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The Sun's Tirade

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The Sun's Tirade
Studio album by
Isaiah Rashad
ReleasedSeptember 2, 2016
GenreHip hop[1]
Length63:12
LabelTDE
Producer
Isaiah Rashad chronology
Cilvia Demo
(2014) 		The Sun's Tirade
(2016) 		The House Is Burning
(2021)
Singles from The Sun's Tirade
  1. "Free Lunch"
    Released: August 7, 2016

The Sun's Tirade is the debut studio album by American rapper Isaiah Rashad.[2] It was released on September 2, 2016, and is his second release with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), following 2014's acclaimed mixtape Cilvia Demo.

The album, recorded during a period in which Rashad experienced struggles with depression and addiction, features a strongly reflective and conscious tone with production that takes influence from hip hop, trap, trip hop, soul, and jazz. It features guest appearances from SiR, Zacari, Kendrick Lamar, Deacon Blues, Kari Faux, Syd tha Kyd, Hugh Augustine, Jay Rock and SZA.[2] The album's production was handled by several producers, including Mike Will Made It, D. Sanders, Cam O'bi, J. LBS, The Antydote and Chris Calor.

The Sun's Tirade was met with critical acclaim from music critics, and appeared on numerous end-of-year best album lists from various publications.[3] The album debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies its first week.[4] The album was supported by the critically acclaimed lead single, "Free Lunch".

Background and promotion

[edit]
Prior to the release of The Sun's Tirade, Rashad struggled with alcohol and Xanax addiction, along with depression and isolation for two years.

On August 26, 2016, Isaiah Rashad announced the album's title, release date and the reveal of the artwork.[5] On August 30, he shared the album's track listing, which features guest appearances from Kari Faux, Syd and SiR, along with Top Dawg label-mates such as SZA, Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar.[2] Rashad released The Sun's Tirade on September 2, 2016.[2]

During various interviews in promotion of the album, Rashad revealed that he was addicted to Xanax and alcohol, and was suffering from depression, anxiety and isolation during the time between the release of Cilvia Demo and The Sun's Tirade. He further stated that he "fucked up", and almost got dropped from Top Dawg Entertainment a total of three times during the recording of his album.[6]

I just want them [fans] to enjoy themselves listening to this project. I hope this make it easier for them to approach me, make you feel like you're talking to a regular person. As far as learning about me, I don’t know. You'll learn I got range. I got some more range that you didn't think I had. I want people to be like, "Damn, this nigga can do this?" Because that motivates me a lot.

—Isaiah Rashad, via XXL[7]

"Free Lunch" was released as the album's lead single on August 7, 2016.[8] The music video for the single, directed by APLUS Filmz, was uploaded to Top Dawg Entertainment's YouTube channel on August 10.[9]

On August 27, 2016, Rashad performed "Free Lunch" with Kendrick Lamar during Lamar's headlining set at FYF Fest.[10] On September 17, 2016, he performed "Tity and Dolla" at the BET Hip Hop Awards, which aired in the next month.[11] Rashad also released music videos for the songs "4r da Squaw" and "Park", which have not been released as singles.[12][13]

The album was removed from streaming services for unknown reasons on October 29, 2024 but has since been restored on Spotify as of November 8.[14]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

The Sun's Tirade, much like its predecessor, is a loose concept album. The project is characterized by its personal themes, such as substance abuse, depression, and Rashad's personal struggles with alcohol and Xanax addiction. The album incorporates stylistic and production elements of southern hip hop, jazz, neo soul, trap music, and progressive hip hop. Musically, the project has been noted by publications for its diversity and unique sonic palate, and for being "much more jazzy and upbeat" than Cilvia Demo. Rashad's vocals are layered and textured. His voice throughout the record displays a "heavy rasp" and "sing-songy flow".[citation needed]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic80/100[3]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[15]
The Line of Best Fit[16]
Consequence of SoundB+[17]
HipHopDX[18]
Pitchfork Media8.1/10 [19]
Drowned in Sound[20]
XXL4/5[21]
Sputnikmusic[22]

The Sun's Tirade received positive reviews from music critics upon its release. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 80, which indicates "generally positive reviews," based on 11 reviews.[3] Sheldon Pearce of Pitchfork Media praised The Sun's Tirade, dubbing the album "a complex portrait of a man in transition", and further applauded Rashad for "wear[ing] his anxieties" on his sleeve.[19] Ryan Lunn of The Line of Best Fit lauded the album, saying "while the album may have been crafted during a two-year tsunami of struggle, Isaiah Rashad still manages to sound as calm as an ocean’s gentle waves; sounding so effortless has never taken so much effort."[16] Andy Kellman of Allmusic similarly praised the album, citing its creativity and production as a highlight, while also directing praise at Rashad's rapping, stating "Rashad's voice is dispirited, on the brink of disintegration".[15]

Stephen Kearse of Consequence of Sound reviewed the album favorably, noting the album's "experimental aesthetic" as more refined than on Rashad's previous efforts.[23] In a less positive review, Michael G. Barilleaux of No Ripcord found the album to be boring, stating "Each song on this album makes its own point, but does it in exactly the same tone as the last. The end result is 17 tracks of one sound in a row, all bleeding into each other."[24]

Accolades

[edit]

The Sun's Tirade appeared on numerous end-of-year best album lists from various publications.

