Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve been caught up in the Hendrix storm at least once.
Legally named Nayvadius Wilburn, Future, AKA Future Hendrix, AKA Super Future has shot to mega-stardom in the last five years. Currently, the rapper’s name is synonymous with whatever is trending at the moment. In 2015 alone, he put out three mixtapes and a studio album. He was also featured on nine billboard hits from other artists including Drake, Travis Scott and Rick Ross. You can’t go out these days without hearing at least three of his songs in one night. He’s dropped his own line of emojis that are superbly tailored to his lifestyle and legacy. He released EVOL, his fourth studio album, in February, making it his seventh full-length release in the past 16 months. He’s been with some of the baddest women in the game, brought four kids into the world, and it looks like this guy hasn’t even gotten winded yet.
Beyond the auto-tune and perfect Metro-Boomin’ production, Hendrix speaks on a struggle that some of his crowds can relate to. Climbing out of Kirkwood, a neighborhood in Atlanta, Future became more than a rapper, but a media mogul. On some of his most popular tracks, Future raps about using drugs to fight his demons, and the demons that money has created. As a teen he took a gunshot wound to the hand and in 2006 Future was arrested. It’s not uncommon for hip-hop artists to go from nothing to something, but Future has set the bar even higher for those looking to break into the game.
Future’s music career began when he worked with his cousin Rico Wade, who encouraged him to hone his writing skills and work towards being a rapper. Future calls Rico the “mastermind” of his sound. Hendrix started out as a songwriter, his big break coming when he co-wrote the hit “Racks” for YC in 2011. That same year, Drake joined him for a remix to “Tony Montana,” which propelled Future’s name into mainstream music. Since then, his infamous work ethic has resulted in a total of four studio albums and thirteen mixtapes so far, with the “Beast Mode 2” mixtape set for release in May of 2016. His mixtape 56 Nights was inspired by DJ Esco’s 56-night stay in a Dubai jail for possession of an illegal substance. DJ Esco’s powerful account of the experience ties in with the message on “March Madness.” The hit is one Future’s most well-known, with the social undertones of the song touching on the plight that African Americans face from the authorities. While he flaunts his money and rich tastes, he makes sure to stay connected to his home base and the people who support him the most.
The Future Hive is looking forward to JMBLYA in May to see Hendrix perform with a stacked line up including Kehlani, Rae Sremmurd, and Kevin Gates. Get your tickets soon to keep Boomin’ on your side, cause we all know what happens when Young Metro don’t trust you. Listen to Future below and get your tickets here.
