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'{{Short description|American rapper and record producer (born 1994)}} {{Copy edit|date=December 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox person | image = Earl Sweatshirt Day N Night Festival.png | alt = | caption = Earl Sweatshirt performing in 2017 | birth_name = Thebe Neruda Kgositsile | other_names = {{hlist|Sly Tendencies|randomblackdude}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|2|24}} | birth_place = [[Chicago, Illinois]], U.S. | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record producer}} | years_active = 2008–2010, 2012–present | children = 1 | mother = [[Cheryl Harris]] | father = [[Keorapetse Kgositsile]] | website = {{URL|earlsweatshirt.com}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | origin = [[Santa Monica, California]], U.S. | genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[abstract hip hop]]|[[experimental hip hop]]| [[alternative hip hop]]|[[horrorcore]] {{small|(early)}}}} | label = {{hlist|Tan Cressida|[[Warner Records|Warner]]|[[Columbia Records|Columbia]] {{small|(former)}}}} | current_member_of = {{hlist|[[Odd Future]]}} }} }} '''Thebe Neruda Kgositsile''' (born February 24, 1994), also known by his stage name '''Earl Sweatshirt''', is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is considered one of the greatest [[Alternative hip hop]]<nowiki/>artists of all time. Kgositsile was originally known by the moniker '''Sly Tendencies''' when he began rapping in 2008, but soon changed his name when [[Tyler, the Creator]] invited him to join his [[music collective|alternative hip hop collective]] [[Odd Future]] in late 2009. He gained recognition and critical praise for his debut [[mixtape]], ''[[Earl (mixtape)|Earl]]'', which he released in March 2010, at the young age of 16. Shortly after its release, his mother sent him to a boarding school in [[Samoa]] for at-risk teens for a year and a half. He was unable to record music during his tenure there, but returned to Los Angeles in February 2012, just before his eighteenth birthday. Kgositsile rejoined Odd Future and started producing new music, releasing his debut studio album, ''[[Doris (album)|Doris]]'', in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Huynh|first=Davis|date=2013-08-15|title=Earl Sweatshirt - Doris (Album Stream)|url=https://hypebeast.com/2013/8/earl-sweatshirt-doris-album-stream|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-19|website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Coulston|first=John Connor|date=2013-08-27|title=Earl Sweatshirt flexes his lyrical muscle on debut album 'Doris' {{!}} Album Review|url=https://mtsusidelines.com/2013/08/27/earl-sweatshirt-flexes-his-lyrical-muscle-on-his-debut-album-doris-album-review/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Sidelines|language=en-US}}</ref> His second album, ''[[I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside]]'', followed in March 2015, and his third, ''[[Some Rap Songs]]'', released in November 2018. His projects have all received widespread critical praise. He is currently signed to his independent label Tan Cressida, which was formerly distributed by [[Columbia Records]]. On November 1, 2019, Kgositsile released an [[extended play|EP]] titled ''[[Feet of Clay (EP)|Feet of Clay]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/feet-of-clay/1483686252|title=FEET OF CLAY by Earl Sweatshirt|author=thebe|date=November 1, 2019|website=iTunes|language=en|access-date=December 1, 2019}}</ref> Earl released the deluxe version of ''Feet of Clay'' a few months after and then took a year off from music to start working on his next album. In late 2021, Earl released the single "2010" and then released 2 more singles before releasing his fourth studio album ''[[SICK!]]''. == Early life == Thebe Neruda Kgositsile was born on February 24, 1994 in [[Chicago, Illinois]], to [[Cheryl Harris]], a law professor and critical race theorist at [[University of California, Los Angeles]], and [[Keorapetse Kgositsile]] a South African poet and political activist. Harris and Kgositsile separated when Thebe was six years old.[<nowiki/>[[Wikipedia:Citation needed|''citation needed'']]] His father Keorapetse is often mentioned in Kgositsile's music and was called a "complicated figure" by [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]. He was presented as a person that was often absent in Kgositsile’s life,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-03 |title=Earl Sweatshirt’s Father, Poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, Dead at 79 |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/earl-sweatshirts-father-poet-keorapetse-kgositsile-dead-at-79/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> due to him living in South Africa while Kgositsile lived in [[Los Angeles, California]]. Kgositsile stated that "Me and my dad had a relationship that's not uncommon for people to have with their fathers, which is a non-perfect one, talking to him is symbolic and non-symbolic, but it's literally closure for my childhood. Not getting to have that moment left me to figure out a lot with my damn self."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-20 |title=Earl Sweatshirt Releasing New Album Some Rap Songs Next Week, Shares "The Mint": Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/earl-sweatshirt-shares-new-song-the-mint-listen/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref> Kgositsile attended the [[UCLA Lab School]] in Los Angeles and New Roads Middle School & High School in [[Santa Monica, California]]. == Career == ===2008–2009: Career beginnings=== Kgositsile first started rapping in the seventh grade. In 2007, under the name Sly Tendencies,<ref name="Allmusicbio">{{cite web |title=Earl Sweatshirt Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/earl-sweatshirt-mn0002583626/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=28 April 2022 |language=en}}</ref> he posted tracks from his mixtape, ''Kitchen Cutlery'', via [[MySpace]]. He and two of his friends, Loofy and JW Mijo, formed a rap trio called The Backpackerz. They intended to release a mixtape titled ''World Playground'', but disbanded sometime in 2009.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}} ===2009–2011: ''Earl'' and hiatus in Samoa=== {{Main|Earl (mixtape)}} In 2009, fellow rapper [[Tyler, the Creator]] discovered Kgositsile via his [[MySpace]] account after he reached out to Tyler to tell him he was a fan of his work. Kgositsile later changed his pseudonym to Earl Sweatshirt and eventually joined Tyler's rap group [[Odd Future]]. His debut mixtape, ''[[Earl (album)|Earl]]'', was self-released on March 31, 2010, for free digital download on the Odd Future website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oddfuture.tumblr.com/post/486144881/earl-sweatshirt-earl |title=OFWGKTA: Earl Sweatshirt – EARL|publisher=Oddfuture.tumblr.com|date=March 31, 2010|access-date=February 27, 2011}}</ref> Most of the mixtape was produced by Tyler, the Creator. ''Earl'' was named the 24th-best album of 2010 by ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2010/12/the-25-best-albums-of-2010/earl-sweatshirt-earl|title=The 25 Best Albums of 2010|last=Insanul|first=Ahmed|work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]|date=December 15, 2010|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> Despite positive reactions from both critics and fans, various sources indicated that Kgositsile had stopped making music with Odd Future.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/2010-10-14/music/the-future-is-odd/2/|last=Caroline|first=Ryder|title=The Future Is Odd – Page 2 – Music – Los Angeles|newspaper=[[LA Weekly]]|date=October 14, 2010|access-date=February 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://oddfuture.tumblr.com/post/2480741386/fuck-watching-this-video-kills-us-inside-we-miss|title=OFWGKTA: FUCK! Watching This Video Kills Us Inside. We Miss|publisher=Oddfuture.tumblr.com|date=December 27, 2010|access-date=February 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2010/11/live-insanity-odd-future-wolf-gang/|title=The Live Insanity that Is Odd Future Wolf Gang...|publisher=SPIN.com|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=May 9, 2011}}</ref> Posts from Tyler, the Creator's Twitter and [[Formspring]] accounts seemed to indicate that Kgositsile's mother would not grant permission to release any of her son's music. Kgositsile later expressed in an interview that his mother sent him to [[Samoa]] due to getting into trouble with friends. Kgositsile attended Coral Reef Academy, a therapeutic retreat school for at-risk boys, located outside of the Samoan capital of [[Apia]].<ref name="backfromwilderness"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Rosenberg Radio|author-link=Paul Rosenberg (music manager)|title=Interview with Peter Rosenberg|via=[[YouTube]]|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8SU097uOPA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/s8SU097uOPA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|date=March 20, 2012|access-date=October 7, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> At Coral Reef Academy, Kgositsile worked to earn back privileges and the opportunity to return home. At the beginning of his enrollment, he was unable to use the bathroom unsupervised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/music/201308/earl-sweatshirt-samoa-addiction-doris?currentPage=3|title=The GQ&A: Earl Sweatshirt|last=Duncan|first=Byard|work=[[GQ (magazine)|GQ]]|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=August 25, 2013}}</ref> While there, he read [[Manning Marable]]'s biography on [[Malcolm X]] and [[Richard Fariña]]'s counterculture fiction. He wrote rhymes, including most of his verse on "Oldie", his only contribution to Odd Future's mixtape ''[[The OF Tape Vol. 2]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/arts/music/earl-sweatshirt-is-back-from-the-wilderness.html|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|title=After Exile, Career Reset – Earl Sweatshirt Is Back From the Wilderness|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 2, 2012|access-date=October 7, 2020}}</ref> Kgositsile was brought back from Samoa by [[Leila Steinberg]], the first manager of [[Tupac Shakur]], who still manages Earl’s career today.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/microphonecheck/2015/03/09/391893500/leila-steinberg-with-earl-its-a-journey|title=Leila Steinberg: 'With Earl, It's A Journey' : Microphone Check|last1=Muhammad|first1=Ali Shaheed|last2=Kelley|first2=Frannie|work=NPR|date=March 9, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref> Kgositsile's hiatus from making music led to a movement known as "Free Earl", which stemmed from a post on Odd Future's [[Tumblr]]. Chants of the phrase would ensue at the group's shows, and would appear throughout several songs by both the collective and its individual members – leading to media coverage of the movement itself.