Review Summary: A promising release from Odd Future's least promising member...
3 of 3 thought this review was well writtenThere is a popular consensus among Sputnik's hip-hop community that Odd Future's own Hodgy Beats is the weakest and likewise most irksome rapper within the collective. However following this release, the very community that previously put down Hodgy, may have found reason to alter their views towards the young rapper. Hodgy Beats is not known for his flow, or lyrical prowess certainly. And one cannot deny that his frequently use of slant rhyme greatly hinders his already awkward flow. However as listeners surprisingly came to discover, Hodgy has matured since his previous release, and has found a way to use these shortcomings advantageously, thus crafting his "Untitled" EP.
The EP’s best feature and most enticing as well, is its length. At nine songs it only runs a seemingly dismal 20 minutes. Though for Hodgy Beats and those familiar with his work this is more than enough time. As I stated previously Hodgy has much difficulty crafting memorable, meaningful lyrics, and navigating through said lyrics with a smooth flow. However in short bursts, matched with brilliant production, Hodgy Beats can be a somewhat effective emcee, as the small time frame favors his more than imperfect rhyme schemes. In brief verses, and when rapping a short, simple song, Hodgy is actually quite entertaining as this release proves. Songs such as the bass riddled, "Bull***tin'" to the slow and calm vibe of, "If Heaven is a Ghetto", presents serious listeners with the perfect amount of Hodgy -not too much as we later heard on the OF Tape Vol 2, and not too little like his features on Tyler the Creator’s Goblin. Sadly, even though this ep was quite successful in the ears of many, to me it only enforced the fact that he is still the weakest rapper in the Flog Gnaw.
Hodgy still has much to learn and accomplish if he wants to be considered a great emcee and though this EP was a good start no doubt, it was just that, good, nothing spectacular. Unfortunately for Hodgy it will be quite the difficult task gaining much notoriety being the rapper he is as, he resides in a rap group whose members have dropped some of the most renowned releases of the previous decade (Earl & Bastard). And perhaps that is why OF fans and fans of the genre alike are so critical of Hodgy, as anything he -or any other member of Odd Future for that matter- releases will automatically be compared to the group’s best albums.
Like I said before though Hodgy is improving and finding his niche seemingly. His flow has bettered and his choice of beats was very wise for this EP as I aforementioned. Contributing producers such as Flying Lotus and Juicy J certainly do not disappoint, and made Hodgy’s weak flow more than tolerable with their amazing sounds. To conclude if you are looking for one of the better recent releases from Odd Future look no further as this will definitely keep you entertained for the better part of twenty minutes. Though there is not much replay value as no one track significantly stands out and leaves you yearning to return to this EP.
