NO WORD OR BREATH WASTED ON HERE. I Don't Like S**t, I Don't Go Outside" is a study in brevity, and with Some Rap Songs, which consists of 15 songs and clocks in at a mere 25 minutes, Earl Sweatshirt again cuts to the chase. His stream-of-consciousness raps are clever and complex, and the production, handled by the rapper himself as well as frequent collaborators, including Denmark Vessey and Gio Escobar (Standing on the Corner!), relies on subdued and unabated soul & jazz loops. What comes forth is a dense listen, both frantic and calm, a triumph for hip-hop without a doubt. Check out "Riot!," which samples a piece written by Earl's uncle, Hugh Masekela (yes, this is true), or "The Mint" featuring Sage Elsesser aka Navy Blue. "Shattered Dreams" and "Red Water" are other highlights, and "Playing Possum" features vocal samples from Cheryl Harris (Earl's mother) and Keorapetse Kgositsile (Earl's father, who passed away earlier in 2018). Other standouts include "Nowhere2go," "December 24," and "Ontheway!."

• limited-edition cassette
• music label: Columbia 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 01/19