Earl Sweatshirt has carved out a unique lane in hip-hop with his introspective lyricism, experimental production, and raw storytelling. From his Odd Future beginnings to his evolution as a solo artist, Earl has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered some of the most compelling rap albums of the past decade. Here are his top three albums of all time.
1. Some Rap Songs (2018)
Earl’s magnum opus and a defining moment in abstract hip-hop.
After a three-year hiatus, Earl Sweatshirt returned with Some Rap Songs, a deeply personal and experimental album that redefined his artistry. Clocking in at just 24 minutes, the project blends lo-fi beats, jazzy loops, and cryptic yet poetic lyricism. Earl explores grief, depression, and self-reflection, particularly addressing the passing of his father, South African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile.
Tracks like “Shattered Dreams”, “The Mint”, and “Peanut” showcase his ability to craft deeply layered, emotionally charged music. Though initially polarizing, Some Rap Songs is now regarded as a landmark album in underground rap.
2. Doris (2013)
A brilliant debut that showcased Earl’s technical prowess and dark humor.
Earl’s debut studio album, Doris, arrived after his return from a hiatus in Samoa and proved he was more than just Odd Future’s prodigy. Featuring intricate rhyme schemes and bleak yet witty storytelling, Doris balances youthful braggadocio with glimpses of emotional depth.
Songs like “Chum”, a deeply personal reflection on his absent father, and “Hive”, an eerie showcase of lyrical dominance, remain fan favorites. With contributions from Tyler, The Creator, Frank Ocean, and Mac Miller, Doris solidified Earl as one of the most gifted lyricists of his generation.
3. SICK! (2022)
A mature and introspective return to form after years of evolution.
Following the fragmented and abstract Some Rap Songs and Feet of Clay, Earl Sweatshirt returned with a more structured but still deeply personal project in SICK! The album, released during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects themes of isolation, resilience, and personal growth.
Tracks like “2010”, where Earl reminisces on his come-up, and “Tabula Rasa”, featuring Armand Hammer, highlight his sharpened storytelling and refined production choices. While SICK! doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it marks an evolution in Earl’s artistry, balancing his experimental tendencies with accessible songwriting.
Honorable Mentions
- I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside (2015) – A dark, claustrophobic dive into Earl’s psyche.
- Feet of Clay (2019) – A short but dense project that leans further into Earl’s avant-garde tendencies.
Earl Sweatshirt’s discography is one of the most unique in hip-hop, and each album offers something different. Whether it’s the raw lyricism of Doris, the abstract genius of Some Rap Songs, or the introspective maturity of SICK!, Earl continues to push boundaries and solidify his place as one of rap’s most compelling artists.
