In 2018, he released his third studio album, Some Rap Songs, which was his last album with Columbia; following it up with the EP Feet of Clay in 2019 on Warner Records. His latest album, Sick!, was released in 2022, also on Warner Records.
Heat Check
Earl Sweatshirt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ho, that's a whole needle
So I can't promise that I won't leave you
I put my all in then I broke even
Prophet tried and told people
Chuckle at the known evils
I stepped over when they roll
Petals of roses and broke treaties
Littered the road I was on swingin'
I couldn't hold shit with cold fingers
In other words, niggas don't feel you, really (what a friend indeed)
Stay on my square like Sicilian slice (Jesus is my spring)
Powers spread like Jiffy
It make perfect sense, you try to get out a bite, I snicker
I caught a whiff of sidewinder slitherin' in the vines
And listen, it's hissin' like spinnin' vinyl
This cylindrical system of life, vicious cycles
Mice give up when it's dinnertime
The 6ix9ine style snitching spiteful
Mine the biggest, but I'm staying tight-lipped
In addition, I ain't switching sides
On some my niggas simplify shit, do not tread on me
The live and die with a smile
Getting fly watching water rising
Blood on the horizon
Uh, blood spilling out the idol
They try and judge like Simon
I'm leaving on a note most highest
Drop the mic like Ryan
Told dawg it's on the floor like Kaiapit
I'm flying, heat check
Might hit an island if she need to get her feet
Get her, uh
Uh, heat check
Might head to Mav town, I need a likkle reset
Heat check
Putting numbers on the board, fuckin' up the defense
Heat check
Heard she hookin' out west like Kareem did (what a friend indeed)
Heat check (Jesus is my spring, when)
There's a little spot they had where they were throwing the ivory
Three, to be exact, amongst various other, you know, equations
They're gonna let you know that as well, um
I think it's, it's time for a demonstration
In "Heat Check," Earl Sweatshirt explores themes of addiction, betrayal, and resilience through vivid and introspective lyrics.
In the first paragraph, Earl introduces the concept of coping with the struggles of addiction. He acknowledges the difficulties of dealing with a "dope fiend" lifestyle, symbolized by a needle. He cannot promise to stay faithful and loyal because the grip of addiction is consuming him. Despite investing his effort, he only breaks even, unable to achieve the desired balance or success. Earl hints that even prophetic figures have warned people about the destructive nature of addiction, yet many ignore it and chuckle at the evident evils. He distances himself from the dangerous influences by stepping over them but recognizes the challenges he faces in maintaining a stable life.
The second paragraph showcases Earl's resilience surrounding his principles and values. He compares himself to a Sicilian slice, emphasizing his allegiance to his beliefs and remaining true to himself. His power and influence spread effortlessly like Jiffy, a well-known brand. Earl understands that some individuals may attempt to take advantage of him, comparing that behavior to trying to take a bite out of his success, which he finds amusing or foolish. He detects the deceitful and treacherous actions of others, symbolized by a sidewinder slithering in the vines. Despite the temptation to speak out, Earl keeps his mouth shut, unwilling to betray his principles or change sides. His loyalty lies with his closest friends who understand the straightforwardness of his mindset.
In the third paragraph, Earl confronts judgment and ambiguity. He describes blood on the horizon, signifying imminent danger or conflict. People try to judge him like Simon, the biblical figure known for harsh assessments. Earl refers to himself as an "idol," highlighting the pressures of being in the spotlight and the scrutiny that comes with it. He acknowledges that he leaves with the highest knowledge and wisdom, emphasizing his departure from harmful situations or relationships while maintaining his integrity.
The final paragraph shifts focus to Earl's determination to prove himself. He drops the mic like Ryan, referencing a powerful and confident exit. Earl mentions a place where people handle ivory, representing the ivory trade or illegal activities. He suggests it's time for a demonstration, signaling his readiness to display his talent and resilience. Earl expresses his desire to escape to an island, possibly a metaphor for finding solace or peace. He mentions someone hooking out west like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, alluding to a person finding success and recognition. Earl uses the term "heat check" throughout the song, which refers to taking a shot with confidence and testing one's abilities.
Overall, "Heat Check" delves into the challenges of addiction, the importance of loyalty, the pressures of fame and judgment, and the determination to rise above difficult circumstances. Earl Sweatshirt's introspective lyrics showcase his depth of thought and insight into personal struggles and triumphs.
