Los Angeles rapper Cletus Strap has unveiled his latest single, “nonchalant,” featuring Earl Sweatshirt, offering another preview of his forthcoming album, rappers suck., due out August 7 via Tan Cressida Records.
Produced by Madmax, the track was recorded in Cletus’ living room and follows the previously released single “chilli.” Built around understated confidence rather than bravado, “nonchalant” finds Cletus and Earl trading introspective verses about perseverance, discipline, and the quiet confidence that comes from putting in the work.
Reflecting on the song’s message, Cletus Strap explains:
“It’s actually very hard to keep everything together. We make it look easy.”
The single arrives alongside an official music video directed by Aida Osman, whose creative credits include The Hawk, Rap Sh!t, and Random Acts of Flyness. The visual complements the track’s understated tone, bringing Cletus’ world to life through a minimalist yet expressive lens.
A Satirical Look at Modern Hip-Hop
Inspired by Droors’ iconic 1993 “Ravers Suck” T-shirt, rappers suck. serves as both satire and commentary on today’s rap landscape. Executive produced by Earl Sweatshirt, the eight-track project marks Cletus Strap’s first official release through Tan Cressida Records and represents a defining moment in his career.
Rather than criticizing hip-hop from the outside, the album embraces its contradictions. It examines a culture increasingly shaped by social media algorithms, viral snippets, and clout while celebrating the artistry that often gets overlooked in the process.
The project features guest appearances from Earl Sweatshirt and VIP SKYLARK, with production handled by Laron, Omari Lyseight, Madmax4800, and Cam The Chef.
Across the album, Cletus explores evolving friendships, personal growth, and the realities of building a sustainable music career. While his music retains the grit and sharp wit that have defined his work, the new material reflects a shift away from glorifying negativity in favor of a more thoughtful perspective.
Discussing the album’s central idea, Cletus said:
“There’s a divide in hip hop between creativity and technical skill. It’s highly commercialized but somehow culturally niche and sacred while globally influential. Because of the accessibility and illusion of effortlessness, there’s a lack of respect for rap as an art form. Rappers distancing themselves from the title, calling themselves ‘artists’ instead, is contradicting the plight.”
He also emphasized that the title is intended more as playful commentary than criticism.
“I really wanted to poke fun at the superficiality of these narratives. This is me owning the title and taking the heat that comes with it. On this project I didn’t make any beats, shoot or edit the videos. I’m just the rapper.”
A Breakthrough Moment
Hailing from Inglewood, California, Cletus Strap has spent years building a reputation throughout the underground hip-hop scene as both a rapper and producer. Through his independent Chill As Fuck imprint, he released a string of projects while also performing as the drummer for hip-hop-influenced jazz ensemble Sparker.
His creative relationship with Earl Sweatshirt has steadily grown over the past several years. What began as studio collaborations eventually led to Earl inviting Cletus to join the 2025 3LWorld Tour after discovering one of his EPs. That partnership has since evolved into a series of collaborative releases, with rappers suck. serving as the clearest example yet of their shared creative chemistry.
The project also demonstrates how collaboration can strengthen rather than dilute an artist’s vision, allowing Cletus to sharpen his songwriting while maintaining the authenticity that has defined his music.
Upcoming Tour Dates
Following the album’s release, Cletus Strap will join Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, SURF GANG, and additional guests on the Home on the Range Tour across North America.
Upcoming dates include:
- October 7 — Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
- October 8 — St. Louis, MO @ The Hawthorn
- October 9 — Omaha, NE @ The Admiral Theatre
- October 11 — Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
- October 12 — Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
With “nonchalant,” Cletus Strap delivers another compelling preview of rappers suck., blending thoughtful lyricism, dry humor, and understated confidence into a track that reinforces his status as one of underground hip-hop’s most exciting emerging voices. As his partnership with Earl Sweatshirt continues to evolve, the forthcoming album looks poised to introduce Cletus to an even wider audience while staying true to the independent spirit that has defined his career.