Similar to his former Odd Future co-star Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt stayed away from the spotlight after his 2015 album was released. This leave of absence was felt greatly by fans, who continually asked for new music during Earl’s three-year sabbatical.

Despite the long wait and high expectations Some Rap Songs does not disappoint fans, as Earl experiments greatly to create a new and unique sound.

In the current monotony of today’s hip-hop, Earl’s Some Rap Songs is refreshing. Earl emphasizes quality over quantity, as the album’s total run time is just 25 minutes, and none of the songs exceed three minutes. Though its duration is short, the album is not diminished, and it still feels like a fully fleshed-out project.

This album is very unlike many works out now, as Earl uses techniques and adopts styles that are not normally seen in the mainstream of today.

The unorthodox production is made up of short, chopped-up instrumental and vocal loops that mix with Earl’s voice to create an open and psychedelic atmosphere. The lo-fi, jazzy, and at times chaotic tracks are intentionally rough around the edges. They all contribute to one another to add to the spacey ambiance of the album.

With strong production backing him, Earl is able to deliver emotionally. He explores topics such as the recent passing of his father and his battle with depression with the witty and smooth lyricism that his fans have come to love.

Some Rap Songs is a distinct and colorful album that many fans were not expecting, but the many artistic risks that Earl takes work perfectly to create a very enjoyable experience.