Divisive rap crew Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All took the stage in Lawrence this past week. By now, anyone who’s heard of the group has their minds made up about their controversial lyrics and image. Depending on which side of the fence you fall on, they’re a forward thinking group of creative kids that may or may not change hip-hop as we know it, or some no-talent devil worshippers. Whichever way you look, you can’t deny that the group has one of the most loyal fanbases going today, which helped translate the concert at the Granada into one of the most intense concert experiences imaginable.
The show started with the lone female member and DJ Syd tha Kid taking the stage. After her quick DJ set whipped the crowd into a fury, the rest of the group took the stage. Patriarch Tyler the Creator, sporting a Kansas Jayhawks hat, engaged in some quick banter with the sold-out crowd, and then led the group into their energetic performance.
Lyrics were more often screamed than rapped, and the wild chanting of the fans added to the maniacal atmosphere. Highlights from the show included the Odd Future call-to-arms “Sandwitches”, as well as a fiery performance of members Hodgy Beats and Left Brain’s newest single “64”. Not to mention the fervor that Tyler the Creator’s popular single “Yonkers” caused amongst the crowd. Underrated members Mike G and Domo Genesis made names for themselves by easing up on the intensity and actually rapping their songs, showcasing that Odd Future was just as enjoyable for the rapping as the on-stage antics.
The show was predicated on audience participation. Stage divers and crowd surfers were often brought into the performance, and then promptly thrown off stage by Tyler or Left Brain. Tyler’s natural charisma lead to some highly entertaining exchanges with the fans, as well as with his fellow Odd Future members.
Final Verdict: Probably the most intense crowd I’ve been to a concert with. Odd Future seems to be the only modern act to be able to genuinely ignite a crowd in such a frenzied way.
