Earl and Sean are back

The final week of August saw two new albums from two quite different artists within the genre. Big Sean releases his sophomore effort and OFWGKTA's prodigal son, Earl Sweatshirt, debuts with 'Doris'

First up, on the 20th August 2013, was Earl Sweatshirt. Just as the most controversial rap group of the last 10 years were busy blowing up all over the place, predominantly lead by front man, Bruno Mars hating, Tyler the Creator, Earl was being sent to a Samoa school for naughty boys! A 25 minute freestyle about rape and murder would be enough to cause any mother concern but despite the deplorable content it also showed the lyrical skill Earl possesses. It is a great relief that it is this that he focuses on rather than childish shock value tactics. The now 19 year old Earl has gone so far as to state he doesn't want fans that only listen to him to hear that kind of thing. This certainly seems to be the case with a much more introvert feel to this album than any mixtape release material. The beats and lyrics are nothing but dark and grimey, it's almost like the album Johnny Cash would have made if he was into Hip Hop. I had partly written off the whole Odd Future thing when it seemed the hysteria surrounding their conception was more than a little over the top and under justified. This album however seems to be less rap to shock and intrigue the hipster youth and more a new artist putting out some dark and interesting music. My only critique, less featuring artists next time please.

Next up, 27th August, Big Sean's Hall of Fame. After the release of his debut I had pretty mixed feelings about another name being added to another big rap conglomerate, this time G.O.O.D Music. The album though was not half bad, that being said it was only half good. Following this a mixtape offering, Detroit, fell way short of the initial hype followed by features with the likes of Justin Beiber and Jessie J it seemed Big Sean was falling fast. Why then bother with Hall of Fame, well mainly because it is good music, provided you don't hit shuffle. The start of this album sticks to a cocky but motivational theme suggesting wealth and riches are available to us all provided we focus and work hard. OK not exactly ground breaking but the beats are up lifting and the lyrics flow with confidence and style. Then comes the filling in our shit sandwich. 'Mona Lisa', 'Freaky' and 'MILF' are god awful references to Sean's prowess with women. I cannot fathom why three tracks (granted one is a Skit) got dedicated to this utter trash, maybe the arrogance of youth but such a shame as otherwise this album would have surpassed the debut. It is a stereotypical hip hop album in a number of ways but it is also a well produced and well executed piece of music that should probably have come out in June as it has a distinctly summer feel to it.