Mason Blake
Future, the rapper, has become famous for his Auto-Tuned man-machine croon, which has become one of the most ubiquitous sounds in pop. Future's sound is influenced by a wide range of sources, from the rhythms of keyboard taps and air-conditioning units to the melodies of songs like Amazing Grace and Club Nouveau’s Lean on Me. Future's work ethic is also a key factor in his success, with the artist claiming to have written over 1,000 songs and spending a year committing to going to the studio every day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of autotune | Prevalent use of autotune in songs, both rapping and singing with the effect |
| Musical influences | Everything from office air-conditioning units to keyboard taps |
| Musical style | Astronaut music, a genre he created |
| Songwriting | Simple yet deep and affecting melodies with a focus on hooks |
| Work ethic | Known for his ability to create a hit record in 25 minutes |
| Musical circles | Diverse, including collaborations with Miley Cyrus and Rick Ross |
| Lyrics | Touch on love and relationships, unusual in the macho world of trap |
| Musical beginnings | First song was "Belly of da Beast" |
| Stage name | Inspired by the idea of looking forward |
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What You'll Learn
Future's early career and influences
Future, born Nayvadius Cash, is a rapper and producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He first broke onto the rap scene with his mixtape "Dirty Sprite", released on 11 January 2011. Before this, Future had deep musical roots in Atlanta, with connections to the Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta artists including Outkast, Goodie Mob, Organized Noize, and Killer Mike. In 2003, Dungeon Family frontman Rico Wade discovered a collective called Da Connect, which included a local rapper named Meathead, who was Future under a different name. Future's first solo record, "Belly of da Beast", was produced during this time and is considered his first song. He also appeared in numerous Dungeon Family music videos and received his first songwriting credit in 2004 for the Organized Noize-produced single "Blueberry Yum Yum" for rapper Ludacris. Wade encouraged him to pursue a career in rap and develop his writing skills.
Future was then discovered by fellow Atlanta rapper Rocko, who took him under his wing as a solo artist on his A1 Recordings record label. From 2010 to early 2011, Future released a series of mixtapes, including "1000", "Dirty Sprite", and "True Story". In September 2011, he signed a major label recording contract with Epic Records, and shortly after, he released the mixtape "Streetz Calling". This mixtape received positive reviews from XXL magazine and Pitchfork, the latter of which praised Future's ability to "perfect[] this thread of ringtone pop, where singing and rapping are practically the same thing".
Future's unique sound has been influenced by a wide range of sources, from the melodies of "Amazing Grace" and Club Nouveau's "Lean on Me" to the "tomahawk chop" song of the Atlanta Braves. He is known for his ability to craft catchy choruses and hooks, with an uncanny ear for rhythm and melody. Future's use of Auto-Tune, both in rapping and singing, has also become a key element of his sound, with publications like Pitchfork and GQ praising his innovative use of the effect.
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The creation of his unique sound
Future, the Atlanta-based rapper and producer, has crafted a unique sound that defies most hip-hop conventions. His musical journey began in the 1990s when he was exposed to hip-hop by an uncle and later inspired by a classmate rapping Too $hort's "Freaky Tales". Future gravitated towards melodies that were simple yet profound, influenced by songs like "Amazing Grace" and Club Nouveau's "Lean on Me".
Future's early career was marked by his association with the Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta artists that included acts like Outkast and Goodie Mob. During this time, he honed his songwriting skills and made appearances in their music videos. Future's sound continued to evolve, and he gained recognition for his ability to craft catchy choruses and hooks, drawing influence from a wide range of sources, including the unusual inspiration of office air-conditioning units.
The key element that sets Future apart is his use of Auto-Tune. His debut album, Pluto, released in 2012, divided opinions due to its heavy use of Auto-Tune. However, Future's skill in using Auto-Tune as an artistic tool has been recognised by publications like Pitchfork and GQ. They praised his ability to accentuate and colour emotion and create raw energy and reactive emotions through his unique vocal style.
Future's work ethic is also notable, as he is known for his dedication to his craft. He has spent long hours in the studio, often working with a network of like-minded producers, and claims to have over 1,000 finished tracks. This relentless pursuit of his musical vision has contributed to the creation of his distinctive sound.
Future's sound has been described as "astronaut music," a genre he created himself. His lyrics explore themes of love and relationships, which are not commonly found in traditional rap music. This off-kilter approach has gained him respect in the trap world and has helped him become a cross-genre star.
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His use of autotune
Future's use of Auto-Tune is a key element of his sound. He is known for his mumble-styled vocals and prolific output, and is credited with pioneering the use of Auto-Tuned melodies in hip-hop and trap music. Future's ability to craft a killer chorus, combined with his wide-ranging influences, has produced interesting results.
Future's use of Auto-Tune was initially divisive, with some criticising his unconventional approach. However, he has since been praised for his ability to use Auto-Tune in a way that accentuates and colours emotion in his music. In an interview, Future stated that he used Auto-Tune to rap because it made his voice sound grittier, and that it was different from how other artists like T-Pain used it for singing.
