Brief Introduction of Earl Sweatshirt
Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, known professionally as Earl Sweatshirt, is a South African-American rapper, songwriter, and record producer celebrated for his distinctive lyrical depth and experimental approach to hip-hop. Born on February 24, 1994, he first gained prominence as a compelling member of the influential Los Angeles-based hip-hop collective Odd Future. Earl Sweatshirt has carved out a unique space in contemporary music, evolving from early, provocative themes to introspective and often abstract narratives that explore personal struggles, grief, and mental health. His work is consistently lauded by critics for its intricate wordplay, unique flow, and innovative production, cementing his status as one of the most influential and respected artists in the genre.
Earl Sweatshirt Overview
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thebe Neruda Kgositsile |
| Stage Name | Earl Sweatshirt |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1994 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | South African-American |
| Parents | Mother: Cheryl Harris (Law Professor) Father: Keorapetse Kgositsile (South African Poet, Political Activist) |
| Siblings | Randy Mafalanka (Brother) and reports of two sisters, Nakeah and Niko |
| Spouse | Aida Osman (m. 2022–present) |
| Children | Two (a son, confirmed 2021, and a daughter, welcomed recently with Aida Osman) |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor, DJ |
| Genres | West Coast hip hop, alternative hip hop, abstract hip hop, jazz rap, horrorcore (early) |
| Years Active | 2008–2010; 2012–present |
| Labels | Tan Cressida; Warner; Columbia (former) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (as of 2024/2025) |
Early Life and Education of Earl Sweatshirt
Thebe Neruda Kgositsile was born on February 24, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, to highly accomplished parents. His mother, Cheryl Harris, is a distinguished law professor and critical race theorist at the University of California, Los Angeles, while his father, Keorapetse Kgositsile (who passed away in 2018), was a revered South African poet and political activist. Kgositsile’s parents separated when he was six years old, and he was primarily raised by his mother in Los Angeles, California.
Growing up, Earl Sweatshirt’s environment fostered both academic inquiry and creative expression. He attended the UCLA Lab School in Los Angeles and later New Roads High School in Santa Monica. From a young age, he was drawn to music, often composing short beats and exploring different genres, including jazz and classic hip-hop, which would later influence his distinctive sound.
At the age of 16, a pivotal moment in his early life occurred when his mother sent him to the Coral Reef Academy in Samoa, a therapeutic boarding school for at-risk teens. This decision was reportedly prompted by concerns over his behavior and the content of his early music videos. His time in Samoa, lasting about a year and a half, meant a hiatus from recording music, but it was also a period of significant personal growth and reflection, during which he read extensively and wrote rhymes. He returned to Los Angeles in February 2012, just before his eighteenth birthday, with a changed perspective that would profoundly influence his artistic direction.
Earl Sweatshirt’s Career
Early Beginnings and Odd Future
Earl Sweatshirt’s journey into music began in 2008 under the moniker Sly Tendencies, when he was just 14 years old. He released his first mixtape, Kitchen Cutlery, on MySpace that year. His unique talent quickly caught the attention of Tyler, the Creator, who invited him to join his burgeoning alternative hip-hop collective, Odd Future (OFWGKTA), in late 2009. It was upon joining Odd Future that Thebe adopted the stage name Earl Sweatshirt.
In March 2010, at the age of 16, Earl Sweatshirt released his debut mixtape, Earl, which was primarily produced by Tyler, the Creator. The mixtape, known for its fast-paced, violent, and lyrically dense content, quickly garnered critical acclaim and a significant underground following. However, shortly after its release, his mother’s decision to send him to Samoa led to his disappearance from the public eye, sparking the viral “Free Earl” campaign among Odd Future fans.
Return and Doris
Upon his return to Los Angeles in February 2012, Earl Sweatshirt rejoined Odd Future and signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. His comeback was marked by appearances on Odd Future’s The OF Tape Vol. 2 and the release of his first solo single since his hiatus, “Chum,” in November 2012. This period marked a noticeable shift in his lyrical style, becoming more introspective and emotionally thoughtful.
His highly anticipated debut studio album, Doris, was released on August 20, 2013, through Odd Future Records and Tan Cressida Records, distributed by Columbia Records. The album featured collaborations with prominent artists like Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, and RZA. Doris was a critical success, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200 and number one on the US Rap Albums chart, selling 60,000 copies in its first week. It showcased Earl’s evolving artistry, delving into personal issues and displaying a remarkable blend of cleverness and lyrical skill.
I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside
In March 2015, Earl Sweatshirt surprised fans with his second studio album, I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside: An Album by Earl Sweatshirt [1, 1
