Mind Equals Blown
  • Home
  • Music
    • Fast Five
    • 3 Of The Week
  • Film/TV
  • Photos
  • Podcast
  • Pop-Punk May Madness
Single Reviews 2

Single Review: Earl Sweatshirt – “Hive”

By Nick Niedzielski · On July 17, 2013


2013 has been an outstanding year for hip-hop thus far. Kevin Gates, Chance the Rapper and Kanye West have all put out phenomenal records, and The Weeknd, Drake and Janelle Monae are gearing up for their releases in the next few months. But in such a stacked year, my most anticipated rap record is Earl Sweatshirt’s upcoming Doris. After setting the tone for the record with the first single, “Chum,” then showing he hasn’t lost touch with his Odd Future roots with “Whoa,” Earl has unleashed the menacing “Hive” and cranks the eagerness for Doris up to 11.

“Hive” is an incredibly dark track that really allows Earl to flex his creative muscles. Powered by a grumbling bass line and a subtle snare, the beat is extremely minimalistic and simple, building an aura of sinister-ness that encapsulates the track. The beat only varies to add a simple cymbal hit and an eerie, wavering choir. It’s a creepy, unnerving beat that fits so effortlessly with Earl’s flow to create a seamless beast of a song.
The rapper’s signature delivery is in full force here, and it might be one of his strongest vocal performances ever. His laid back slurring recklessly swerves all over the place but it always feels like he is in complete control, effortlessly weaving his bars together in a breathtaking fashion.

Vince Staples shows up on the last verse and absolutely destroys it, nearly showing up Earl on his own track. Staples is as strong of an MC as there is out there right now, and hopefully this verse helps get his name out a bit more. Add in Casey Veggies‘ assistance on the hook, and the features on this track contribute perfectly: They shine on their own and add an extra element to the music, but they don’t overpower the actual song – something that is becoming increasingly prevalent in hip-hop.

“Hive” is the best song Earl has released so far off of Doris, and quite possibly the best any Odd Future member has put out. It’s a hauntingly atmospheric track that displays the strongest and most powerful strengths that Earl has to offer. If “Hive” is at all representative of the vein that Doris will be in, there is no doubt in my mind that it could be a strong contender for album of the year.


Casey VeggiesColumbia RecordsEarl SweatshirtHip HopOdd FutureVince Staples
Share Tweet

Nick Niedzielski

Suh dude.

You Might Also Like

  • Lauren Duski delivers her first release since her runner-up performance on season 12 of "The Voice." Her new single is relatable to everyone everywhere. Reviews

    Relatable: The Perfect Word for Lauren Duski’s “Costume Party”

  • Reviews

    “Little Girl” Reflects Christina Grimmie’s Love for Her Mom

  • "Love Lie"Love Lies" by Khalid and Normani is currently among the best singles of 2018. Themes of vulnerability and falling for one another provide a romantic and intimate tone that runs smoothly throughout.s" by Khalid and Normani is currently the best single of 2018. Themes of vulnerability and falling for one another provide a romantic and intimate tone that runs smoothly throughout. Single Reviews

    Khalid and Normani’s “Love Lies” Among Top Singles of 2018

2 Comments

  • The 2013 MEBBIES | Mind Equals Blown says: December 16, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    […] Earl Sweatshirt – “Hive” Qualifying what makes a great music video is often dependent on the music accompanying it – look at a video like the one for Fireworks’ “Arrows” and you’ll be hard-pressed to disagree. So when Earl Sweatshirt’s visual for the gritty track “Hive” dropped, it was tough not to feel engulfed by the sense of the entirety of the track and the video closing in on you. It might not have led to the massive success we all hoped Doris would achieve, but “Hive” left a buried mark on our minds – making it our favorite video of the year. – Jason Gardner […]

    Reply
  • seo prutser says: May 14, 2020 at 8:39 PM

    … [Trackback]

    […] Here you will find 56675 additional Information on that Topic: mindequalsblown.net/reviews/single-reviews/single-review-earl-sweatshirt-hive […]

    Reply
  • Share Your Thoughts With Us! Cancel reply

    Music

    • An Absurd World: Bright Eyes and Meaning of Our Own Making

      September 11, 2020
    • Living Through the Emotion Revolution

      August 27, 2020
    • Folklore Proves That Taylor Swift Has Always Been This Good

      August 24, 2020
    • Daddy’s Beemer Ain’t Scared of Nothin’

      July 22, 2020
    • Previewing the Rest of 2020 in Album Releases

      July 12, 2020

    Film

    • Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak Becomes an Eerie Reality as the Coronavirus Spreads

      April 2, 2020
    • Joe Pera Talks with You Is the Perfect Medicine in a Divided Time

      March 12, 2020
    • Everything Is Fine, and Other Takeaways from The Good Place

      February 26, 2020
    • Why I Picked Parasite to Win Best Picture (and Why I Was Right)

      February 11, 2020
    • Let’s Discuss This Year’s Academy Awards Nominations

      January 17, 2020

    Photos

    • Kansas City Fell For White Reaper This Valentine’s Season

      February 23, 2020
    • Thrice Perseveres to Put on Anniversary Show in Chicago

      February 10, 2020
    • Transcending with Illenium

      November 26, 2019
    • KC Bundled Up for Sweater Weather with The Neighbourhood

      November 20, 2019
    • Dreaming of a Plain White T’s Christmas

      November 19, 2019
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Press Kit

    Subscribe & Follow

    Follow @mindequalsblown
    Follow on Instagram
    Follow on rss
    © 2016 Mind Equals Blown All rights reserved.

    © 2013 Solo Pine Designs, Inc. All rights reserved.