The black hood of a Supreme jacket covers the head of 19-year-old Thebe Neruda. Calmly stepping onto the stage, his presence calms the praise of “GOLF WANG” chants. Earl Sweatshirt has arrived.
Being backed on the turntables by Brainfeeder don Flying Lotus, Sweatshirt opened the performance with an untitled track that immediately brought smiles to the faces of sweating Odd Future fans. Every head in the building was bobbing from front to back.
“Y’all want my new shit? I don’t know if y’all even care,” Sweatshirt shouts. Immediately the vocal sample of “Drop” cracks as Earl parades across the stage. “Mad smart, act ignorant, shit I’ll pass class when my dad starts giving shits,” Sweatshirt blasts as the piano riff on “Blade” fills the cracks between the violin and the chorus cheer of “Nothing is gonna stop me.”
Blue lights reflect from the disco ball back down on the faces of the crowd as Flying Lotus grabs a microphone and walks to the front of the audience. A snare snappin’ beat served by Mr. Lotus is the blanket of stars while Earl Sweatshirt and Captain Murphy swerve through the universe of cynicism and style.
Cameras take to the air as elated fans record the special moment as both artists exchange verses on “Between Friends.” Smiles fill their faces as Sweatshirt and Lotus feel the connection and excitement in the air.
As expected, the 19-year-old delivered a large portion of new material that is to be released on his new full length Doris. “I’m crackalackin’ like snap, crackle, pop in your ample heart, hide your face, and throw your flannels off, sweatshirt” Earl spits on “Hive.”
Maturity is evident in Sweatshirt as he delivers a complex look into his troubles and insight. “It’s probably been twelve years since my father left, left me fatherless,” Sweatshirt says on the track “Chum.”
“Thanks so much New Orleans,” Earl shouts. With BUKU being his second solo performance EVER, Earl seemed excited, nervous and gracious. After thanking the fans, Sweatshirt walks away as the room slowly clears and conversation of praise and criticism flutter the air.
Earl is ready to prove that he is no longer a 16 year old suburban diamond in the rough but a force that can compete with the best names in the game.
