Earl Sweatshirt’s evolution as an artist is engraved into his newest album, Sick!

The Alchemist, Samiyam, and Black Noi$e came together with Sweatshirt to produce the dark yet varied beats, a staple in his discography. Sweatshirt is regarded as one of the most talented rappers of the new generation, and Sick! proves this.

“Old Friend” begins the album, and over the dark synth beats Sweatshirt discusses his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact it had on his work and mindset. Later, over a hardcore and faster-paced beat, Sweatshirt reflects on his career and his drive to move forward and progress as an artist on “2010.”                                 

Many moments on the album fall in place and create an immersive experience for listeners. 

Sweatshirt’s long-time friend Na’kel Smith has ad-libs on “Titanic.” The beat is average, but Sweatshirt still dominates the song with precise lyricism.      

Zelooperz has a feature at the beginning of “Vision,” which is really enjoyable. The rhyming is near perfect and hard to miss, the repetitive piano is catchy, and the samples work really well.

Sweatshirt’s darker lo-fi beats are present, but some listeners may not enjoy the more harrowing atmosphere Sick! features. Nonetheless, it is a great piece of work and marks a moment in Sweatshirt’s career where his work has become extremely refined.