Kendrick Lamar tweeted that Earl Sweatshirt is his favorite rapper. It makes sense––both are L.A. rappers nearing career peaks. While Lamar channels this momentum into leadership and activism, Sweatshirt turns to somber introspection. The album sounds as if Earl decided to read listeners a stack of his unsent letters. In his signature sticky rhythmic flow he processes dysfunctional romance, mourns the passing of his grandmother and his lack of a father figure, while darting his eyes at a hip-hop community and music industry he truly mistrusts. Score: 8 out of 10 – Ted Jamison
Album: Earl Sweatshirt - "I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside"
