Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars
In 2019, rumors circled that former Odd Future rapper Earl Sweatshirt and legendary producer The Alchemist released a secret album on YouTube under an unknown alias. Fans of the two artists searched for the project for four years to no avail. After waiting for a full-length feature from the duo, they finally announced the release of a collaboration album. While it is unknown whether this is the long sought album from Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist, “Voir Dire” was released on Aug. 25.
Only available on Gala Music, the album has a runtime of 27 minutes 30 seconds with 11 tracks — “100 High Street,” “Vin Skully,” “Sentry feat. MIKE,” “All The Small Things,” “My Brother, The Wind,” “27 Braids,” “Mac Deuce,” “Sirius Blac,” “Geb,” “Dead Zone” and “Free The Ruler.”
Throughout its runtime, “Voir Dire” has a free-moving feel to it. Each track is unique, and for the most part, the project does not hold the typical cohesiveness you would expect. This feeling gives off the impression that the project is somewhat of a mixtape, with each track working well together but not having any significance to one another. For example, “100 High Street” and “Geb” both feature differing themes and production methods.
While most tracks seem standalone, the last track serves as an actual endpoint for the album. “Free The Ruler,” is seemingly an homage to the late rapper Drakeo the Ruler, who was murdered during a music festival in 2021. The two had formerly collaborated on the song “Iron Rap Beef (Remix).”
Throughout the project, Earl stays consistent with his signature abstract lyricism and sound while The Alchemist delivers amazing instrumentals. One of the only issues with the album is its lack of experimentation. The Alchemist’s production throughout is amazing, but it does not push Earl to bring something new or different to the plate. Each track stuck to what Earl is comfortable doing, slow melancholic bars with connecting abstract lyricism. Despite this, the album delivers what many fans were looking for. Standout tracks include “100 Street High” and “27 Braids.”
“Voir Dire” was released on Aug. 25, and is exclusively available for streaming on Gala Music.
