Odd Future Pull Off Unexpected Prank W/ First Official Signing

Odd Future had the Internet going nuts heading into the weekend by announcing an unexpected signing of their first official artist named Young Ni**a.

Based on a press release from their camp, Odd Future claimed they inked their first roster addition.

Odd Future Records is extremely excited to announce our first official signing, Young Ni**a. While our original intent was not to sign anyone to the label we simply could not pass up the opportunity to sign somebody this talented. Young Ni**a embodies the DIY ethic and persona of Odd Future along with a commercial appeal that transcends demographics. We will be premiering his first single today at 3pm PST on www.oddfuture.com (Press Release)

Upon the single's release, it was revealed the alleged new artist was actually group leader Tyler, the Creator.

Odd Future is up to more tricks. The controversial collective introduces rapper Young Ni**a, the first act signed to its label. But upon first listen, you'll realize that it's not a new artist at all, but simply Tyler, the Creator's alter ego. He spits clichéd and comical rhymes on "Come Threw Looking Clean," billed as the first single from his upcoming album Expensive Pasta. (Rap-Up)

Last week, producer Pharrell Williams talked about missing out on an opportunity to ink the West Coast collective.

"I was on my tour bus and my homeboy Scott Vener was like, 'Yo, you got to hear these kids called Odd Future. It's this kidTyler, the Creator. This sh*t is dope. You should sign them.' It's funny because I was just bumping their sh*t and looking at all [Tyler's] YouTubes, you know, where the songs were uploaded on YouTube, just listening to it. And then I found [their manager] Chris Clancy and by the time I found Chris, they were already talking about signing -- I missed that boat. I was mad as sh*t but I'm happy because Clancy's idea to have them as the youngest in charge doing their own sh*t -- just all of the stuff I always preach about, he was very head strong about making sure they did that. It had nothing to do with me but it was just interesting to see some sh*t that I had said and things I wanted to see happen were actually happening. Young kids deciding they wanted to do music their way, some sh*t they want to say and just take their destiny by the horns and just go." (Sucker Free)

Back in April, the crew revealed signing a record deal with Sony Music distributor RED.

"It's based on getting the distribution deal we've always envisioned that allows the group to 'sign themselves' to their own company and keep their masters. They will have 100% creative control of all aspects of their music, art, and release schedule with no 3rd party participation in outside business. Freedom and ownership was the whole point. Red and Sony know that its in everyone's best interest to maintain the group's authenticity and control. They built it, they deserve it. There's no cheesy hooks or fluorescent liquor product placements in the works.. It's about to be fun.. and different.. " (Statement)