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Jul 14, 2011 MellowHype By Matt Fink

Originally released as a free mixtape in the fall of 2010, Hodgy Beats and Left Brain’s second full-length release as MellowHype proves that there’s no shortage of talent in the Odd Future family. Unfortunately, five tracks have been trimmed from the original release, the most conspicuous being previous standout “Chordaroy,” leaving an album that feels a bit slight when taken as a whole. Of the two new tracks, “64” is a worthy addition, its darkly snaking keyboard lines licking around barking snare drums and Hodgy’s leering delivery. Less notable is the new “Igotagun,” with spitfire rapping, sped-up beats, and pulsating orchestral samples failing to prop up lyrics that push the violence quotient to near-parody levels. That said, the strongest tracks remain-from Tyler, the Creator’s cameo on “Fuck the Police,” to the cartoonish “Gun Sounds”-and the album retains its alternately playful and ominous tone. Still, this version of BlackenedWhite ends up being a different, and not necessarily better, release. (www.oddfuture.com)

Author rating: 6/10