Domo Genesis x Alchemist: “No Idols” Album Review
“I have no idols. I admire work, dedication and competence.”
~ Ayrton Senna ~
Odd Future is an inescapable force. No matter what the medium – their twelve and counting musically involved members, Golf Wang clothing line, or Loiter Squad Adult Swim TV show (and that’s just the beginning) – their consistent output of material has a way of keeping their OFWGKTA brand name on everyone’s radars whether they like it or not; hence, proving themselves music today’s most pivotal point of reference. In recent Odd Future news, its most faded and fashion savvy member, Domo Genesis, released his No Idols album. The project was a collaborative (and not to mention free) one, lined with heavy beats from the notorious Alchemist. In joining forces on No Idols, the two were able to bring Domo his deserved and long overdue recognition as more than just an OF member but an artistic entity of his own.
Although it succeeds his 2010 Rolling Papers and 2011 Under the Influence, No Idols can be considered, stylistically, Domo’s debut project. No Idols brings in Alchemist as an outside resource to play the musical accomplice, where he is able to highlight Domo’s delivery when need be and bring light to a stoner flow sans laziness. Nevertheless, Alchemist is not the album’s only contributor; various featured artists from Odd Future’s Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt to Smoke DZA, Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, Prodigy, Vince Staples, and Spaceghost Purp make feature appearances on the album, giving it just enough of a variety and overall consistency all the same. With or without features, Domo possesses an apparent improvement in expressing himself lyrically.
He’s another player in this game, he knows what he wants out of it, and he’s going to get it; No Idols is conceptually self-explanatory. While songs like “Fuck Everyone Else” and “Prophecy” further my point, he makes sure to articulate his life’s other priorities as well. As far as his Marijuana fiend M.O. goes, he has “Me and My Bitch” to prove it. The track is a play on Biggie’s song, but also a euphemism for weed (his bitch). Although “No Idols (Feat. Tyler, the Creator)” seems to be an audience favorite, I feel Domo’s solo track “All Alone” pulls the album together without another artist breaking in. We get to see a vulnerable side of him here that showcases just exactly where his head is at these days. If you want to find out where exactly that may be, listen to No Idols; now’s the time. It is the album took Domo “from average to classic” or at least proved that he’s on the way there. Odd Future head or not, No Idols is essential for all you Hip Hop lovers out there. I can’t wait to see what he brings next.
No Idols
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