A couple of months ago, frequent collaborators Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE released a sort of joint double album called Pompeii // Utility — one album apiece from both rappers, with the Surf Gang collective handling all the production. When Earl and MIKE announced the album, they also unveiled plans for a massive international tour, with Surf Gang member Harrison opening most of the shows. The tour was set to kick off Tuesday in Riverside, California, but Earl has had to postpone it because of an injury.
Earlier this week, Earl Sweatshirt canceled his appearance at SXSW London because of the same injury; organizers said he couldn't perform because he "met with an accident." On Thursday, the venues on the North American leg of Earl's tour posted that the tour is now postponed, explaining, "Earl was injured, he will need surgery and a period of recovery before he is cleared to perform again." At this point, Earl and his team have not revealed the nature of the injury. New dates haven't been announced yet. As of now, there's been no announcement about the tour's European leg, which starts in August. Here's the message to fans:
That sucks! It sucks for Earl and his family, and it sucks for the people who were excited to see him and MIKE live. Free Earl (from unfortunate medical situations). But we're still getting new music. This week, Earl makes appearances on two new albums. Earl's friend Navy Blue just announced his new LP Sir Render a couple of days ago, and it's already out. Guests include Armand Hammer and the late underground hero Ka. On the Alchemist-produced "Belladonna," Earl raps about getting lost in a rage-fog and listening to Lil B and Cormega. Listen below.
Surf Gang co-founder Harrison, who co-produced Pompeii // Utility, was set to open Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE's tour. On Thursday, he released his debut solo mixtape Taking a walk & calling a car home. It's a collection of ambient instrumentals, and it doesn't feature any raps from Earl Sweatshirt. But Earl did co-produce the spaced-out track "officeloop with t + e" alongside Harrison and his fellow Surf Gang producer Elipropperr. Listen below.
While you're at it, you might as well stream the full albums from both Navy Blue and Harrison.
Navy Blue's Sir Render is out now on Freedom Sounds. Harrison's Taking a walk & calling a car home is out now on Surf Gang/Decent. Get well soon, Earl Sweatshirt.
