 There's been some controversy over the whereabouts of Odd Future member, Earl Sweatshirt, over the past month, ever since Complex magazine did some digging where they uncovered that he's holed up in a treatment center for troubled kids in Samoa, California.
The New Yorker caught up with Earl and his mother, via e-mail, to shed some light on his situation, while his OFWGKTA are blowing up around the country.
The L.A. Times' Pop & Hiss blog nabbed some of the quotes from the story, which is only available New Yorker subscribers, in which Earl explains that he's not very happy with some of the fallout from the "Free Earl" campaign that commenced with his absence.
"Initially I was really pleased that all these people claimed they wanted me released because I thought that translated into 'they care,'" wrote Earl via e-mail. "So time progresses and the fan base gets bigger and the 'Free Earl' chants get louder, but now with the 'Free Earl' chants come a barely indirect '... Earl's mom' and in the blink of an eye my worry changes from 'will there still be this hype when I get back to 'Oh ... I just inspired a widespread movement of people who are dedicated to the downfall of my mom.'"
Because it was his mother who shipped him out to the boarding school in Samoa, some Odd Future fans have expressed their frustration with the rapper's absence, launching the "Free Ear" campaign.
However, Earl says he's not there against his will, and is now, there on his own accord. While he plans to eventually return to Los Angeles, right now he needs space and wants fans to end any ill will towards his mother.
"I've still got work to do," Earl wrote. "And I don't need the additional stress of fearing for my family's physical well-being. Space means no more, 'Free Earl.'"
Since the New Yorker feature, Odd Future's frontman, Tyler The Creator, reacted, hopping on Twitter to support his friend.
"He'll Be Back In Due Time, Just Wait. Thats My N****, He Now Has A Home To Come Too. No F***ing Pressure," Tyler wrote (@f***tyler)." Hopefully Fans Respect That. And Respect His, His Moms And Familys Privacy. This Goes For Writers Too. Miss You Nigga, FREE THE EARLY MAN. The World Will Be Ours! OF"
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