Summary
- Earl Sweatshirt has officially dropped a surprise album that’s “for the whole family”, Live Laugh Love
- The 11-track album shows a new side of the rapper, one that’s softer and more at peace
- Tracks include “INFATUATION,” “TOURMALINE,” and “exhaust”
Earl Sweatshirt named Live Laugh Love before he even started writing the album. Initially named satirically, the titling process says a lot about the album, one that showcases a softer side of the rapper – a family man, new father, and someone who seems to be content where he’s at.
The accompanying merch also speaks to this perfectly, featuring baby onesies, bibs, blankets, puzzles, incense burners, and kids tees.
“I named it before I wrote it. And then everything started clicking,” he said in a press statement, describing the album as one that represents his growth as not only an artist, but a human being. He also calls it one for “the whole family.” Tracks focus on simple pleasures, joys, and moments, “INFATUATION” written about looking for good food while on the road, for example.
“That’s what growth is. You can get woo-woo and heady about things, but you still have to change diapers. Constrictions breed creativity. There are rules to reality. It reminds me of Ifá—how spirits operate within that system. I need rules. I need assignments.”
Still a highly introspective release, the 11-track album is woven together through some of Sweatshirt’s sharpest storytelling and lyricism to date.
1. gsw vs sac
2. FORGE
3. INFATUATION
4. Gamma (need the <3)
5. WELL DONE!
6. Live
7. Static
8. CRISCO
9. TOURMALINE
10. Heavy Metal aka ejecto seato!
11. exhaust
The “TOURMALINE” music video speaks to the softer, more positively reflective energy throughout the project, pointing to what might be his most romantic release yet.
Similarly to how he titled the LP, Sweatshirt felt inspired by the word “Tourmaline” before he even started writing – or knew what it meant.
“I had to see why. When I looked it up, it made perfect sense. Tourmaline is a receptive stone. It is celebrated by its ability to inspire enlightenment and balance.”
Stream Live Laugh Love, out everywhere now.
