Some Rap Songs by Earl Sweatshirt: An Emotional Masterpiece

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Background Info:
Earl Sweatshirt has been struggling with depression and substance abuse in the past. Not only that, but he has had bad relationships with both of his parents, especially his father. In 2017, Earl was beginning to mend his relationship with his father

before he suddenly died. Few months later, his Uncle Hugh also died. These deaths threw him into a deeper depression, leading to a cancelled European tour. The album was originally supposed to be a gift for his father to mend their relationship.

The album starts with “imprecise words,” a perfect way to set the atmosphere for the listener. It tells us from the start that this is Earl’s best attempt at describing his mental state and emotions; his struggles in life and mental health these past years.

Looped samples are used throughout the album, as well as the production drowning out Earl’s vocals. This production might seem off at first, but it is done masterfully; it puts the listener into Earl’s mind. The looped samples represent the endless cycle of depression and anxiety

The production washing over Earl is symbolic of drowning (also a motif often mentioned in the lyrics), a metaphor for depression and his mental health. Throughout the album, Earl attempts to overcome these struggles by breaking through this endless loop.

The production is often hazy, representing a cloudy perception of life; his mental turmoils, addiction, and lack of creative focus (as seen through almost no releases after IDLS, IDGO). It gives the listener a place in Earl’s mind, a noisy cloudy atmosphere. No clear vision.

Production is executed perfectly, with the slow, dark songs representing the lows of depression, while the more upbeat, bright songs bring hope to Earl & the listener. In truth, this album is about recuperating. Reaching the light at the end of the tunnel after years of struggle.

The lyricism is amazing as well, filled with intricate rhymes, metaphors, and variations in flows, which intertwine with the production. This evokes strong emotions within the listener, and helps settle the themes of the album. Peanut comes to mind when speaking of this.

The song features this haunted piano and white noise, representing the lowest point in the entire album. The flow throughout the song is tiring, and broken, as if he’s meandering his way through life. This line shows the lyrical intricacy in the album through the rhyme scheme.

The final “ayy” is a depressing, yet ironic way to end the bar. It makes light of his mental state, while also showing how broken he is. Moments like these show how well thought out Earl’s flows and bars are, as it also fully completes the meter and allows him to stay on beat.

Peanut is followed by Riot!, which features a sample from his late Uncle Hugh playing the horns. The song is a triumphant song, showing Earl finding the light at the end of the tunnel. It says so much while not saying anything explicitly. It is the perfect closure to this journey

After 23 minutes of a deconstruction of his mental state, Earl is finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He breaks free from the endless loop, and is filled by hope for the future.

Some Rap Songs is incredibly intricate in its details, with superb lyricism and production, as well as perfect execution of its themes. With this album, Earl connects to his father and pays respects to him as well as his South African roots (watch Nowhere, Nobody on YouTube).

It is worth noting the album cover and the back of the vinyl feature depictions of Earl as a Duppy, an African malevolent spirit. This further represents his mental state.

With Some Rap Songs, Earl presents himself at his most vulnerable, giving us an amazing album of relieving pain and achieving recuperation. Some Rap Songs is an emotional masterpiece 10/10