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Eichler |first1=Alex |title=Earl Sweatshirt Wants You to Knock Off the 'Free Earl' Stuff |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2011/05/earl-sweatshirt-wants-you-knock-free-earl-stuff/350723/ |website=The Atlantic |date=May 16, 2011 |publisher=The Wire Media |access-date=7 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Sanneh |first1=Kelefa |title=Where's Earl? |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/05/23/wheres-earl |magazine=The New Yorker |date=May 16, 2011 |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=7 January 2022}}</ref> ===2012–2013: Return from Samoa and ''Doris''=== {{Main|Doris (album)}} [[File:Earl Sweatshirt & Taco.jpg|thumb|right|Sweatshirt performing with Taco in September 2012]] On February 8, 2012, rumors spread around the internet that Kgositsile had returned to the U.S. when a video of him surfaced on YouTube with a preview of a new song saying if viewers wanted "the full thing" they would have to give him 50,000 followers on Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hidgtJsxm1g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/hidgtJsxm1g |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Home |publisher=YouTube |date=February 8, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He also later confirmed on his new Twitter account that he had returned to his home in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=earlxsweat|number=167358768294793217|title=home.|date=February 9, 2012|access-date=November 28, 2014}}</ref> Kgositsile appeared on the song "Oldie" from Odd Future's debut album ''[[The OF Tape Vol.&nbsp;2]]''. This was Earl's return to official Odd Future releases and his first appearance on an Odd Future Records release. On March 20, a video released on the official Odd Future YouTube page featured Kgositsile in a cipher-style music video rapping along to his verse from "Oldie" with the other members of the crew. That same day, Kgositsile performed with the group at the [[Hammerstein Ballroom]] in New York City on March 20, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://illroots.com/2012/03/21/earl-sweatshirt-performs-with-odd-future-in-nyc/ |title=Earl Sweatshirt Performs With Odd Future In NYC |publisher=Illroots |date=March 21, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref> On April 9, 2012, rapper Casey Veggies released a mixtape titled ''Customized Greatly 3'' that included a song featuring Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator, Domo Genesis, and Hodgy Beats titled "PNCINTLOFWGKTA." During that month Kgositsile signed on to create his own record label imprint, Tan Cressida, to be distributed through [[Columbia Records]]. He turned down several other larger offers due to his priority of remaining close to Odd Future.<ref name="backfromwilderness">[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/arts/music/earl-sweatshirt-is-back-from-the-wilderness.html After Exile, Career Reset. Earl Sweatshirt Is Back From the Wilderness]. ''[[The New York Times]]'', May 2, 2012.</ref> Earl Sweatshirt was featured on the track "[[Super Rich Kids]]" from Frank Ocean's debut album, ''[[Channel Orange|channel ORANGE]]'' released digitally July 10, 2012. On July 16, [[Domo Genesis]] & [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]] released the first official single, "Elimination Chamber", from their collaboration album ''No Idols'', which featured Earl, [[Vince Staples]], and [[Action Bronson]]. He was featured on the album again on the tracks "Daily News" (also featuring [[SpaceGhostPurrp]] & Action Bronson) and "Gamebreaker". On July 23, 2012, [[Flying Lotus]] released a song titled "Between Friends" on the [[Adult Swim]] Single series which featured Earl Sweatshirt and [[Flying Lotus|Captain Murphy]]. Earl Sweatshirt was also featured on [[MellowHype]]'s second and final studio album ''[[Numbers (Mellowhype album)|Numbers]]'' on the track "P2". [[File:Earl Sweatshirt March 15, 2013 - 02.jpg|thumb|Sweatshirt performing in 2013]] On November 2, Kgositsile released his first solo single since his return from Samoa, titled "Chum".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chum-single/id574008234 |title=iTunes – Music – Chum – Single by Earl Sweatshirt |publisher=Itunes.apple.com |date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026210922/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/chum-single/id574008234 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 }}</ref> On December 4, Kgositsile announced that his debut studio album would be called ''[[Doris (album)|Doris]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title = EARL on Twitter|url = https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/276090337477394434|website = Twitter|access-date = November 22, 2015}}</ref> That same day the music video for "Chum" was posted on YouTube.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbWLSZrZfw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/FCbWLSZrZfw |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Earl Sweatshirt – Chum (Explicit) |publisher=YouTube |date=December 4, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''Doris'' was reported early on to feature vocals and/or production from [[Tyler, the Creator]], Frank Ocean, Ommas Keith, Thundercat, Domo Genesis, [[Mac Miller]], [[the Neptunes]], [[Christian Rich]], Vince Staples, [[BadBadNotGood]], [[Pharrell Williams]], [[Samiyam]], [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]], Casey Veggies, [[The Internet (band)|The Internet]] and [[RZA]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Steven J. |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22101/title.earl-sweatshirt-reveals-debut-album-title |title=Earl Sweatshirt Reveals Debut Album Title |work=HipHop DX |date=December 4, 2012 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801072454/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22101/title.earl-sweatshirt-reveals-debut-album-title |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2013/01/xxl-presents-the-35-most-anticipated-albums-of-2013-3/#15 |title=XXL Presents... The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 14, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/watch-earl-sweatshirt-premiere-a-song-featuring-rza-in-syracuse |title=Watch Earl Sweatshirt Premiere a Song f/ RZA in Syracuse |magazine=Complex |date=April 28, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2013}}</ref> On March 6, 2013, while performing with [[Flying Lotus]] and Mac Miller, Earl premiered three new songs off ''Doris'': "Burgundy" produced by [[Pharrell Williams]], "[[Hive (song)|Hive]]" featuring Vince Staples, and "Guild" featuring Mac Miller. Kgositsile also confirmed the next single to be titled "Whoa" featuring Tyler, the Creator. The song was released to iTunes on March 12, 2013 along with the music video, which was directed by Tyler, the Creator.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Roman |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23128/title.earl-sweatshirt-previews-three-songs-from-upcoming-album |title=Earl Sweatshirt Previews Three Songs From Upcoming Album |work=HipHop DX |date=March 7, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312191135/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.23128/title.earl-sweatshirt-previews-three-songs-from-upcoming-album |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themaskedgorilla.com/earl-sweatshirt-premieres-new-music-from-debut-album-doris-featuring-mac-miller-video/ |title=Earl Sweatshirt Premieres New Music From Debut Album Doris, Featuring Mac Miller (Video) |publisher=The Masked Gorilla |date=March 7, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/earl-sweatshirt-slacks-off-in-whoa-20130312 |title=Video: Earl Sweatshirt Slacks Off in 'Whoa' |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=April 8, 2013}}</ref> [[File:Tyler, the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt..jpg|left|thumb|Earl Sweatshirt performing alongside [[Tyler, the Creator]] in 2013]] ''Doris'' was released on August 20, 2013, under Tan Cressida and Columbia Records. ''Doris'' featured [[guest appearance]]s from Odd Future members Domo Genesis, Frank Ocean, Tyler, the Creator, along with Vince Staples, RZA, Casey Veggies and Mac Miller. [[Record production|Production]] was primarily handled by Kgositsile under the pseudonym randomblackdude and production duo [[Christian Rich]]. Additional production was provided by [[Matt Martians]], [[the Neptunes]], RZA, [[Samiyam]], [[BadBadNotGood]], Frank Ocean, and Tyler, the Creator. In September 2013, ''Complex'' named Kgositsile the tenth best producer in hip hop.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/09/best-rap-producers/earl-sweatshirt |title=10. randomblackdude a.k.a. Earl Sweatshirt — The 10 Best Rap Producers Right Now |magazine=Complex |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=October 29, 2013}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Doris'' was met with universal critical acclaim from music critics, including perfect scores by ''[[The Guardian]]'' and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', which praised Kgositsile's rhyme schemes and lyrics along with the gritty underground production.<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/doris/earl-sweatshirt |title=Doris Reviews |website=Metacritic |date=August 20, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2013}}</ref> The album also fared well commercially, debuting at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and number one on US [[Top Rap Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25240/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-25-2013|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/25/2013|magazine=HipHopDX|access-date=August 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828151703/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25240/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-25-2013|archive-date=August 28, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> ===2014–2015: ''I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside'' and ''Solace''=== {{Main|I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside|Solace (Earl Sweatshirt EP)}} On November 12, 2012, Kgositsile announced that he had begun working on his second studio project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/268031781763170305|title=thebe kgositsile on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=October 31, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The forthcoming album was to be named ''Gnossos,'' <ref>{{cite web |title=Twitter / earlxsweat: my third album (counting earl |url=https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/268031781763170305 |access-date=April 8, 2013 |publisher=Twitter.com}}</ref> but Kgositsile later decided against the title.<ref>{{cite web |title=EARL on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/437095879020130304 |access-date=November 21, 2015 |website=Twitter}}</ref> He cited inspiration from [[Richard Fariña]]'s 1966 cult-classic novel ''[[Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me|Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://centralsauce.com/gnossos-earl-sweatshirt|title="Gnossos" - The Story Behind Earl Sweatshirt's Lost Album - CentralSauce|date=October 26, 2018|work=CentralSauce|access-date=October 31, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> Kgositsile ultimately decided to take the album in another direction under the name ''I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside''. On October 10, 2014, Kgositsile confirmed that he had completed the follow-up album to ''[[Doris (album)|Doris]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/520764005921464323|title=EARL on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=November 28, 2014}}</ref> On November 5, 2014, he released a new song entitled "45" produced by [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]]. On February 14, 2015, Earl debuted a new song titled "Quest/Power" via [[SoundCloud]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stereogum.com/1717035/earl-sweatshirt-45/mp3s/|title=Earl Sweatshirt – "45" – Stereogum|work=Stereogum|access-date=November 28, 2014|date=November 6, 2014}}</ref> Kgositsile continued to perform unreleased tracks since early 2015, such as "Swamp Vermin", "Vultures", "I Be Outside", "Hell", and "Flowers on the Grave". On January 5, 2015, Kgositsile released a song titled ''silenceDArapgame'' with professional skateboarder Nakel Smith under the moniker Hog Slaughta Boyz.<ref name="Pitchfork Slaughter">{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/57954-earl-sweatshirt-and-pro-skater-nakel-smith-are-hog-slaughta-boyz-share-silencedarapgame/ |title=Earl Sweatshirt and Pro Skater Nakel Smith Are Hog Slaughta Boyz, Share "silenceDArapgame" |last=Gordon |first=Jeremy |date=January 5, 2015 |website=pitchfork.com |language=en |access-date=July 4, 2017}}</ref> On March 16, 2015, The pre-order for Kgositsile's second studio album, titled: ''[[I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside]]'' appeared on the [[iTunes Store]], without prior announcement.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6502349/now-earl-sweatshirt-is-dropping-a-surprise-new-album|title=Now Earl Sweatshirt is Dropping a Surprise New Album|first=Lars|last=Brandle|date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> On March 17, 2015, Kgositsile released a music video for the song "Grief".<ref>{{cite video|title=Grief|work=YouTube|date=2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ5Mu2gs-M8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tZ5Mu2gs-M8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The digital version of the full album was released on March 22, 2015; the physical version was released later on April 14, 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title= Tweet Number 588046067448414208 |url= https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/588046067448414208 |date= April 14, 2015|access-date= April 15, 2015 |quote= IDLSIDGO PHYSICALS DROPPED TODAY. GO AHEAD AND DO WHAT YOU DO WITH THAT |work= Twitter }}</ref> A later music video for the song "Off Top" was released on August 7, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrxxfrzJY6k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/wrxxfrzJY6k |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title = Earl Sweatshirt – Off Top|publisher = EarlSweatshirtVEVO | date=August 7, 2015|access-date=August 9, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Kgositsile stated in an interview with NPR that his record label gave him no notice they would release the album.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/microphonecheck/2015/03/24/394987116/earl-sweatshirt-im-grown |title=Earl Sweatshirt: 'I'm Grown' : Microphone Check |newspaper=Npr.org |access-date=April 15, 2015}}</ref> He says he considers this his first album because he feels he can "back up everything, the good and the bad". On April 28, 2015, a ten-minute track named "Solace" was released via YouTube and has gained much attention; gaining more than 100,000 views on YouTube in 24 hours. He stated to NPR that he was making an album called "Solace" inspired by his mother; however, many believe it is instead an extended play. The project has not been addressed fully.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3q_0UP6sck |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/d3q_0UP6sck |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title = solace|website=[[YouTube]] |date=April 28, 2015|access-date=August 9, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It was widely debated if Kgositsile left Odd Future or not. It seems he confirmed he had left through his Twitter on May 28, 2015, by tweeting "No sympathy for male virgins who're in their feelings about Tyler pointing out and solidifying the obvious" after Tyler, the Creator tweeted what everyone thought was the disbandment of Odd Future, although Tyler denies an Odd Future disbandment. Earl did not appear at Camp Flog Gnaw 2015 on November 14, 2015. Many speculated that Tyler, the Creator did not invite Earl to perform at the Carnival because of a feud or conflict between the two. However, Tyler tweeted the day after the carnival "Thebe and I are fine by the way". ===2016–2019: ''Some Rap Songs, Feet of Clay'' and departure from Columbia Records=== {{Main|Some Rap Songs|Feet of Clay (EP)}} On January 25, 2016, Kgositsile released three new tracks on SoundCloud, "Wind in My Sails", produced by The Alchemist, and "Bary" and "Skrt Skrt", produced under his alias 'randomblackdude'. "Wind in My Sails" contains samples from Captain Murphy's song "Children of the Atom" and vocal samples from [[Gene McDaniels]]'s song "The Parasite (For Buffy)". "Bary" contains vocal samples from [[Kanye West]]'s song "Barry Bonds". "Skrt Skrt" contains vocal samples from [[21 Savage]]'s song "Skrrt Skrrt".