Line by Line Meaning
Couldn't cope with the dope fiend shit
I couldn't handle being around drug addicts
Ho, that's a whole needle
It's a dangerous situation, like a needle full of drugs
So I can't promise that I won't leave you
I can't guarantee that I'll stay loyal to you
I put my all in then I broke even
I gave everything I had but ended up with nothing
Prophet tried and told people
A wise person warned others
Chuckle at the known evils
Laughing at obvious wrongdoings
I stepped over when they roll
I avoided getting involved in their dishonest actions
Tell the bros I'm layin' low tree
Inform my friends that I'm keeping a low profile
Petals of roses and broke treaties
Decaying relationships and broken agreements
Littered the road I was on swingin'
The path I was on was filled with challenges and setbacks
I couldn't hold shit with cold fingers
I couldn't grasp anything due to my lack of ability
In other words, niggas don't feel you, really (what a friend indeed)
Simply put, people don't truly understand or relate to you
Stay on my square like Sicilian slice (Jesus is my spring)
I remain focused and grounded like the shape of a pizza slice from Sicily, guided by my faith
Powers spread like Jiffy
My influence and capabilities expand rapidly
It make perfect sense, you try to get out a bite, I snicker
It's logical, while you try to escape a difficult situation, I find it amusing
I caught a whiff of sidewinder slitherin' in the vines
I sensed the presence of a deceitful person hiding among us
And listen, it's hissin' like spinnin' vinyl
Their deceitful actions or words are disturbing, like the sound of a spinning vinyl record
This cylindrical system of life, vicious cycles
The repetitive nature of life's challenges and misfortunes
Mice give up when it's dinnertime
Weak individuals surrender when faced with difficulties
The 6ix9ine style snitching spiteful
The act of betraying others and providing information out of spite, similar to the rapper 6ix9ine
Mine the biggest, but I'm staying tight-lipped
I may have the most to lose, but I won't reveal any secrets
In addition, I ain't switching sides
Furthermore, I'm not changing my loyalty
On some my niggas simplify shit, do not tread on me
My friends make things easier, but don't try to harm or disrespect me
The live and die with a smile
They remain positive even in the face of adversity
Getting fly watching water rising
Observing the world while also enjoying personal success
Blood on the horizon
Danger or violence is imminent
Uh, blood spilling out the idol
Bloodshed resulting from idol worship or misplaced admiration
They try and judge like Simon
They attempt to criticize and pass judgment like the biblical figure Simon
I'm leaving on a note most highest
I'm departing with a profound message or legacy
Drop the mic like Ryan
Putting an end to a performance or speech, similar to Ryan Seacrest ending a show
Told dawg it's on the floor like Kaiapit
Informing my friend that it's over and settled, just like something left on the floor
I'm flying, heat check
I'm soaring high, testing my limits
Might hit an island if she need to get her feet
I might escape to a remote place if she requires a fresh start
Uh, heat check
Testing my abilities and impact once again
Might head to Mav town, I need a likkle reset
I might go to a place called Mav town to rejuvenate and start anew
Heat check
Continuously testing myself and my skills
Putting numbers on the board, fuckin' up the defense
Scoring points and disrupting the opposing team's defense
Heat check
Assessing my performance and impact once again
Heard she hookin' out west like Kareem did (what a friend indeed)
I heard she's providing sexual services in the western part, similar to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's basketball moves (sarcastically, mocking the person referring to her as a friend)
Heat check (Jesus is my spring, when)
Continuing to test my abilities and impact, while relying on Jesus as my source of strength
There's a little spot they had where they were throwing the ivory
There was a hidden place where illegal activities involving drugs were taking place
Three, to be exact, amongst various other, you know, equations
Specifically, there were three individuals involved, along with other complex factors
They're gonna let you know that as well, um
They will make sure you are aware of that too
I think it's, it's time for a demonstration
I believe it's time to show and prove my abilities
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, Daniel Alan Maman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Deji Adeniyi
I went into a trance listening to this, it felt like it was DOOM rapping.
Omari Jenkins
Exactly, he finally reached that level he’s rapping in code but it’s clear enough for a casual fan to understand flow is crisp on here
Mike
King Geedorah entered the chat
Attarae
You took out My brother, The wind. However, you gave us this masterpiece. Thank you earl
sir.villain
My brother, The wind*
stopcryingalready
Took out "All the small things" and "Geb" too
Tshephang Moswete
@stopcryingalready I think he couldn't get the samples cleared :(
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cornerfolk
Bro that song got like five names now
Kyle Abbott
@Tshephang Moswete it's a hard life making money on other people's music
NINBEN
This song is beautiful. Immediately loved it the second it started and its easily my favorite on the album. Such a chill romantic typa beat, I dig it so much. Great song 👏