Description
Earl Sweatshirt – SICK! – 180 Gram Tabula Rasa Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
VMP Hip-Hop Record of the Month for March 2023.
First ever vinyl release of Earl’s Reflective 2022 album
Lacquers cut by Barry Grint, Alchemy Mastering at AIR
Pressed on exclsuive 180g “Tabula Rasa” Vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Marcus J Moore
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released on January 14, 2022, Earl Sweatshirt’s SICK! is a deeply introspective and nuanced album that showcases his evolution as an artist, marked by raw lyricism and experimental production. Following his critically acclaimed 2018 album Some Rap Songs, SICK! continues Earl’s journey into darker, more abstract territory, blending personal reflection with observations on societal instability. The album, released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, captures a sense of isolation and existential dread while also hinting at resilience and growth.
Earl Sweatshirt, born Thebe Kgositsile, has long been known for his dense, cryptic lyricism and minimalist production. With SICK!, he hones in on these qualities, delivering a project that feels like a diary of the times—fragmented, disjointed, and full of uncertainty. The album’s 10 tracks clock in at just under 24 minutes, making it compact but impactful, with each song serving as a snapshot of Earl’s mental and emotional state during a turbulent period.
SICK! was recorded in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time of global upheaval and uncertainty, which seeps into the album’s atmosphere. Earl has described the album as a reflection of the times, a product of the chaos and isolation that marked the pandemic era. The project doesn’t explicitly focus on the pandemic, but the themes of sickness—both physical and mental—are prevalent throughout.
The album reflects Earl’s ongoing exploration of self, trauma, and healing, themes that have been central to his music since his 2015 album I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. SICK! feels like the continuation of that journey, but with a deeper sense of maturity and acceptance of life’s complexities.
The production on SICK! is experimental and often sparse, much like Earl’s previous work. The beats are unconventional, with hazy loops, dissonant samples, and off-kilter rhythms that create a sense of unease and introspection. Earl has always embraced lo-fi, minimalist production, and SICK! continues that trend, with many tracks featuring little more than simple drum patterns, hypnotic samples, and Earl’s hushed, deliberate delivery.
The production on SICK! is often stripped down, allowing Earl’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. Tracks like “2010” and “Lye” feature sparse, atmospheric beats that feel fragmented and ghostly, giving the album an ethereal quality.
The beats on the album, produced by longtime collaborators like The Alchemist and Black Noi$e, create abstract soundscapes that complement Earl’s introspective lyrics. The production often feels dreamlike, with murky samples and distorted melodies that drift in and out of focus.
Earl’s production choices emphasize mood and texture over traditional song structure, giving the album a lo-fi, intimate feel. The beats are gritty and unpolished, which adds to the album’s overall sense of rawness and vulnerability.
SICK! is a meditation on survival—both in the physical and emotional sense. Earl’s lyrics explore themes of sickness, trauma, and healing, often using personal and abstract imagery to reflect on his experiences. The album doesn’t offer easy answers or resolutions, but it’s clear that Earl is grappling with his place in a world that feels increasingly unstable.
The title of the album itself, SICK!, suggests themes of illness—both literal and metaphorical. Earl reflects on the sickness of society, the mental toll of isolation, and the process of healing from personal and collective trauma. On “Tabula Rasa”, he raps about personal growth and renewal, while on “Sick!” he reflects on the difficulty of finding peace in a chaotic world.
Much of the album feels deeply personal, as if Earl is processing his thoughts and emotions in real time. Tracks like “2010” and “Vision” see him grappling with the complexities of fame, family, and identity, while reflecting on his place in the world. Earl’s lyrics are often cryptic and abstract, but the emotional weight behind them is palpable.
Earl’s lyrics often reflect a sense of existential dread, as he contemplates the fragility of life and the uncertainties of the future. “Fire in the Hole” is one of the most reflective tracks on the album, where Earl contemplates the passage of time and the transient nature of existence, delivered with a weary sense of acceptance.
Notable Tracks
“2010”: One of the standout tracks on the album, “2010” is a reflection on Earl’s journey over the past decade, touching on themes of resilience and survival. The beat is minimal but punchy, with a hypnotic melody and atmospheric production that complements Earl’s introspective lyrics. The track has a nostalgic feel, as Earl looks back on the challenges he’s faced and how far he’s come.
“Tabula Rasa” (feat. Armand Hammer): This track features New York rap duo Armand Hammer (billy woods and Elucid), and it’s one of the most lyrically dense and abstract songs on the album. The title refers to the philosophical concept of a “clean slate,” and the song explores themes of renewal and rebirth. Earl’s verse is reflective and deeply personal, as he contemplates his growth and transformation over the years.
“Lye”: A short but impactful track, “Lye” features Earl reflecting on his internal struggles and the process of healing. The production is sparse and meditative, with a haunting, looping sample that creates an eerie, introspective atmosphere. Earl’s lyrics are cryptic but emotionally resonant, as he raps about the difficulty of moving forward in a world full of pain and uncertainty.
“Vision” (feat. ZelooperZ): This track features a guest appearance from ZelooperZ, whose high-energy verse contrasts with Earl’s more subdued delivery. “Vision” explores themes of survival, perseverance, and the search for clarity in a chaotic world. The production is disorienting, with distorted samples and off-kilter rhythms that enhance the track’s sense of unease.
“Fire in the Hole”: The closing track on the album, “Fire in the Hole,” is one of the most reflective and somber moments on SICK!. Earl’s delivery is slow and deliberate, as he contemplates the passage of time, the nature of existence, and the inevitability of death. The production is minimalist, with a looping guitar sample that adds to the song’s melancholic mood.
SICK! was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Earl Sweatshirt’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his introspective and experimental style. Critics highlighted the album’s abstract production, dense lyricism, and the emotional weight behind Earl’s words. While the album’s brevity and cryptic nature may have made it a challenging listen for some, fans of Earl’s work appreciated the depth and rawness that SICK! offered.
The album further cemented Earl’s reputation as one of the most innovative and introspective rappers of his generation. His ability to craft deeply personal, emotionally charged music that reflects the complexities of the human experience has made him a standout figure in the underground rap scene.
SICK! is a testament to Earl Sweatshirt’s continued evolution as an artist. The album is a raw, intimate reflection on personal and collective struggles, delivered with the kind of emotional weight and lyrical complexity that has become Earl’s trademark. While it’s a short project, its impact is profound, offering listeners a glimpse into Earl’s mind during a time of uncertainty and isolation.
For fans of experimental, introspective hip-hop, SICK! is a must-listen. Its minimalist production, dense lyricism, and emotional depth make it a compelling addition to Earl Sweatshirt’s catalog and a powerful reflection of the chaotic times in which it was created.
Track Listing
Old Friend
2010
Sick!
Vision Featuring – Zelooperz
Tabula Rasa Featuring – Armand Hammer
Lye
Lobby (Int)
God Laughs
Titanic
Fire In The Hole
