Artistic California based collective Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All has produced a lot of impressive talent in the past couple of years; Frank Ocean, Domo Genesis, [formerly] Cassie Veggies and most notably the crew’s crown jewels (to the hip hop listener at least) Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, the Creator.
They’ve also amassed a global cult-like following and the respect of industry peers like Kanye West, Pharrell, Alchemist, who’ve all publically expressed their admiration for the crew. If that isn’t an insane enough wrap sheet, the collective have expanded to TV shows and majour events and have done this independently and all under the age of 25. Bet you’re feeling pretty bad about your life now, huh? Well don’t. Just get the new Earl album and imagine what it feels like to be 21 and kind of rich.
Earl, real name Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, dropped his official second album I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album By Earl Sweatshirt today, briefly taking to Twitter to say: “COP THAT ARSLANI FOR ME PLEASE .”
On March 16, 2015, the album pre-order appeared on the iTunes Store, without prior announcement or promotion; and the tracklist only reveals information about three features – Wiki, A$AP Mob member Dash, and frequent collaborator Vince Staples. The title is supposedly inspired by his own lyric on Mac Miller’s song, ‘Polo Jeans’, from the 2014 mixtape Faces: “Lately I don’t like shit, I been inside on the daily.” Not suprisingat all since he is a self-admitted recluse and is not the greatest fan of the human race.
As peculiar as all of this is, it’s not so weird if you consider the guy’s knack for the uncanny and unconventional; from naming his first album Doris after his grandmother, to his quirky imagery and social awkwardness. One thing that isn’t questionable is Earl’s lyrical proficiency, which has been compared to guys like Rakim, Nas and other greats.
Considering the success of his debut album Doris, it is going to be interesting to see how this album is received, especially since he has unofficially distanced himself from Odd Future, musically.
Check out the video for his first single ‘Grief’ below: