Earl Sweatshirt, born Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, is a renowned American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Since his debut in the music industry, Earl has continuously pushed the boundaries of rap music with his introspective and thought-provoking lyrics, unique delivery, and signature production style. With critically acclaimed albums like “Doris,” “I Don’t Like Sh*t, I Don’t Go Outside,” and “Some Rap Songs,” Earl Sweatshirt has cemented his place as one of the most influential rappers of his generation.
In this article, we will be discussing the top 10 best Earl Sweatshirt songs of all time. These songs have been chosen based on their commercial success, critical acclaim, impact on the rap industry, and relevance in today’s musical landscape. From his early days as a member of Odd Future to his more recent solo releases, this list covers the breadth of Earl’s discography, showcasing the evolution of his sound and style. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Earl’s music, this list is sure to provide a comprehensive and enjoyable overview of his greatest hits.
1. All In
“All In” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2019 album, “Feet of Clay.” The song features Earl’s introspective and contemplative lyrics, which touch on themes of self-discovery, growth, and the weight of his personal experiences. The production on “All In” is equally impressive, with its hazy, jazz-influenced instrumental providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s subdued delivery. The song showcases Earl’s ability to craft intricate and emotionally charged verses that draw the listener in and hold their attention throughout. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “What’s the matter?” adds to the song’s hypnotic and introspective vibe, making it a standout track on an already impressive album. “All In” serves as a testament to Earl’s growth as an artist and his ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.
2. Hive (feat. Vince Staples & Casey Veggies)
“Hive” is a collaborative track featuring Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, and Casey Veggies. The song, which was released in 2013 as a single from Earl’s debut album, “Doris,” is a masterclass in gritty, raw rap music. The instrumental, produced by Earl himself, is characterized by its ominous piano chords, heavy bassline, and piercing synths. Earl’s verse on the song is a standout, with his intricate wordplay and dark imagery painting a vivid picture of his troubled inner world. Vince Staples and Casey Veggies also deliver strong performances, adding to the song’s overall intensity and impact. “Hive” is a defining moment in Earl’s career and a fan favorite, thanks to its hard-hitting production and the skillful rapping of all three artists involved. The song remains a standout track in Earl’s discography and a testament to his talent as both a rapper and producer.
3. Inside
“Inside” is a deeply personal and introspective track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2018 album, “Some Rap Songs.” The song features a minimalist instrumental, with a haunting sample and subdued drums providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s introspective lyrics. The song deals with Earl’s struggles with mental health and his attempts to come to terms with his personal demons. Earl’s delivery on the song is subdued and almost conversational, adding to the intimate and confessional nature of the lyrics. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m alive and that’s all I need,” is both poignant and uplifting, showcasing Earl’s resilience in the face of adversity. “Inside” is a standout track on an already impressive album, and a testament to Earl’s ability to create music that is both emotionally charged and thought-provoking. The song remains a fan favorite and a defining moment in Earl’s career as an artist.
4. Azucar
“Azucar” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s critically acclaimed 2018 album, “Some Rap Songs.” The song features a sparse, sample-heavy instrumental that perfectly complements Earl’s stream-of-consciousness flow and introspective lyrics. The song’s title, which means “sugar” in Spanish, is used metaphorically to represent the fleeting nature of happiness and joy. Earl’s verses on the song are characterized by their dense wordplay, poignant imagery, and emotional vulnerability, making “Azucar” one of the standout tracks on an album full of them. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “World is going, going / nuts, been a minute since my niggas had a toast,” is both introspective and melancholic, showcasing Earl’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music. “Azucar” is a fan favorite and a testament to Earl’s continued evolution as an artist and his ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.
5. Old Friend
“Old Friend” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2015 album, “I Don’t Like Sh*t, I Don’t Go Outside.” The song features a minimalist instrumental, with a haunting piano melody and sparse drums providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s introspective and confessional lyrics. The song deals with Earl’s struggles with fame and the toll it takes on his personal relationships, specifically his friendship with Tyler, The Creator. Earl’s verses on the song are characterized by their emotional depth and vulnerability, with his raw honesty making for a compelling listening experience. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Shut the fuck up, I don’t want your conversation / Rollin’ marijuana that’s a cheap vacation,” is both confrontational and resigned, showcasing Earl’s struggle to cope with his fame and its attendant pressures. “Old Friend” is a fan favorite and a standout track in Earl’s discography, thanks to its emotional resonance and Earl’s skillful rapping.
