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.
Uncle Al
Earl Sweatshirt Lyrics
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Diction buttery, grass depending
Your nigga was switching passed depending on where the rudder swings
Snapping like the shutter speed, pucker up, kiss of death
Tell your men to hit the deck or hit the dirt
Killing who you sinning first, verse wintergreen spit it, show 'em that I meant it
Ho, I'm rolling with my niggas, find a gold and call the chemist
Show up solo to the scrimmage, throw a brick and pour the Henny
Don't defend it, it's useless nigga
Up to my wrist in the cooler gripping the brew in this music shit
For Versace suicidal, I hit the Jake through the rifle
And tell her open that mouth for deposit, leave the bank broke
Sliding in, she smiling and fidgeting, pull my face close
Streaming down the street from what 'roma was stank though
Product of the villainy, product capable, plainclothes
Rhyme with no niggas who probably was gonna remain broke
In Earl Sweatshirt's song Uncle Al, the rapper showcases his ability to use vivid and imaginative lyrics that leave lasting impressions on the listener. One of the key themes that run through the lyrics is violence and the willingness to use it to gain dominance in the hip-hop world. The opening line of the song talks about using salmon skin Band-Aid for recovery, which sets up the imagery of violence and the physicality involved in hip-hop culture.
The lyrics continue to describe the rapper's diction as being buttery and being dependent on the grass. This could be interpreted as his success depending on his surroundings, specifically the people he's collaborating with. Earl Sweatshirt alludes to the idea of betraying someone depending on how things are going, saying that "your nigga was switching passed depending on where the rudder swings". This is a clear indication of the cutthroat nature of the music industry, and how it takes multiple people to succeed.
The second verse of the song is characterized by Earl's rapping ability, as he describes how he is snapping like the shutter speed and being able to kill whoever he needs to. The lyrics also reference wintergreen spit, which is a type of gum that can be used as a metaphor for his sharpness and accuracy in his rhymes. The last few lines of the verse express Earl's unwavering dedication to his crew while still remaining unapologetically himself; he mentions how he's "rolling with my niggas" and how he doesn't need to defend himself, even if others find it useless. All in all, Uncle Al is a great example of Earl Sweatshirt's ability to use complex lyrics to create a vivid picture of the world of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Salmon skin Band-Aid help with recovery
Finding unconventional ways to heal your wounds
Diction buttery, grass depending
Using smooth talk to butter people up and relying on people for support
Your nigga was switching passed depending on where the rudder swings
Your friend was being disloyal and only sided with whoever was winning at the moment
Snapping like the shutter speed, pucker up, kiss of death
Being quick and deadly in your actions like a camera shutter and following it up with a kiss of death
Tell your men to hit the deck or hit the dirt
Telling your associates to either take cover or surrender
Killing who you sinning first, verse wintergreen spit it, show 'em that I meant it
Taking out whoever is opposing you and proving that you mean what you say
Ho, I'm rolling with my niggas, find a gold and call the chemist
Going around with your friends and making money by any means necessary
Show up solo to the scrimmage, throw a brick and pour the Henny
Showing up alone to the fight, causing chaos and drinking Hennessy
Don't defend it, it's useless nigga
It's pointless to defend yourself, so don't even bother
Up to my wrist in the cooler gripping the brew in this music shit
Being deeply involved in the music industry and holding onto your drinks tightly
For Versace suicidal, I hit the Jake through the rifle
Risking everything and going out in a blaze of glory for the sake of fashion
And tell her open that mouth for deposit, leave the bank broke
Making a woman perform sexual acts on you in exchange for money, leaving her with nothing
Sliding in, she smiling and fidgeting, pull my face close
Entering a room and seeing a woman who is anxious and nervously smiling, then getting closer to her
Streaming down the street from what 'roma was stank though
Walking down the street and smelling something foul
Product of the villainy, product capable, plainclothes
Being a product of your environment and capable of anything, even in plain sight
Rhyme with no niggas who probably was gonna remain broke
Rapping with people who will likely never make it big
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: THEBE KGOSITSILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind