for the instrumental. As with any other Odd Future release, BlackendWhite is littered with other members contributing verses to certain songs (Tyler, Domo Genesis and Frank Ocean all provide vocals). Whilst this shows the depth the group has and adds to the diversity of tracks, it's becoming quite tiresome to see yet more songs being improved by the use of some of the more established artists.
In all, it's a much cleaner polished album and on release, would be a good album from many modern day hip-hop acts but with the entire blogsphere expecting big things of every Odd Future release it just doesn't live up to the hype surrounding it.
6/10
By Robbie Baxendale
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