Score: 4/5
It’s been a long road for young Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt. The rapper lost a year of his career to boarding school, came out of that to a sea of popularity, released his second album and still has yet to figure out what truly peaks his interest as an artist.
However, Sweatshirt seems to be finding his groove with his newest album “I Don’t Like S—, I Don’t Go Outside.” It is here, that he finds the confidence he lacked on “Doris,” but the album stil has its flaws.
Before those mishaps arrive, Sweatshirt comes out of the gate with “Huey” and “Mantra” two tracks showing how deep he must be inside of his own head. Through the pseudonym, randomblackdude, produced beats, Sweatshirt bobs and weaves between being vulnerable and guarded.
This isn’t always the case as the aforementioned confidence is brought to the forefront on later songs such as “DNA.” The variation of flows, from slow to triple time, are sure to impress honest hip hop fans.
Unfortunately, the album was released earlier than expected due to Sweatshirt’s label. It’s possible the added time could’ve made time for more songs to be added to the album or more tweaks to the material. Although the features are minimal, Vince Staples still manages to steal the show on the albums last track “Wool.”
The greatest part of this album is it’s identity. Its 10 tracks arent long and repetitive. Instead Sweatshirt delivers a simple, almost half an hour long, album which simply defines who he is now. He isn’t shy about his talents any more and he’s no longer looking to be the young artist with the mind of a 50 year old. Now, he’s 21-years-old and has established himself as a writer, producer and all around artist.
The issue is that “I Don’t Like S—” leaves listeners wanting more. At the end of the album there’s a feeling that there should be at least two or three more songs on the album. This may be the result of artists spoiling their fans with 13 or more tracks on an album but there’s a problem with being able to listen to this whole album in almost the same time it takes to watch an episode of “Community.”
You can reach Joshua Jackson on Twitter at @Joshua_Jackson_.