I guess you’re imagining this album getting a big reception but I think this was more just for the fans anyway, it wasn’t going to get the acclaim or hype that like a Freddie Gibbs project would get for example. It’s a very understated album and it might actually be better this way lowkey because if they hyped up a big release, I think there would’ve been A LOT of disappointment in the length and scope of the project, more than there already was. A lot of people were mad it’s not longer, or that there weren’t enough “wow” moments. Reception for this was gonna be muted regardless imo

And if this was some whole next level different type s*** I think even with this release, it would be getting more word of mouth than it is now. But it’s just Earl rapping on alc beats somewhat casually so people aren’t writing home about it (I love it but I get it)

And before any of you lames slobbing up Earl and Al's nutsack about them getting paid start talking to me about "Just use the site it's on" the s*** not working on my laptop, phone, or tablet. So if the only way for me to listen to it is to download it illegally because it's not on DSPs...well ya see where the issue arises if you care about them being compensated for the art right?

this one of earls best projects idk where id put it yet but its up there fosho. srs/IDLS levels to me

Pretty sure they got paid on the front end instead of per stream so illegally downloading it doesn't really matter or hurt them

Earl always been pretty lowkey about his releases on some IYKYK type s***. People that act like this is supposed to be some album that's supposed to make a lot of noise are weird. If the nigga wanted that he would promote it more plain and simple

I just learned this exists bc of this thread

where/who can i get this album from? (plz)

That literally makes the reason for not putting it on DSPs even more pointless if they already made their money up front...

It's literally inconveniencing fans by having them sign up to use some other platform just for the sake of it at this point lol

Earl always been pretty lowkey about his releases on some IYKYK type s***.

Has literally announced every project weeks in advance of release, has dropped singles for his projects prior to release as a means to promote and spread the news of a new album, and has made all his projects available on CD, vinyl, cassette, and streaming for pre-order/pre-save.

Apparently that's all "pretty lowkey" lol ayo I promise you do not have to cape for every single decision an artist you like makes. Out here tryna rewrite history to justify your shameless nut-hugging. Stand up man

I mean he hasn’t even really acknowledged it, I can’t understand what the point of that is. He did a good amount of promo for Sick too, posts, videos, singles etc

No, not if the deal was to keep it on their platform for a certain amount of time exclusivley before they can put it on DSPs. That's how Blackstar got paid except they never put it on DSPs afterwards

They probably have a contract stating they can’t have it on streaming

probably terms and conditions on a contract that it's exclusive similar to what Chance did with Coloring Book

Streaming is the standard for 99.9% of people now and that won’t change

alright. Then prepare for more smaller artists that make even less than the earls and alchemists to do similar things like this since streaming revenue gets smaller and smaller

Niggas could just use Bandcamp...it's known and respected by many indie/underground and even mainstream artists who use it. Bandcamp Fridays every first Friday of the month let the artists collect 100% of all singles, albums, EP, merch sold on the platform. It actually has a convenient app that is ready and available for fans on a wide variety of devices.

We gotta stop this narrative that what Earl and Alchemist did was some sort of noble "power to the artists" kinda move. They just went to whatever, basically glorified NFT marketplace, that offered them the most money. Good for their pockets, can't knock artists for that, but it's clear that this wasn't a move to benefit the fans

I would pay them myself if they’d let me! Nothing wrong with putting it on Bandcamp at all, I love supporting smaller artists directly

Would've definitely been down for bandcamp too as well...but they not making em 800k upfront.

Considering how other artists like Black Star really did f*** their fans over (and their project was mid), I'd argue the opposite. Gala music (even tho I know you say it don't work on your computer) there's no payment or anything required by the fans to pretty much listen to the music for free. That's a pretty big win for the die hard fans that were gonna listen regardless if it's on streaming or not.

Black Star you had to subscribe to listen to they album.

yeah it’s just earl rapping but it’s earl rapping arguably better than anyone on earth and that’s worth writing home about

really in demand on demand on call im the man on god

just listened to heat check for the first time, is this supposed to be a voir dire bonus track or something? or just a leftover leak?
were there any more leaked tracks in the last weeks?

Niggas still complaining about the release strategy 2 weeks since launch, cry more

La Califa & god has smiled both featuring Vince. All 3 were taken off for other tracks

anyone have a download that works in i phone

I definitely feel you on a personal level but he’s always been rapping great, even Sick didn’t have a very big impact, I think Earl is just very niche at this point and this is just another album in a very specific lane

Maybe they will release a deluxe for streaming with extra tracks, along with a video, but yeah i just don’t think they threw away a chance at a blockbuster here. I love raps but the reason Earl rapping great on loops isn’t something to write home about is because he’s been doing it for a minute and it’s a very take it or leave it, love it or hate it style at this point.

I think some fans would probably expect a more ambitious project and I can’t entirely blame them even though this album is right up my alley. It’s beautiful in a pure and simple way but it’s probably not better than Alfredo or Bandana for most people as far as recent producer rapper pairings, and on paper Earl should be on that level but i guess he’s just comfortable doing his own thing. He ain’t rapping better than Freddie tbh

They randomly fighting over Earl itt

It is odd that Earl hasnt promoted this at all. I would have thought the contract they made with the NFT contract would have obligated him to.

Ill be surprised if the NFT company made any profit on this with the little marketing it has had. I would guess that most of the people that like Earls music don't even know the album exists - if I didnt go on KTT i wouldnt know it exists.