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Earl Sweatshirt is Right: ‘Don’t Worry’ is a Great Drake Song
Rolling Stone argues that Earl Sweatshirt, the underground rapper known for his lyrical seriousness, has been closing his recent live shows by singing along to Drake's deep cut "Don't Worry," and the article contends this is a genuine endorsement of the song's quality rather than a joke. The moment matters because it cuts across the ongoing rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar fanbases, with some interpreting Earl's cover as trolling and others as evidence that Drake "won" their 2024 rap beef, though the writer suggests the simplest explanation is that the track is simply excellent songwriting.
The clips began circulating in late May 2026 during Earl's "Home on the Range" tour with MIKE, following their Surf Gang-produced project "Pompeii // Utility." Fans and Earl's band reportedly get most animated during the song's vengeful final verse, in which Drake fantasises about an enemy struggling to pay bills, lyrics the article frames as characteristic of his skill at turning petty, dark impulses into catchy, relatable music reminiscent of his "Take Care" era.
In short
- Earl Sweatshirt has been covering Drake's "Don't Worry" live since May 2026.
- Fans debate whether it's trolling or a nod to Drake's beef "win".
- Writer says it simply reflects Drake's skill as a songwriter.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Earl Sweatshirt's consistent performance of "Don't Worry" throughout his tour demonstrates Drake's genuine songwriting quality. Drake's particular gift is rendering petty, vengeful impulses into catchy, emotionally resonant music—precisely the talent this song exemplifies from his acclaimed "Take Care" era. That a rapper known for lyrical seriousness regularly includes this track in his shows suggests it transcends Drake/Kendrick tribalism and stands as legitimate artistic accomplishment worthy of serious consideration.
The case against
An artist's performance of a song need not constitute a serious artistic endorsement—Earl could be joking, testing reactions, or simply enjoying a catchy tune without deeper commitment. More fundamentally, Drake's commercial appeal and relatable songwriting don't necessarily signal artistic greatness; critics reasonably argue his work prioritises accessible entertainment over substantial depth, and whether his approach represents genuine excellence or merely skilled pop-rap entertainment remains legitimately debatable amongst listeners holding different artistic standards.
Explained simply
Drake is a Canadian rapper and singer whose songs often combine rap with melodic pop and R&B. “Don’t Worry” is a lesser-known track, while Earl Sweatshirt is an American rapper associated with underground hip-hop and dense, introspective lyrics.
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry became a major subject of discussion after their highly publicised rap battle in 2024. Since then, fans have often read comments and performances by other artists as signs of support for one side or the other, even when their intentions are unclear.
Earl’s live performances of the song have drawn attention because his music and public image differ from Drake’s. The debate reflects how a single song choice can be treated as a statement about the rivalry, as well as renewing interest in a track many listeners may not know.
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