What the record is and where it came from
The Sun’s Tirade is Isaiah Rashad’s debut studio album. It was recorded during a period in which Rashad experienced struggles with depression and addiction. He completed and turned it in by August 30, 2015.
How it sounds, and how it was made
The album is much more jazzy and upbeat than Cilvia Demo. Its production draws from hip-hop, trap, trip hop, soul, and jazz. It incorporates stylistic and production elements of southern hip-hop, jazz, neo soul, trap, and progressive hip-hop. Producers include Mike Will Made It, D. Sanders, Cam O’bi, J. LBS, The Antydote and Chris Calor.
What lands
The reflective tone lands. The jazzy, upbeat sonic palette lands. The loose concept structure lands. The production diversity lands.
What does not
It does not avoid repetition across its 17-track runtime. It does not simplify its thematic weight into resolution. It does not foreground melody over texture or mood.
The ideas inside it
The album is a loose concept album. It is characterised by personal themes: substance abuse, depression, and Rashad’s personal struggles with alcohol and Xanax addiction. It features a strongly reflective and conscious tone.
Who should hear it, and who should not
People who want hip-hop that foregrounds internal state over narrative arc should hear it. People who expect linear storytelling or polished hooks should not.
Is it worth your time
Yes. It debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies in its first week. It was released on September 2, 2016, to widespread critical acclaim.
