Across The Pond: OFB – FUXWITHIT
As far as U.K. rap groups go, there have been some iconic names to mention over the years. Roll Deep with the OG Wiley, Boy Better Know with Skepta & JME, to name just a couple of the older generation of groups. However, with the new era of drill music, we’ve seen the rise of Homerton’s 9ers featuring Unknown T & V9, the Harlem Spartans with Loski and many more. None though, hold the weight of OFB. Based in Tottenham, on the Broadwater Farm Estate the ‘Original Farm Boys’ have had artists repping like Headie One and RV, the group is one of the more renowned U.K. drill acts of today, which of course comes with its controversy.
Like some other U.K. drill artists, OFB have been subject to having their music taken down from YouTube by request of the metropolitan police. The group’s current most active members are Bandokay and Double Lz, have been holding the name down and become the faces of OFB – but for Bandokay, YouTube removals are just a scratch of the effect the police have had on his life. Real name, Kemani Duggen, Bandokay is the son of Mark Duggan, who’s death by Police shooting led to the 2011 England Riots. A huge piece of history in the U.K. that leaves Bandokay wanting to pursue his music with OFB to an even greater degree to avoid an alternate life… and he’s done exactly that. OFB are reaching new heights with a huge following of fans that show up anywhere they go. Their ruthless, aggressive vocal flows of differing styles make their tracks rounded and full of punchlines, catchy lyrics and crowd chants. With a wide range of talent forming under the OFB name and regularly jumping in tracks together, the sky really is the limit for the Tottenham group. Here’s just three tracks to get you started…
