Earl Sweatshirt, born Thebe Neruda Kgositsile on February 24, 1994, is a well-known American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained fame as a member of the Los Angeles-based rap collective Odd Future, and since then has made a name for himself as a solo artist.
Early Life and Education
Earl Sweatshirt was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Los Angeles, California. His father, Keorapetse Kgositsile, was a South African poet and political activist, and his mother, Cheryl Harris, was a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Earl’s parents divorced when he was young, and he moved to Samoa with his mother and siblings.
While in Samoa, Earl attended the Coral Reef Academy, a therapeutic boarding school for at-risk youth. He later returned to Los Angeles and attended the UCLA Lab School, a private elementary school affiliated with UCLA.
Career Beginnings
Earl Sweatshirt began his rap career as a member of the hip hop collective Odd Future. He joined the group in 2009, when he was just 15 years old, and quickly gained a reputation for his raw, introspective lyrics and distinctive flow. He released his first mixtape, “Earl,” in 2010, but soon after, his mother sent him back to Samoa to complete his education and deal with personal issues.
During his time in Samoa, Earl was largely absent from the rap scene, but his absence only seemed to make his fans more eager for his return. In 2012, he released his second mixtape, “Doris,” which received widespread critical acclaim and cemented his status as one of the most promising young rappers in the game.
Solo Career
In 2013, Earl Sweatshirt released his debut studio album, “Doris,” which debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured collaborations with several prominent rappers, including Frank Ocean and RZA, and showcased Earl’s unique blend of introspective lyrics and innovative production.
Earl followed up “Doris” with two more critically acclaimed albums, “I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside” (2015) and “Some Rap Songs” (2018). Earl cemented his reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting rappers of his generation by producing both albums with unconventional production and deeply personal lyrics, which received high praise.
Net Worth
As of 2023, people estimate Earl Sweatshirt’s net worth to be around $4 million. This wealth comes from his successful career in music, as well as from his various business ventures and endorsements.
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Personal Life
Earl Sweatshirt has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and his lyrics often touch on these themes. He has also been vocal about his struggles with drug addiction, and has spoken publicly about his decision to get sober in 2018.
In addition to his music career, Earl has also dabbled in fashion, and has collaborated with several high-profile clothing brands over the years. He is known for his unique sense of style, which often incorporates vintage and thrifted pieces.
FAQs:
Q: What is his real name?
A: His real name is Thebe Neruda Kgositsile.
Q: What was his first mixtape?
A: His first mixtape was self-titled “Earl,” which was released in 2010.
Q: What is the most successful album?
A: His most successful album is “Doris,” which debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Q: Has Earl Sweatshirt won any awards?
A: Earl Sweatshirt has been nominated for various awards, including a Grammy for his contribution to Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange,” but he hasn’t won any significant accolades.
Q: Is Earl Sweatshirt still part of Odd Future?
A: Earl Sweatshirt has not been an active member of Odd Future since 2015, but he has maintained close relationships with several members of the group, including Tyler, the Creator.
Conclusion:
Earl Sweatshirt career has been marked by his raw, introspective lyrics, innovative production, and uncompromising artistic vision. His journey from troubled teenager to one of the most acclaimed rappers of his generation is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-expression.