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/2016/01/earl-sweatshirt-wind-in-my-sails |title=Listen to Three New Tracks from Earl Sweatshirt &#124; Pigeons & Planes |website=Pigeonsandplanes.com |date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref> On March 4, 2016, Kgositsile was featured on [[Samiyam]]'s 4th album, ''Animals Have Feelings''. The song, "Mirror", was originally meant for ''I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside''. According to Kgositsile, the song wasn't included since "the tracklist got fucked up".<ref>{{cite web|author=Jayson Greene |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9621-the-proverbial-wisdom-of-earl-sweatshirt/ |title=The Proverbial Wisdom of Earl Sweatshirt |website=Pitchfork |date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}</ref> The music video for "Mirror" was released on June 21, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwZcuwfiCjE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/dwZcuwfiCjE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Samiyam – Earl Sweatshirt – Mirror (Official Video) |publisher=YouTube |date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=July 27, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On August 1, 2016, an instrumental track called "Pelicula" was posted on [[Apple Music]]. On August 17, 2016, Kgositsile was featured on ''Adult Swim Singles Program 2016'' on the track "Balance",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spin.com/2016/08/earl-sweatshirt-knxwledge-balance-stream/|title=Earl Sweatshirt and Knxwledge Find 'Balance' on New Adult Swim Single|date=August 17, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sx4k9tT1ac |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1sx4k9tT1ac |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Earl Sweatshirt feat. Knxwledge "Balance" [Explicit Lyrics] – 2016 Adult Swim Singles|last=Adult Swim|date=August 18, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> produced by [[Knxwledge]]. On September 4, a new Kgositsile track called "Death Whistles" was released on Earl's and Knxwledge's livestream show on [[Red Bull Music Academy]], produced by [[King Krule]]. On September 21, 2018, frequent collaborator The Alchemist released the track listing to his EP ''Bread'', which contains the track "E. Coli" featuring Earl Sweatshirt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/alchemist-shares-tracklist-for-bread-ep-featuring-earl-the-sweatshirt-and-black-thought-news.60352.html|title=Alchemist Shares Tracklist For "Bread" EP Featuring Earl Sweatshirt & Black Thought|website=HNHH|date=September 21, 2018|access-date=October 6, 2018}}</ref> On November 2, 2018, frequent collaborator [[Vince Staples]] released his album ''[[FM!]]'' featuring the track "New earlsweatshirt – Interlude" containing a 20-second verse from the rapper. Vince later said "Earl is back" and that "his album coming soon" on his [[Beats 1]] show 'Ramona Radio'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/earlsweatshirt/comments/9tpbxe/earl_is_back/|title=r/earlsweatshirt - Earl is back|website=reddit|date=November 2, 2018|language=en|access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> On November 7, 2018, Kgositsile teased the release of new music on social media in a video clip captioned, "NOWHERE2GO TOMORROW MORNING TAP IN." The single "[[Nowhere2go]]" was released on November 8, 2018, and received positive reception.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nowhere2go - Single by Earl Sweatshirt |website=[[iTunes]] |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/nowhere2go-single/1440536457 |access-date=November 8, 2018 |date=November 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/11/07/earl-sweatshirt-new-song-coming-tomorrow|title=Earl Sweatshirt is dropping new music tomorrow|website=thefader.com|language=en|access-date=November 8, 2018}}</ref> On November 20, 2018, Kgositsile released the single "The Mint" and announced his third studio album, ''Some Rap Songs'' which he slated for a November 30, 2018, release.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/20/669555925/earl-sweatshirt-releases-the-mint-plans-to-drop-some-rap-songs-this-month?t=1542807056276|title=Earl Sweatshirt Releases 'The Mint,' Plans To Drop 'Some Rap Songs' Album This Month|work=NPR.org|access-date=November 21, 2018|language=en}}</ref> According to Kgositsile, ''Some Rap Songs'' was intended to be themed around his father's death.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earl-sweatshirt-new-album-some-rap-songs-758730/|title=Earl Sweatshirt's New Album 'Some Rap Songs' Will Be 'Closure' After the Death of His Father|last=Holmes|first=Charles|date=November 20, 2018|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 21, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> On November 30, 2018, Kgositsile released ''[[Some Rap Songs]]'' to widespread critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/albums/Earl-sweatshirt/Some-rap-songs|title=Some Rap Songs by Earl Sweatshirt|website=Genius|language=en|access-date=November 30, 2018}}</ref> In January 2019, Kgositsile said that ''Some Rap Songs'' would be his last album with Columbia Records and that he was "excited to be free because then [he] can do riskier shit".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearce |first1=Sheldon |title=Earl Sweatshirt Does Not Exist |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/profile/earl-sweatshirt-does-not-exist/ |access-date=January 22, 2019 |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=January 14, 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, Kgositsile appeared in a song with [[Zelooperz]] titled "Easter Sunday".