Grade: B+
Earl Sweatshirt, the most talented rapper from the Odd Future collective, will soon release perhaps the most anticipated rap album of 2013. Only recently did Earl reveal that his debut album “Doris” will drop Aug. 20, but the Internet has been a-buzzing since he released the incredible single “Chum.” “Hive” is the second official look, and it won’t kill the hype. Backed by a simple beat, Earl delivers expectedly smooth verses with support from rappers Vince Staples and Casey Veggies. It carries the same eeriness fellow Wolf Gang rapper Tyler, the Creator made popular. “Hive” is yet another example of how confident Earl is — even at 19 years old. It’s not an extravagantly great track, but it’s better than most of what Odd Future has put out thus far. It’s doubtful any song on “Doris” will be able to top “Chum,” but “Hive” is a reminder not to sleep on Earl Sweatshirt.