Earl Sweatshirt recorded this album after a period of mourning his grandmother's death and a stay in a rehabilitation center in Samoa. The record reflects his isolation and depression, with an intentionally harsh and minimalist sound. It was released as a surprise on March 23, 2015.
Production was handled mainly by Earl himself, along with collaborators like Left Brain and Samiyam. The album is characterized by dense beats and introspective lyrics addressing anxiety and loss. It received critical acclaim for its brutal honesty and experimental approach.
The title comes from a phrase Earl said during an interview, summarizing his mental state at the time. The cover art is a grainy photo of his face. The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 and solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative rappers of his generation.