In a world where streaming platforms offer an overwhelming abundance of content, some artists are embracing a unique approach: the mini-album. This strategy, exemplified by cult rappers like Mick Jenkins, is a refreshing departure from the algorithmic strategies that often dominate the music industry.
Let's take a closer look at this intriguing phenomenon.
The Power of Focused Delivery
In 2018, Earl Sweatshirt, a poet-turned-rapper, shared an insightful perspective on his creative process. His album, "Some Rap Songs," a modern masterpiece, packed an incredible amount of depth into just 25 minutes. This concise approach stood out in an era where streaming bloat was becoming the norm.
Earl's decision to keep his projects short was driven by a desire to respect his audience's time. He wanted to deliver a dense and impactful message without overwhelming his listeners. This philosophy has guided his subsequent releases, with albums ranging from 15 to 27 minutes, each a carefully crafted collection of thoughts.
The Allure of Brevity
In our content-saturated landscape, these format-breaking albums offer a refreshing oasis. They provide a focused listening experience, free from the endless scroll of streaming platforms. Earl's latest release, "Live Laugh Love," is a perfect example of this. At 24 minutes, it feels deliberate and measured, a respectful offering to his devoted fans.
But it's not just about the length. Earl's words hint at a deeper connection with his audience. He acknowledges the impact his music has on his listeners, almost like a silent agreement. This album is a spiritual conversation, a collection of proverbs seeking revelation rather than a simple reaction.
The Rise of the Mid-Level Star
Earl Sweatshirt has become an archetype for a unique breed of mid-level stars. While his buddy, Tyler, the Creator, has achieved mainstream success, Earl has carved out his own path, detached from the attention ecosystem. He is a folk hero, a master of his own domain, and his decision to avoid the content game has created a siloed existence that many cult indie-rap figures might find appealing.
Embracing Precision
Mick Jenkins, a Chicagoan rapper, has gradually joined this wave of concise artistry. His latest album, "A Murder of Crows," a collaboration with producer Emil, is a testament to his growing precision. Each record has become shorter and more focused, with "The Patience" marking a developmental milestone. "A Murder of Crows" is the calm after that epiphany, a collection of rhymes that lock in and build movements.
Jenkins' rap on "Dream Chasers" reflects his acceptance of precision: "All them pharaohs that showed, ain't no barrels of gold gon' go with you when you die in them pyramid schemes." His increasing grasp of this art form is a reward in itself.
The Local Legend
03 Greedo, a rapper from Watts, has also become a local legend, albeit with a very different journey. Sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2018, he was released on parole in 2023. During his time behind bars, he released an impressive amount of music, including three EPs and three albums. His post-prison albums, "Halfway There" and "Hella Greedy," are sprawling works, a natural response to newfound freedom.
However, his latest release, "Another Night Out," is a standout. At 23 minutes, it is immersive and centered, with a unique flow-state rapping style. The album nods to various cities but remains quintessentially Greedo, with a bluesy melody and a deep exploration of his Watts-powered perspective.
A Concentrated Approach
These three albums showcase a concentration that goes beyond their runtime. Each rapper has adapted to their individual milieu, creating a harmony of sound and subject. Greedo's "Another Night Out" embodies the energy of a night-long bender, while Mick Jenkins' patience pays off with increasingly perceptive rhymes. Earl Sweatshirt's "Live Laugh Love" opens up a new chapter, shedding the exclusivity of his earlier work and embracing a more inclusive sound.
These succinct albums are like layers peeled off, revealing the core of each artist's craft. They are not about inundating or optimizing; they are about distilling their art to its essence.
So, what do you think? Is there a place for these mini-albums in a streaming-dominated world? Do they offer a refreshing alternative, or is the traditional album format here to stay? Let's discuss in the comments!