In terms of the technical aspects of his Auto-Tune use, some have noted that Future's lethargic vocal style and atonal patches in his blend of singing and rapping may contribute to the feeling that his music is "out of key". However, upon closer inspection, it appears that the autotune is still always in key. Future's vocal producer, Seth Firkins, has also commented on his use of Auto-Tune, stating that it is an integral part of Future's emotion, sound, and delivery.
Future's use of Auto-Tune has had a significant impact on hip-hop and trap music, with many artists following his lead and incorporating Auto-Tune into their own music. Due to the sustained popularity of this musical style, Future is regarded as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.
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His work ethic
Future's work ethic is legendary. In his own words, he describes his work ethic as "reclusive, studio-bound, workaholic". In 2010, he made a promise to himself that he would go to the studio every day, no matter what. And he did. This relentless drive and dedication to his craft have undoubtedly contributed to his success.
Future is known for his ability to create hit records in remarkably short periods. In his secluded studio, nicknamed the "Batcave", he has crafted numerous hits, drawing on a wide range of influences, from the rhythms of keyboard taps to the hum of air conditioning units. Future's unique sound has evolved from ridicule to cool, defying hip-hop conventions and creating a new genre of "astronaut music".
The Atlanta-based artist's work ethic is further demonstrated by his prolific output. He has released multiple mixtapes, including Dirty Sprite and Streetz Calling, and numerous studio albums, such as EVOL and Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd. Future's work ethic is also evident in his collaborations with other artists, including Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, Jay Rock, and Juice Wrld.
Future's dedication to his craft extends beyond the studio. He is known for his sharp writing skills, honed under the guidance of Rico Wade, and his ability to craft killer choruses with uncanny hooks. Future's wide-ranging influences, from hip-hop to gospel, and his unique approach to Auto-Tune have elevated him to the forefront of the genre. His sound has been described as "the numbing overstimulation of our time", showcasing his ability to capture the essence of the modern experience.
Future's work ethic is a testament to his passion and determination. He has created a distinct and influential sound that has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. His relentless drive and creative approach to music have solidified his place as a hip-hop icon.
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His rise to fame
The rise of Future, the rapper with deep Atlanta roots, to stardom was a natural and authentic process. His musical journey began in the 1990s when, as a young boy, he was exposed to hip-hop by an uncle. However, it wasn't until he heard a classmate rap Too $hort's "Freaky Tales" that he truly gravitated towards the genre. He developed a keen ear for melodies and an interest in music, taking inspiration from everything around him, including the sounds of tapping keyboards and humming air conditioners.
Future's early career was marked by his association with the Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta artists that included acts such as Outkast and Goodie Mob. During this time, he went by the name Meat and appeared in numerous Dungeon Family music videos. He also received his first songwriting credit in 2004 for the Organized Noize-produced single "Blueberry Yum Yum" for rapper Ludacris.
In 2010, Future made a resolution to dedicate himself fully to his music. He started spending every day in the studio, honing his craft and collaborating with a network of like-minded producers. This work ethic, combined with his unique sound and ability to craft killer choruses, soon caught the attention of the industry. He was discovered by fellow Atlanta rapper Rocko, who signed him as a solo artist to his A1 Recordings label.
From 2010 to 2011, Future released a series of mixtapes, including "Dirty Sprite," which played a significant role in his rise to fame. The mixtape showcased his distinctive style, blending rapping and singing with prevalent use of Auto-Tune. This off-kilter approach to hip-hop, combined with his diverse musical influences, defied conventions and attracted a cross-genre audience.
In September 2011, Future signed a major label recording contract with Epic Records, further propelling his career. He continued to release mixtapes and studio albums, collaborating with artists like Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, and Jay Rock. In 2016, he broke records by becoming the fastest artist to chart three number-one albums on the Billboard 200 since the Glee soundtrack albums in 2010. Future's unique sound, hard work, and dedication to his craft ultimately led to his rise to fame and established him as a prominent force in the hip-hop world.
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Frequently asked questions
Future takes inspiration from everything, including office air-conditioning units and the tapping on keyboards. He is also inspired by melodies, such as the "tomahawk chop" song by Atlanta Braves fans, and Club Nouveau's 1987 cover of "Lean on Me".
Future is known for his use of Auto-Tune, both in rapping and singing. He has been described as having a "man-machine croon".
Future honed his sound by working with a network of like-minded producers, such as urban hitmaker Mike WiLL Made It and emerging names like Metro Boomin.
Future has deep musical roots in Atlanta. He is musically connected to Outkast via a group called the Dungeon Family, a collective of Atlanta artists who recorded in the basement of Rico Wade's house in the 1990s.
Future's sound has evolved since his early career with Da Connect, where he did not use autotune. He has since become known for his prevalent use of Auto-Tune, creating a unique sound that combines bizarro croon with raw energy and reactive emotions.
