Earl Sweatshirt’s New Flow: How The Underground Is Shaping His Sound

by Matthew Becerra

As Earl Sweatshirt’s sound shifts into new territory, his circle of collaborators provides an essential context for the transformation, with emerging voices bringing fresh influences to his style. Among Earl’s closest partners, today are artists like Niontay and El Cousteau, who together represent a new generation blending distinct regional influences with forward-thinking creativity. Their unique styles seem to have unlocked fresh directions in Earl’s music, adding depth to his latest work and inspiring his “DMV flow” that fans recently dissected on Twitter.

El Cousteau’s latest song with Earl

Take El Cousteau, a Washington, D.C. native whose understated approach to the industry and rugged delivery mirror Earl's emphasis on lyricism and authenticity. El’s verse on Real HipHop brought an improvisational, no-frills energy that has captivated fans and set him apart within the underground scene. His self-dubbed "JAMMER MUSIC" style highlights his dynamic, rugged approach, one that resonates with Earl’s evolving sound. The two have built a synergy, with El’s raw delivery and taste for beats likely influencing Earl’s lean toward a more experimental style.

Likewise, Niontay’s journey from Florida to New York has given him an eclectic mix of influences—from Southern bravado to East Coast precision—that parallels Earl's fusion of old and new. A former Milwaukee native, Niontay grew up on everything from Boosie’s Southern sounds to Chief Keef’s Chicago drill, resulting in a flow that flexibly shifts between introspective storytelling and punchy cadences. His work with MIKE, who encouraged him to embrace his versatile sound, led to Dontay’s Inferno, a project that stands out for its regional blend of styles, blending the Midwest and the South in a way that resonates with Earl's penchant for cross-regional experimentation.

Posse cut with Niontay, Earl, El Cousteau and MIKE

As Earl navigates this new era, collaborators like El Cousteau and Niontay keep him grounded in an innovative, younger community, adding layers to his art while influencing his exploration of regional flows and thoughtful, socially aware lyrics. These partnerships reveal not only a widening creative network but also Earl’s commitment to evolving alongside a generation that values authenticity, a distinctive style, and unfiltered perspectives