AOTW: VOIR DIRE

Peace when i’m rolling around.

Voir Dire, the collaborative album from Earl Sweatshirt and The Alchemist, is a masterful display of their chemistry and artistry. The title itself is a legal term, originating from Old French, meaning "to speak the truth", fitting for an album where both artists are at their most candid and direct.

The Alchemist provides a backdrop of minimal yet melodic beats, often stripped of heavy drums. This is a key part of the album's brilliance, proving that sometimes a masterpiece doesn't need traditional bass, kicks, and snares to deliver a good listening experience. This sound allows Earl's intricate lyricism to take center stage, creating a project that sounds, with each track, meticulously crafted despite its brevity.

The album features many standout collaborations. On "Sentry," Earl and MIKE deliver an exchange of bars, their distinct  flows weaving through the hazy production. Vince Staples also makes an appearance, adding his sharp, street-smart perspective to the atmosphere in tracks "Mancala" and "The Caliphate". Earl's rap prowess over melodic beats is really evident on tracks like "Mac Deuce," where he sounds confident and at ease, riding the shimmering production with his signature dense rhyme schemes and laid-back delivery.

Ultimately, Voir Dire is a showcase of two talented musicians working in sync, creating a project that is both a lyrical clinic and a rich instrumental experience.



8.5/10