Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt Speaks

BY Gregory AdamsPublished May 16, 2011

The mystery surrounding the whereabouts of Odd Future's long M.I.A. member, Earl Sweatshirt, was solved last month when it was revealed he was going to school in Samoa. There are still questions surrounding the rapper though, like when is he coming home? And how does he feel about the ever-growing "Free Earl" campaign that's bubbled up in his absence? The controversial teen rhymer has opened up on both subjects in a new interview.

A lengthy piece from journalist Kelefa Sanneh for the New Yorker had the writer track down the reclusive rapper to find out just what's going on. For the record, Earl was excited about people supporting him via "Free Earl," but thinks it's now got out of hand. He's especially not so stoked that people are ragging on his mom, who sent him out to Samoa.

"Initially I was really pleased that all these people claimed that they wanted me released because I thought that translated into 'they care,'" he said. "So time progresses and the fan base gets bigger and the 'Free Earl' chants get louder but now with the 'Free Earl' chants come a barely indirect 'Fuck Earl's Mom' and in the blink of an eye my worry changes from 'will there still be this hype when I get back' to 'Oh shit I just inspired a widespread movement of people who are dedicated to the downfall of my mom.'"

As for when Earl will return to the Odd Future fold, that's still up in the air.

"I miss home. I don't have any definite date though," he said. "You'll hear from me without a doubt when I'm ready."

You can see excerpts of the interview here, including quotes from Earl's mom, who asked her name be withheld. The full piece is available to subscribers of the physical and digital editions.

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