Aesthetically and politically, Lovework descends from a mid-'90s school of conscious Northwest hip hop, characterized by groups such as Black Anger and Silent Lambs Project.

It turned away from the gangsta themes and beats that dominated the period and instead focused on progressive politics, utopian aspirations, and an organic connection with black Africa.

Lovework was produced by Amos Miller with additional beat contributions from Sabzi (of Blue Scholars), Moka Only, Kitone, and Specs One – its sound was primarily influenced by Seattle veteran Vitamin D (who also mixed the record) and the late J Dilla.

[10] On Lovework, Gabriel Teodros ponders issues of racism, sexism, and colonialism, as well as lighter topics like romance and the art of rhyme.

[11] The opening song Sacred Texts creatively namedrops groups of influence in Teodros' life, including A Tribe Called Quest, Freestyle Fellowship, Common, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, Roy Ayers and Bob Marley.