Father Retreats To His Fortress in “So Awful ENT”
| Father founded Awful Records in the early 2010s, giving a home and identity to a group of talented misfits in his hometown Atlanta scene and changing the face of the rap game in the process. Re-embracing the label he founded as a father embraces a prodigal son, Father shares “So Awful ENT,” a new video for the new Awful Records anthem from his recently released HU$BAND 2 EP. Produced by Father’s longtime collaborator MeltyCannon, “So Awful ENT” is supremely chill, as Father works a laid back flow over floating guitar notes and a gently rollicking drumbeat, giving way to indie rock-inspired interludes that sparkle like VVS diamonds. Though the mood is mellow, Father is serious about his chosen family, stunting on their shine and casting doubt on followers and hangers-on, even as he pays tribute to another offbeat Atlanta native: “I’m a snake like a thug like a S/Only built for the links like a chef/YSL on my chest like a Jeff.” |
In the video, Father relaxes at his fortress of solitude in a picturesque, winter wonderland, worlds away from the austere environment showcased in his recent video for “Oxenfree.” Directed by Father himself, the video has the serene look of a pastel-tinted snowglobe, befitting the music’s floating, transporting vibe. Father explains the meaning behind “So Awful ENT”: “After leaving RCA and the team behind–the label deciding to part ways and pursue other endeavors during the pandemic–I was sort’ve at a loss what to do with Awful Records. I sort of shunned Awful for a bit, and really didn’t want to associate with what it’d become. I was on the verge of going scorched earth and killing it with fire, but I grew a soft spot. Like…it’s my baby, and you don’t kill your children. So this serves as a rallying cry and a call to arms.”
“So Awful ENT” kicks off Father’s HU$BAND 2 EP, which dropped last week. Returning to the gently melodic sound he pioneered with his 2019 HU$BAND EP, the upcoming sequel is an absorbing and hypnotic listen, as Father waxes poetic over production that borrows from jazz, trip-hop, and more. The EP is home to the lead single “Oxenfree,” praised by The FADER, and “Vodka Me Down,“ a spiritual sequel to “Vodka On The Weekend,” Father’s 2014 collaboration with ILoveMakonnen, among other highlights. The 6-track EP is available on all platforms via Awful Ent. / Too Lost.
Father plans to hit the road this summer for a short, 4-date tour. Starting this week, the tour makes stops in Brooklyn, Chicago, Atlanta, and Columbus. See details below.
With HU$BAND 2, Father continues to make the music that he loves, taking the first step toward re-forming his Awful collective and setting an example for all DIY artists to follow. Stay tuned for more music, and more videos, as the year moves along.
Featured Image By: Bobby Palmer