Los Angeles rapper Earl Sweatshirt has announced a new EP that will premiere tonight at midnight entitled Feet Of Clay which will be released via Warner Records. This latest 7-track EP was largely produced by Earl Sweatshirt, and features Haiti’s Mach-Hommy, rapper Mavi, along with additional production from Alchemist and Ovrkast.
“‘FOC’ is a collection of observations and feelings recorded during the death throes of a crumbling empire,” Earl Sweatshirt stated regarding the recent project.
While the rapper originally stood out on his 2010 debut mixtape Earl, for his crafty lyricism, and explosively controversial lyrics, his later works expressed a more mature tone. His 2015 album I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside, cemented a new style for the rapper with dark and gritty lo-fi production along with his introspective lyricism.
The rapper debuted his most recent album Some Rap Songs last year, which despite hosting 15-tracks on the album, barely clocked in a run time of over 24 minutes in length. Despite its brevity, the rapper explored further dimensions of the relationship with his family, holding tributes to his recently deceased father, South African poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, a tribute to his mother UCLA Law Professor Cheryl Harris and his old family friend, South African trumpet player Hugh Masekela.
“F***, man. It’s been so much. I think I’m still resentful,” the rapper stated in an interview with NPR regarding the loss of his father and Masekela, which inspired parts of the album, before continuing with: “That, this weird set of experiences is happening to me. I know I shouldn’t be, but … I know that this is a step, in a series of steps, towards not being kind of in this place. ‘Cause I’m just tired, bro.”
The rapper performed earlier this year at the Pitchfork music festival in Chicago, which hosted acts such as Soccer Mommy and Haim. Back in May, he also made an appearance at the Met, during a show which hosted performances from Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, along with bass player Thundercat.
Feet Of Clay
1. 74
2. EAST
3. MTOMB (produced by Alchemist)
4. OD
5. EL TORO COMBO MEAL (feat. Mavi)
6. TISKTISK/COOKIES
7. 4N (feat. Mach-Hommy)