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Some Rap Songs
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Some Rap Songs Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 396 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length studio release for the Los Angeles-based rapper features guest appearances by Navy Blue and Standing On The Corner as well as vocal samples of his parents: Cheryl Harris and (the late) Keorapetse Kgositsile.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. The Guardian
    Dec 7, 2018
    100
    One of the best rap albums of the year, a smoky iceberg of great emotional depth.
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Dec 20, 2018
    90
    For all its signs of progression, the record is never heavy-handed with its ambition. Its unforced attempt at making sense of the fraught present, at finding shelter without resorting to convenient escape, is a rare and, dare I say, sincere feat.
  3. Pitchfork
    Nov 30, 2018
    88
    The project is distinctly rough around the edges, to great effect; there’s the sound of dust popping off vinyl and cassette hiss throughout. ... His uncle and father are gone, but Earl is still here, carrying on their artistic legacy--and, with the help of his collaborators, building his own.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Dec 4, 2018
    80
    Some Rap Songs is the rare album by an immensely talented lyricist who deigns not to pull out any fireworks, opting to sink into the cushion’s of a therapist’s couch in the search for an honest work of art. It’s a delicate statement of restraint, and in this case the process shows more of the artist than ever before.
  5. Spin
    Dec 5, 2018
    80
    The album reasserts his status as a uniquely fascinating rapper. On Some Rap Songs, he’s making the most adventurous and exciting music of his career so far.
  6. The 405
    Dec 6, 2018
    75
    Though Some Rap Songs may come across as a collection of underdeveloped vignettes of previously covered subject matter, further and deeper listening showcases an economical poet at his most striking self.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Dec 7, 2018
    60
    The problem is that Earl’s stream of consciousness style does not lend itself to easy listening. Off-kilter drum loops and piano chords bury the lyrics on Red Water and Peanut, creating an unfriendly sonic experience reminiscent of listening to a song with cheap earphones in a noisy room. Listeners will only be able to appreciate Earl’s poetry once they devote every ounce of their focus to hearing it.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 65
  3. Negative: 6 out of 65
  1. jpmckinn11
    Dec 3, 2018
    10
    Can't get over the feeling like this is an extension of J Dilla's Donuts....I play the whole thing through on repeat like Donuts too and findCan't get over the feeling like this is an extension of J Dilla's Donuts....I play the whole thing through on repeat like Donuts too and find something new to love about it each time.… Expand
  2. Gummi_
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    A fantastic display of emotion and creativity. Dreadfully sad yet impressive lyricism.
  4. joedorben
    Jan 20, 2019
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. near masterpiece of an album. Lyrically, Earl is as sharp as ever, his words carrying the awesome depth he is renownedAbsolutely brilliant. near masterpiece of an album. Lyrically, Earl is as sharp as ever, his words carrying the awesome depth he is renowned for, his flows are innovative and carefully crafted, and his delivery is poignant, but where this project really stands out is in groundbreaking production. This, however, is also a point that is sure to stir a great deal of discord. Where some will find it cutting-edge, lush, and perpetually alluring due to its auditory range, others will find it lazily executed and cobbled together due to the short track lengths, tight, compact mixing, and lo-fi aesthetic. Also, the avant-garde nature of this project will inherently bring its fair-share of detractors, and many simply will not be able to understand the soundscapes that Earl has crafted. Simply put, this album sounds nothing like any other album ever released (including, and especially Earl's own), within the hip hop genre and elsewhere, and stands at only 24 minutes long, despite having 15 tracks. The instrumentals throughout the project are lo-fi (as previously stated), sample-heavy, detailed, meticulously concocted, and altogether decidedly difficult to properly describe. At times they are clunky and disjointed, at others they are velvety and sleek, and everything in-between. There is a great deal of warmth in some, and in others a cold despondence, and this spectrum makes for an abundance of sonic diversity throughout. Overall, an open-minded listener who appreciates lyricism and conceptually and who is a Madlib fan (this is not required in order to enjoy Some Rap Songs, though), is in for an absolute treat, others, however, may be turned off by the experimentality of it. As someone who identifies with the former class, I was floored. This is one of, if not the album of the year, undoubtedly.… Expand
  5. tomboyi
    Aug 2, 2020
    9
    feeling sorry for just listen this now, that is a masterpiece
  6. greekmatthew
    Nov 30, 2018
    9
    It's 24 minutes, but it is without a doubt Earl Sweatshirt's best album to date. He brings a sound and style to his music that we have notIt's 24 minutes, but it is without a doubt Earl Sweatshirt's best album to date. He brings a sound and style to his music that we have not heard before but still retains the quintessential Earl that we have heard on his other two albums.

    The first listen may be difficult for some, however a second and third listen prove much easier to pay close attention to and hear all of the unique sounds that Earl uses throughout this short journey into jazz and lo-fi territory. Highly recommend. Contender for best hip hop album of the year.    … Expand
  7. noahgalkin
    Dec 4, 2018
    8
    Lyrics are the best Earl's ever had and though it would sound better cleanly produced, the shaky production fits with the sinking and confusedLyrics are the best Earl's ever had and though it would sound better cleanly produced, the shaky production fits with the sinking and confused feeling of the album. Themes of family and death make the album emotionally stronger.… Expand
  8. Macrofficial
    Apr 4, 2020
    0
    There Is Nothing I Can Say Great About This Album. Production Is Loud, Distracting, And Irritating, Which Pretty Much Drowns Out The Lyrics. IThere Is Nothing I Can Say Great About This Album. Production Is Loud, Distracting, And Irritating, Which Pretty Much Drowns Out The Lyrics. I Feel Like If The Production Was Turned Down A Notch, I Would've Been Able To Hear The Lyrics And Possibly Enjoy The Album. It's Like Listening Too Mumble Rap, But Instead Of Mumbling, We Get Overly Dramatic Samples Of Quiet Rapping. I Am Disappointed.… Expand

See all 65 User Reviews

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