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET0y32ziV_c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ET0y32ziV_c |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=ZelooperZ - Easter Sunday 97 ft Earl Sweatshirt (Official Video) - YouTube|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On November 1, 2019, Kgositsile released his EP ''[[Feet of Clay (EP)|Feet of Clay]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earl-sweatshirt-new-ep-feet-of-clay-906002/|title=Earl Sweatshirt Plots Surprise New EP 'Feet of Clay'|publisher=Rolling Stone|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=November 1, 2019|author=Jon Blistein}}</ref> A deluxe version of ''Feet of Clay'', which included two bonus tracks, was released the following June. ===2021-present: ''Sick!''=== {{main article|Sick!}} On November 18, 2021, Kgositsile returned with a music video for a new single, "2010", the first commercial release since his 2019 EP ''[[Feet of Clay (EP)|Feet of Clay]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/earl-sweatshirt-2010-1260059/|title=Earl Sweatshirt Praises His Roots on New Single '2010'|date=November 19, 2021|author=Emily Zemler|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> On December 9, 2021, Kgositsile released a music video for another single titled "Tabula Rasa", featuring rap group [[Armand Hammer (music group)|Armand Hammer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/earl-sweatshirt-announces-sick-project-shares-new-song-listen/|title=Earl Sweatshirt Announces Sick Project, Shares New Song: Listen|date=December 10, 2021|author=Matthew Strauss|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]}}</ref> Alongside "Tabula Rasa", he announced his fourth studio album, ''[[Sick!]]'', which was released on January 14, 2022. Kgositsile released the third and final single, the Black Noi$e-produced "Titanic" on January 7, 2022. The album features [[ZelooperZ]], and rap group [[Armand Hammer (music group)|Armand Hammer]] with a range of production from Kgositsile himself, [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]], Black Noi$e, [[Samiyam]] and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CXTp1EgJupS/ |title=Alchemist on Instagram: "We spent countless hours on this one. And it was all worth it!!!! Earl is not only one of my best friends , but one of the greatest with…" |publisher=Instagram.com |date= |accessdate=2022-06-30}}</ref> ==Artistry== Kgositsile has been called a "hip-hop prodigy" and in 2011 was branded as "the most exciting rapper to emerge in years, a virtuoso who was just starting to figure out what he could do with words."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2011/05/23/wheres-earl|title=Where's Earl Sweatshirt?|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=November 21, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> He is characterized primarily by his voice, which has been classified as a "deep baritone".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2015/02/earl-sweatshirt-questpower/|title=Earl Sweatshirt 'Quest/Power' - XXL|website=XXL Mag|language=en|access-date=July 30, 2018}}</ref> Kgositsile has taken influence from [[MF DOOM]], [[Jay Z]], [[J Dilla]], [[Madlib]], [[RZA]], [[Lupe Fiasco]],and [[Clipse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/earl-sweatshirt-isnt-letting-fame-hold-him-down-anymore/2019/01/24/481c6864-0f66-11e9-831f-3aa2c2be4cbd_story.html|title=Earl Sweatshirt isn't letting fame hold him down anymore|first=Julian|last=Kimble|via=www.washingtonpost.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/in-conversation-earl-sweatshirt|title=In Conversation: Earl Sweatshirt|website=Clash Magazine|date=December 18, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/06/earl-sweatshirt-feature|title=Earl Sweatshirt: Rapping Is Drawing Lines|website=daily.redbullmusicacademy.com}}</ref> == Personal life == Kgositsile currently lives in the neighborhood of [[Mid-City, Los Angeles|Mid-City]] in Los Angeles, California.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/profile/earl-sweatshirt-does-not-exist/|title=Earl Sweatshirt Does Not Exist|date=January 14, 2019|work=Pitchfork|access-date=August 8, 2019|language=en-US}}</ref> Kgositsile struggled with drug abuse, which was one of the reasons why his mother sent him to live in [[Samoa]] for over a year. The time in Samoa led to Kgositsile getting sober, though, eventually, he [[relapse]]d upon returning to the [[United States]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6531197/earl-sweatshirt-road-to-recovery-health-scares-drug-binges|title=Earl Sweatshirt's Road to Recovery From Health Scares & Drug Binges|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> Kgositsile attributes his drug abuse to time with his collective [[Odd Future]] and leaving a long-term relationship, saying he was often smoking [[marijuana]] and drinking [[Lean (recreational drug)|lean]] before quitting as he reached adulthood.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jul/16/earl-sweatshirt-hollywood-parties-deconstructing-herman-hesse-therapy|title=Earl Sweatshirt on Hollywood parties, deconstructing Hermann Hesse and therapy|last=Lester|first=Paul|date=July 16, 2015|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=November 21, 2018}}</ref> Kgositsile was raised as a [[Nichiren Buddhist]] and, after a period away from the belief system, stated in 2016 that he had returned to the religion.<ref>{{cite web|last=Welsh|first=April Clare|date=February 9, 2016|title=Earl Sweatshirt: "Fame is a stressful and dehumanizing pedestal"|url=https://www.factmag.com/2016/02/09/earl-sweatshirt-black-lives-matter-support/|url-status=live|access-date=March 3, 2021|website=[[Fact (UK magazine)|Fact Magazine]]|language=en-US}}</ref> In July 2021, Kgositsile revealed on Twitter that he has a son.