For proof that Atlanta still shapes the way our world listens, speaks, and dances, look no further than Future, the artist who owned 2015. Barely pausing for breath, he released two mixtapes, a hit studio album—DS2, which more than doubled the sales numbers of its 2014 predecessor—and another number one album, with Drake. If it seemed like he spent the year making party music, Future’s 2015 work was actually this year’s realest embodiment of Afro Pessimism. Whether he was contemplating drug abuse, suicidal thoughts, police brutality, his relationship with God, or a battle with satan, Future didn’t hide from his demons, and that earned him a fan base as passionate as any rapper has seen in recent years.
Case in point: when 56 Nights dropped back in March, Black Twitter exploded overnight with Future memes paired with the hashtag #FutureHive. (The name initially saw some backlash from the #Beyhive, but that quickly subsided when Queen B gave her approval in September, performing a mashup of “Where Ya At,” “Commas,” and “Diva,” at Made In America. Both hives went wild.) Far from being just an internet phenomenon, #FutureHive is more like a lifestyle. We have inside jokes, common practices, and certain things we believe. If you’re really #FutureHive too, then this is what you’ll know.
1. Self-love is the number one rule to live by.
2. Matching hairstyles with your girl is cool.
Go ombre with your girl, beloveds, and balayage with your bae.
3. But if the object of your affection isn't down for chicken wings and fries, forget it.
4. Cheesecake is the king of desserts.
Just plain, no strawberry; we are simple people.
5. Gucci flip flops are always in season.
6. Never run out of styrofoam. Like, ever.
7. And finally, there's only one true religion.
From The Collection:
The Year In Review 2015
