For musicians, religion can take on different roles in an artist's craft. Rapper Kanye West (AKA Ye) is an example of just how much religion can become intertwined with one’s music. Though West has not shied away from religious references in his music throughout his career, Christianity has played a bigger role in recent years. On Christmas Day in 2019, the Jesus Is Born album was released. While a Sunday Service Choir provided the vocals, Kanye was the executive producer. Kanye had released his Jesus Is King album a couple of months prior. This album came at the end of a year that marked the start of Kanye West's "Sunday Service," a gospel concert that West leads.Related: Kanye Drops His "Jesus Is Born Album" For ChristmasFor other artists, religion plays a more indirect role. For example, an artist may thank their higher power after winning an award. Religion can also inspire clever metaphors like in Taylor Swift’s “False God,” Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y,” or Hozier’s “Take Me to Church.” Rapper Earl Sweatshirt seems to be one of these artists. Continue reading to find out more about Earl Sweatshirt's thoughts on spirituality and Buddhism.

9 Who Is Earl Sweatshirt?

Earl Sweartshirt, whose real name is Thebe Kgositsile, is a 28-year-old rapper based in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of Cheryl Harris, a professor at UCLA, and a South African poet named Keorapetse Kgositsile. In 2021, he tweeted that he had welcomed a son. In the past, his songs covered dark and sometimes controversial topics, but his content has become tamer over the years.

8 How Did Earl Sweatshirt Get Famous?

Earl rose to stardom as a member of Odd Future, a group that included Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean. After the release of Earl Sweatshirt's debut mixtape EARL in 2010, he has released five albums: Doris; I Don't Like S***, I Don't Go Outside: An Album by Earl Sweatshirt; Some Rap Songs; FEET OF CLAY; and, most recently, SICK!

7 Why Did Earl Sweatshirt Spend Time In Samoa?

After Earl cheated on a test in 2010, his mother enrolled him in a Samoan boarding school. While Earl was away, Odd Future had its debut performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Crew members audibly chanted "Free Earl," causing his mother to be the target of harassment from Earl's fans. Earl returned to LA in 2012 and released his album Doris in 2013.

Related: Everything We Know About Frank Ocean's Relationship With Boyfriend, Memo Guzman

6 Does Earl Sweatshirt Practice Buddhism?

In an interview with A County Called Earth, Earl Sweatshirt said that he was raised to practice Nichiren Buddhism. As a teenager, he stopped practicing, but he resumed in adulthood. When asked about what he thought of the possibility of a "higher power," he also revealed that he believed in "universal oneness."

5 Earl Practices A Form Of Japanese Buddhism Called Nichiren Buddhism

According to BBC, the form of Buddhism that Earl practices has its origins in Japan. Nichiren Buddhism upholds the idea of "instant enlightenment," which means that anyone can achieve enlightenment. Nichiren Buddhists believe in triple refuge: the Buddha, the dharma (law), and the sangha (community). They also believe in ten principles that make up human beings.

Related: Drew Carey And 9 Other Celebrities Who Surprisingly Practice Buddhism

4 Do Any Other Artists Practice Buddhism?

Retired singer Tina Turner has been a Nichiren Buddhist for over forty years. In an interview with Soka Gakkai International - USA, Tina Turner revealed that she discovered Nichiren Buddhism in her 20s when she was struggling with depression and recovering from a failed suicide attempt. She joined her local chanting group and "realized she had within [her] everything [she] needed to change [her] life for the better."

3 How Does Earl Feel About Fame?

Though Earl believes in a higher power, he is not interested in being compared to one himself. In 2016, he commented on how his return from boarding school impacted his perception of fame. He stated, "I'm still not an advocate for deification, so I take every opportunity I can to assert my humanity."

2 Is Earl Sweatshirt Still Close With Tyler, The Creator?

Although Odd Future has not been collectively active for years, on September 21, 2020, Tyler, The Creator posted a picture of himself and Earl Sweatshirt hanging out. Earl posted the same photo on his Instagram on the same day. Fans were delighted to see the two former collaborators together.

1 What Was The Inspiration Behind Earl Sweatshirt's Latest Album SICK! ?

Earl Sweatshirt released his most recent album on January 14, 2022. This album was inspired by the pandemic and the son he welcomed in 2021. This album includes the 2021 single "2010," which seems to refer to the year in which Earl released his first mixtape EARL. The album includes ten songs total, including "Old Friend," "God Laughs," and "Fire in the Hole." There are also features by Zelooperz and Armand Hammer.

Next: Tyler, The Creator Confirms He Won't Change His Stage Name After Reports To The Contrary