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-07-08|title=i thank God everyday that my son is a pleasure to be around. he save his greatest challenges for his strongest soldiers and he know im not strong enough to be locked in with a bad vibes baby|url=https://twitter.com/earlxsweat/status/1413163971918516224|url-status=live|website=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> == Discography == {{Main|Earl Sweatshirt discography|Earl Sweatshirt production discography}} '''Mixtapes''' * ''[[Earl (mixtape)|Earl]] (2010)'' '''Studio albums''' * ''[[Doris (album)|Doris]]'' (2013) * ''[[I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside]]'' (2015) * ''[[Some Rap Songs]]'' (2018) * ''[[Sick!]]'' (2022) ==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" |- !Year !Ceremony !Award !Nominated work !Result |- |rowspan="3"|2013 |[[BET Hip Hop Awards]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2013/nominees/who-new-rookie-of-the-year.html |title=Who New? Rookie of the Year &#124; Hip Hop Awards 2014 &#124; Shows |publisher=Bet.com |access-date=April 15, 2015}}</ref> |Rookie of the Year |Himself |{{nom}} |- |[[Grammy Award]]s |[[Grammy Award for Album of the Year|Album of the Year]] |''[[Channel Orange]]'' <small>(as featured artist)</small> |{{nom}} |- |[[MtvU Woodie Awards]] |Breaking Woodie |Himself |{{won}} |} ==Filmography== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Title ! Notes |- |2013–2014 |''[[Loiter Squad]]'' |Series regular; 20 episodes |- |rowspan="2"|2013 |''[[Late Show with David Letterman]]'' |Performed "Rusty" with [[Tyler, the Creator]] and [[Domo Genesis]] |- |''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]'' |Performed "Burgundy" with [[the Roots]] |- |2014 |''[[106 & Park]]'' |Guest |- |rowspan="2"|2015 |''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' |Performed "AM // Radio" and "Grief" with [[BadBadNotGood]] and [[Gary Wilson (musician)|Gary Wilson]] |- |''Crash Test'' |Musical guest; performed "Burgundy" with [[Odd Future]] |- |2016 |''Party Legends'' |Season 1, Episode 2: "Make Mistakes with Na'kel Smith" |- |2016 |''[[Traveling the Stars: Action Bronson and Friends Watch Ancient Aliens]]'' | 2 episodes |- |2019 |''Nowhere, Nobody'' |Short film |- |2022 |''Late Night with Jimmy Fallon'' |Performed "2010" |} == Tours == === Headlining === * Doris Tour (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/earl-sweatshirt-announces-doris-tour.html|title=Earl Sweatshirt Announces 'Doris' Tour|work=Okay Player|date=September 10, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref> * Wearld Tour (2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/53527-earl-sweatshirt-announces-wearld-tour/|title=Earl Sweatshirt Announces "Wearld Tour"|last=Pelly|first=Jean|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2020|work=Pitchfork}}</ref> * Not Ready to Leave Tour (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/earl-sweatshirt-vince-staples-remynot-ready-to-leave-tour-banks/|title=Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples and Remy Banks Are Going on Tour|author=Aicha F.D.|date=February 26, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2020|work=[[XXL Magazine]]}}</ref> * Ready to Leave Now Tour (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/earl-sweatshirt-announces-2015-ready-to-leave-now-tour-news.16691.html|title=Earl Sweatshirt Announces "2015 Ready To Leave Now" Tour|website=HotNewHipHop|date=July 25, 2015}}</ref> * Thebe Kgositsile Presents: Fire It Up! A Tour Starring Earl Sweatshirt & Friends (2019)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Verlez |first1=Jennifer |title=Earl Sweatshirt Announces North American Tour |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/earl-sweatshirt-announces-north-american-tour-friends |website=GRAMMY.com |access-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128033101/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/earl-sweatshirt-announces-north-american-tour-friends |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |language=en |date=January 31, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> * NBA Leather Tour (2022) <ref>{{cite web |last=Sacher |first=rew |title=Action Bronson, Earl Sweatshirt & Boldy James/Alchemist touring together in 2022 |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/action-bronson-earl-sweatshirt-boldy-jamesalchemist-touring-together-in-2022/ |access-date=2022-03-25 |website=BrooklynVegan |language=en}}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Sister project links|d=Q1033188|v=no|b=no|wikt=no|commons=Category:Earl Sweatshirt|m=no|mw=no|species=no|n=no|voy=no|s=no|q=no}} *{{Official website|http://www.earlsweatshirt.com/}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0002583626|label=Earl Sweatshirt}} * {{Discogs artist | artist=Earl+Sweatshirt | name=Earl Sweatshirt}} * {{MusicBrainz artist | id=8b22acd6-20e6-4463-a75c-c14b5cfdb666 | name=Earl Sweatshirt}} {{Earl Sweatshirt}} {{Odd Future}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sweatshirt, Earl}} [[Category:Earl Sweatshirt| ]] [[Category:1994 births]] [[Category:African-American male rappers]] [[Category:American Buddhists]] [[Category:Nichiren Buddhists]] [[Category:American people of South African descent]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Odd Future members]] [[Category:Rappers from Chicago]] [[Category:Rappers from Los Angeles]] [[Category:West Coast hip hop musicians]] [[Category:21st-century American rappers]] [[Category:Kgositsile family]]'