65/35 | Isaiah Rashad — The Sun’s Tirade
In Short
Having been on indefinite hiatus since his impressive introductory EP, Cilvia Demo, Isaiah Rashad’s eagerly-awaited debut seemed like it may have disappeared altogether. The startling revelation that Rashad was almost dropped from Top Dawg Entertainment three times due to substance abuse not only explains this delay, but also the gravity of his personal problems — as well as his struggle to overcome them, something which is explored in further detail across The Sun’s Tirade.
This time around, Zaywop trades in most of the bullish flow present on Cilvia Demo for a much more soulful delivery; cuts like 4r Da Squaw and Silkk da Shocka perfectly combine a melodic, Southern drawl with a deep-rooted poetic license. Label mates Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and SZA all make noteworthy contributions too, as well as a few choice affiliates from outside of the TDE camp. Instrumentally, the album benefits from a rich, colourful sound palette, full of warm textures and jazzy, soulful interpolations crafted by a wide variety of producers. Despite this, the project sounds largely uniform across its duration, with a only a few tracks detouring from what can only be described as good old Tennessee flavour.
65/35
3 | Free Lunch
prod. by Cam O’bi
Backed by fluttering guitar riffs and jazzy Rhodes chords, Isaiah weaves a nostalgic jam about his home, habits and friends, tied together with an infectious hook. Zay’s rapsy tone works perfectly against the staccato drum beat and laid-back bass groove, and he drops gem after gem (you know it’s scrub!) as the instrumental ducks and peaks behind him. The keys take charge as he drifts into a more intimate, rhythmic stride at the turn of each verse, before flowing into a beautiful pre-chorus backed by an emotive, swelling string section.
9 | Tity and Dolla (ft. Hugh Augustine & Jay Rock)
prod. by Crooklin & Pops
Opening up to shimmering metals, a delicate, electric piano and spritely drums, this nod to Playaz Circle finds Zay & company kicking braggadocious raps over a classy Italian Jazz break. Muted trumpet phrases sail overhead as the three MCs reference their indulgent tendencies in turn — Isaiah’s humorous refrain about vital organs is complemented by a delightful whistling melody, right before rattling hi-hats fall into place alongside a booming bass line. Zay croons soulfully as the chorus approaches, which reveals itself to be a fun and fantastically chauvinistic Outkast reference. The instrumental has a sophisticated lounge vibe that would fit right into the catalogue of Pro Era lieutenant Capital STEEZ.
10 | Stuck in the Mud (ft. SZA)
prod. by D. Sanders & Crooklin
Proving their inimitable chemistry once again, label mate SZA adds mournful vocals to this melancholy cut, as the duo lament the hopelessness of their people. The beat sounds aquatic — claustrophobic synth chords press against the thick, saturated bass line, and a dry rattle echoes menacingly in the background. Rashad’s almost nonchalant delivery is a great expression of the sentiment conveyed throughout, as he commentates on pushers, promiscuous women and mental fatigue over a lethargic drum line. Faint guitar glissandos and whirring synth FX also add some subtle details to a frigid arrangement. The track then devolves into a dissociated, clinical epilogue, as Isaiah muses about his addictions and personal life, complete with eerie backing vocals and a repetitive loop evocative of drug-induced detachment.
Honourable Mentions
4r Da Squaw| The album’s opener sees Zay employing a highly melodic flow over a dreamy electric piano, as he riffs about finding solace in life’s simplest necessities
Wat’s Wrong| For the hotly-anticipated collaboration between Zaywop and K. Dot, the two trade blistering verses over a soulful Piñata-esque instrumental
Park| Isaiah rides a subdued piano sample and boisterous trap drums, spitting a highly aggressive, self-assured flow à la Cilvia Demo
Not so Honourable Mentions
A lot| Isaiah’s exhausted delivery doesn’t quite match the spacey, bass-heavy offering courtesy of Mike Will Made It
Don’t Matter| Rashad tackles a speedy drumbeat on this breakneck track, which is mildly entertaining but isn’t quite executed to its full potential
by george (outro)| A nondescript cut that dissipates the already sleepy conclusion of the album rather than providing a memorable finish
Final Thoughts
Overall, the album is a passionate autobiography of a young man coping with a flawed existence, detailing stories of depression, hedonism and self-medication. Admittedly, the project is bogged down by a latter half that shows a lack of focus, although one could argue that this aesthetic is representative of Rashad’s mindset during his darkest hours. Regardless, the majority of The Sun’s Tirade is a well-crafted, personal and sometimes harrowing insight into the mind of someone striving for self-acceptance.