6. Chum
“Chum” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2013 debut album, “Doris.” The song features a minimalist instrumental, with a haunting piano melody and subdued drums providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s introspective and deeply personal lyrics. The song deals with Earl’s struggles with fame, his strained relationship with his absent father, and his attempts to come to terms with his troubled past. Earl’s verses on the song are characterized by their emotional depth and vulnerability, with his raw honesty making for a compelling listening experience. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Why you always all up in my shit? / Don’t you got work to do?”, is both confrontational and resigned, showcasing Earl’s frustration with the pressures of fame and his desire for privacy. “Chum” is a fan favorite and a defining moment in Earl’s career, thanks to its emotional resonance and Earl’s masterful rapping.
7. Molasses (feat. RZA)
“Molasses” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2013 debut album, “Doris,” featuring a guest verse from Wu-Tang Clan founder RZA. The song features a brooding instrumental, with a menacing bassline and eerie synths providing the perfect backdrop for Earl and RZA’s hard-hitting verses. The song’s title is used metaphorically to represent the slow, sticky flow of Earl and RZA’s rhymes, which are characterized by their dense wordplay and raw intensity. Earl’s verse on the song is a standout, with his introspective lyrics touching on themes of family, fame, and the pressures of success. RZA’s guest verse is equally impressive, with his razor-sharp delivery and insightful lyrics adding to the song’s overall impact. “Molasses” is a fan favorite and a standout track on an already impressive album, showcasing Earl’s ability to hold his own alongside one of the most iconic figures in rap music.
8. Sunday (feat. Frank Ocean)
“Sunday” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2013 debut album, “Doris,” featuring a guest verse from Frank Ocean. The song features a dreamy and laid-back instrumental, with soft synths, smooth guitar riffs, and a mellow drumbeat providing the perfect backdrop for Earl and Frank’s introspective and reflective verses. The song deals with themes of self-discovery, growth, and the complexities of relationships, with both Earl and Frank showcasing their ability to convey complex emotions through their lyrics. Earl’s verse on the song is a standout, with his raw honesty and introspective delivery drawing the listener in and holding their attention throughout. Frank’s guest verse is equally impressive, with his silky-smooth vocals and poignant lyrics adding to the song’s overall impact. “Sunday” is a fan favorite and a standout track on an already impressive album, showcasing Earl and Frank’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and sonically pleasing to the ear.
9. Shattered Dreams
“Shattered Dreams” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2018 album, “Some Rap Songs.” The song features a sample-heavy instrumental, with a hazy and distorted loop providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s introspective and poetic lyrics. The song deals with themes of loss, grief, and the weight of personal experiences, with Earl’s verses touching on his struggles with mental health and the death of his father. Earl’s flow on the song is subdued and introspective, adding to the song’s dreamy and reflective vibe. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Broken down, breakin’ down, built to drown,” is both haunting and beautiful, showcasing Earl’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music. “Shattered Dreams” is a standout track on an already impressive album, and a testament to Earl’s continued evolution as an artist and his ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.
10. Riot!
“Riot!” is a standout track from Earl Sweatshirt’s 2019 album, “Feet of Clay.” The song features a haunting instrumental, with a chilling piano melody and sparse drums providing the perfect backdrop for Earl’s raw and emotionally charged lyrics. The song deals with themes of racial inequality, police brutality, and the need for collective action, with Earl’s verses serving as a call to arms for marginalized communities. Earl’s flow on the song is intense and confrontational, adding to the song’s urgent and powerful message. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Riot, riot, riot,” is both a rallying cry and a condemnation of the systemic injustices faced by people of color in the United States. “Riot!” is a standout track on an already impressive album, and a testament to Earl’s commitment to using his music as a platform for social commentary and activism.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
