Released: October 6, 2023

Genre: Hip-hop

From: US

Label: Tan Cressida / ALC / Warner

Why you should listen: Earl Sweatshirt’s music sounds as free as it’s ever been, not constrained by expectations, but just pure poetry in motion. VOIR DIRE is his new collaborative project with producer-who-doesn’t-stop-working The Alchemist and features 11 fantastic tracks over 26 minutes. Alchemist’s eclectic and varied production is perfect for Earl’s meandering lyricism around his state of mind, observations of life around him and how he copes emotionally in an ever-changing and depressing world. There’s so much to admire about Earl and Alchemist’s chemistry, with Earl’s often monotonous yet occasionally animated voice complementing Alchemist’s incredible colourful production throughout. Kicking things off with “100 High Street”, with a string-heavy beat, and Earl coming through with some intricate lyricism, setting the tone for the rest of the album. “Vin Skully” follows, with one of my favourite beats, an incredible sample and guitar loop that is just so infectious, and a stellar verse from Earl, who spits some of my favourite bars on the album – “I don’t know what it is / I remember the ghost inside the crib / Hosin’ down the problem with gin and tonic / How to stay afloat in a bottomless pit / The trick is to stop fallin’ / Only option to start with a step, bet.” He’s still vulnerable and alludes to past struggles, but knowing now that he’s in a better place. “Sentry” featuring MIKE has some pretty deep verses from both emcees about the traumas and struggles of their ancestors and how they cope, over an atmospheric beat. The smooth soulful and slow-paced beat on “Heat Check” is great too, with some more introspection from Earl, who says “Petals of roses and broke treaties / Littered the road I was on swingin’ / I couldn’t hold shit with cold fingers / In other words, n***** don’t feel you, really”. “Mancala” featuring Vince Staples is another highlight on the album, with a colourful piano-led beat with both Earl and Vince spitting effortlessly, with Vince’s stellar depiction and questions about issues facing the Black community. “27 Braids” has this groovy beat, with a guitar loop that wails throughout, and Earl’s introspective verse about fatherhood and adulting. “Mac Deuce” has another heavenly, colourful with more punchy and incredibly written words spoken by Earl. His ability to paint a picture of his state of mind and observations is just incredible to me, with “Sirius Blac” continuing the introspections over an incredibly smooth beat. “Dead Zone” has a groovy, piano-led beat that is just so catchy and captivating throughout, as Earl’s intricate wordplay is incredible throughout. “The Caliphate” featuring Vince Staples is another highlight, with a dark and grimy beat, with both Earl and Vince rapping their asses off, with brotherly chemistry going back-to-back effortlessly. Incredible track. “Free the Ruler” concludes the album with a soulful beat, a gorgeous vocal sample and some final thoughts from Earl, who sounds much more positive and optimistic about his life than on previous releases. You can feel that with the energy he brings, but also the more reassuring lyrics throughout. Happy for him.

With VOIR DIRE, Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist have created a special album, seeped in introspective and powerful messages, slick and soulful grooves. It’s an immersive and rewarding listen experience and one that requires attention, and multiple listens. Recommend this one, one of the better hip-hop albums to come out this year.

The album: