Jackson Volenec — Reporter
Rapper Earl Sweatshirt has released the surprise EP “Feet of Clay,” following his critically acclaimed album release last year “Some Rap Songs,” featuring seven tracks and 15 total minutes of runtime.
Earl Sweatshirt is an artist who rose to prominence in the wave of hype from the influential music group Odd Future, being one of the pivotal members in the group alongside people like Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean.
Ever since 2013, Earl has been on the consistent decline from the limelight and public eye, at least compared to the previous attention he was receiving.
“Some Rap Songs” showcased a raw and authentic representation of what some of the struggles and challenges that come with having severe depression. From discussing his waning relevancy in the limelight, the death of his father and the isolated position he finds himself in due to his mental health, the project was a deeply moving piece of art that shows the genuine hardships that so many people have to deal with on a daily basis.
The instrumentals have a wickedly dark and evil undertone; something that we have not seen in full display this potently. Tracks such as “EAST” feature haunting wails of a horn in the background as Earl delivers a flow that sounds like something that could have been easily heard on his project last year, but even more mutated and disturbing this time around.
This project gives a very unsettling feeling as you listen; like you are inside the mind of a scatter-brained individual who is recalling their past trauma. The lyrics that he delivers on this album do not require deep interpretation in order to see his messages, however, as Earl very clearly states his points that he had to make outright instead of thinking of a metaphor or something. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it exposes his vulnerable state of mind very beautifully.
This would be a welcome addition to Earl Sweatshirt’s catalog, as it continues to push the experimental, depressive, and unique sound that he has been developing for the past couple of years now.
