Odd Future’s meteoric blog-fueled rise was fast, probably too fast. Eventually things slowed down as the shock wore off, leaving a group of kids grappling to find themselves as musicians maybe before they had time to fully develop. Fast forward a year or two of critical backlash and the group is releasing The OF Tape Vol. 2, nothing ground breaking but a refreshing reminder of why the group got where they are in the first place.

The release is an-hour long cross section of where the OF crew stands as of 2012, a marked improvement over where everyone came from. Although the 18 track release features contributions from all the core members and could be sneered at for a lack of cohesion, it’s this diversity that ultimately makes it an enjoyable listen. Before a couple tracks, “Bitches” and “NY (Ned Flander)”, from Domo, Hodgy and Tyler has a chance to get draining like portions of Goblin. The Internet steps in with the sonically cleansing N.E.R.D. influenced “Ya Know” followed by laid-back blunted rhymes from Mike G on “Forest Green”.

The OF Tape Vol. 2 is a carefree tour of all the positive traits that made Odd Future so enjoyable to begin with. The tape isn’t without its moments of outright ridiculousness, notably Mellowhype and Taco with “Real Bitch” and Tyler’s “We Got Bitches”, but that comes with the territory at this point. Aside from a few instances everyone is on top of their game, taking advantage of their individual moments to shine. Tyler is still Tyler, Jerry Sandusky references and all. Hodgy and Domo are as sharp as they’ve ever been, taking over a majority of the tape while Frank Ocean, Mike G, and Syd all take full advantage of their appearances.

The OF Tape Vol. 2 culminates in the 10-minute all-inclusive posse cut “Oldie” featuring everyone from Tyler, Hodgy and Frank Ocean to the triumphant return of Earl who still remains the group’s most skilled and intriguing rapper. Starting with The OF Tape, Vol. 2 things are looking good for the LA skaters turned stars; everyone has improved significantly, they each have their own lane to explore, and Earl is back. After the sudden backlash of 2011, OFWGKTA is set to have a great few years if they explore the successes of The OF Tape Vol 2.

3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5 out of 5

Hit the skip to check out the video.

Maybe those nagging politicians who say graphic video games are poorly influencing our youth are right. Maybe all those wacky editorials about Odd Future‘s misogynistic, habitual drug use are right about sending our future the wrong message. “Transylvania,” a track off Tyler’s Goblin, says, ” It’s because I’m Dracula bitch, don’t got a problem with smacking a bitch, kidnapping, attacking with axes and shit.” In the video created by High Five Collective, kids are rolling out their bong, getting in fights on Hollywood Boulevard, and waking up in the oddest places. It’s reminiscent of Earl Sweatshirt’s “EARL” where OF tests the limits of their party lifestyle. Is the video disturbing? Sure. Am I intrigued? Absolutely. But, what do you think?

Hit the skip to peep the visuals.

Let’s face it, whether or not you believe in them, every time you browse the web, you are going to read and hear about this group. And chances are you have found yourself choosing sides the past few months while trying to figure out if they are the next big thing. That’s right, I’m talking about Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, the group of young rappers, producers, singers, etc… that has taken the world by storm, one profane punchline and provocative video at a time. With Tyler, The Creator’s first week sales for Goblin coming in at 50,249 units sold, a respectable but not earth-shattering number, we thought it would be worth discussing the aura surrounding the young collective.

Is this crew of upstarts just a fad? Or will the members of Odd Future be able to turn the hype — and their major label distribution deal — into lasting careers? Jump over to our Facebook page where you can get in on the discussion.

We will post the results from Facebook tomorrow for you all to reflect on (names and pictures will be blurred, no worries about privacy). This is the first of many discussion posts you can expect from Potholes in the future, so get your master debater cap on, it’s about to get ugly!

Hit the skip to view the Facebook discussion results! The comments section is also now opened. Feel free to chime in.

Wait, what? Hit the skip. Goblin is out now!