Publication List Rank
Exclaim![25] Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums: Best of 2016
13
Inverse[26] The 10 Greatest Hip-Hop Projects of 2016
8
KSDB-FM[27] Best 50 Albums of 2016
29
L.A. Weekly[28] Best Albums of 2016
8
Okayplayer[29] Reader's Choice: Best Albums of 2016
15
Pigeons and Planes[30] Best Albums of 2016
25
Pitchfork[31] The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2016 No order
PopMatters[32] The Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2016
1
Stereogum[33] The 40 Best Rap Albums of 2016
39
The Birmingham News[34] 25 of our favorite albums from Southern musicians in 2016 No order
Uproxx[35] 20 Best Rap Albums Of 2016
8

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies its first week.[4]

Track listing

[edit]
The Sun's Tirade track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."where u at?"
Dave Free0:44
2."4r da Squaw"
FrancisGotHeat3:52
3."Free Lunch"
Cam O'bi3:12
4."Rope // rosegold" (featuring SiR)
4:43
5."Wat's Wrong" (featuring Zacari and Kendrick Lamar)
  • D. Sanders
  • Al B. Smoov
5:30
6."Park"
  • McClain
  • Park Ave.
  • D. Sanders
2:53
7."Bday" (featuring Deacon Blues and Kari Faux)
  • Tiggi
  • Deacon Blues
3:52
8."Silkk da Shocka" (featuring Syd)
Steve Lacy2:46
9."Tity and Dolla" (featuring Hugh Augustine and Jay Rock)
  • Crooklin
  • Pops
4:58
10."Stuck in the Mud" (featuring SZA)
  • D. Sanders
  • Crooklin
7:03
11."A lot"
  • McClain
3:25
12."AA"
  • McClain
  • DZONYBEATS
  • D. Sanders
3:30
13."Dressed Like Rappers"
  • McClain
  • Friley
DK the Punisher3:26
14."Don't Matter" (featuring Lance Skiiiwalker)
2:56
15."Brenda"
  • McClain
Calor4:10
16."by george (outro)"
  • McClain
Jowin3:18
17."Find a Topic (homies begged)"
  • McClain
  • Pounds
  • Free P
  • J. LBS.
2:48
Total length:63:12

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2016) Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[36] 78
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[37] 39
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[38] 82
French Albums (SNEP)[39] 199
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[40] 23
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[41] 62
UK Albums (OCC)[42] 116
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[43] 16
US Billboard 200[44] 17
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[45] 3
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[46] 4

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Pearce, Sheldon (2016). "Isaiah Rashad:The Sun's Tirade Album Review". pitchfork.
  2. ^ a b c d "Isaiah Rashad Taps Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock for 'The Sun's Tirade'". Rap-Up. August 30, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c "The Sun's Tirade by Isaiah Rashad". Metacritic.
  4. ^ a b "Hip Hop Album Sales: Travis Scott Earns First #1 Album With "Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight"". HipHopDX. September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  5. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Announces New Album The Sun's Tirade, Shares New Song "Park": Listen". Pitchfork Media. August 26, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  6. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Says His Xanax and Alcohol Addiction Almost Got Him Dropped From TDE". Complex. August 30, 2016. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  7. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Discusses Getting Back on Track With 'The Sun's Tirade' Album". XXL. September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  8. ^ "Isaiah Rashad – Free Lunch [New Song]". HotNewHipHop. August 7, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  9. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Delivers The Video For "Free Lunch"". The Source. August 10, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  10. ^ "Watch Isaiah Rashad Join Kendrick Lamar Onstage for "Free Lunch" at FYF Fest". Pitchfork Media. August 28, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  11. ^ "BET Hip-Hop Awards 2016: Watch Isaiah Rashad, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage Perform". Pitchfork Media. October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  12. ^ "Watch Isaiah Rashad's "4r Da Squaw" Video". The Fader. September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  13. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Lets "Park" Video Go". XXL. September 15, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  14. ^ Schube, Will (October 30, 2024). "Isaiah Rashad Fans Demand Answers After 'The Sun's Tirade' Disappears From Streaming". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "The Sun's Tirade – Isaiah Rashad". All Media Network. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  16. ^ a b "Isaiah Rashad: The Sun's Tirade Review". Line of Best Fit. September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  17. ^ Kearse, Stephen (September 8, 2016). "Album Review: Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  18. ^ "Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews". HipHop DX. September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  19. ^ a b "Isaiah Rashad: The Sun's Tirade Review". Pitchfork.com. September 7, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  20. ^ "Isaiah Rashad: 'The Sun's Tirade'". Drowned in Sound. September 12, 2016. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  21. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Wears His Emotions on His Sleeve on 'The Sun's Tirade' – XXL". XXL. September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  22. ^ "Isaiah Rashad The Sun's Tirade". Kyle N. May 4, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  23. ^ Kearse, Stephen (September 8, 2016). "Album Review: Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  24. ^ "Isaiah Rashad: The Sun's Tirade". Michael G. Barilleaux. September 6, 2016. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  25. ^ "Exclaim!'s Top 15 Hip-Hop Albums". Exclaim!. December 5, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  26. ^ "The 10 Greatest Hip-Hop Projects of 2016". Inverse. December 21, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  27. ^ "KSDB's Best 50 Albums of 2016 (30–21)". KSDB-FM. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  28. ^ "The Best L.A. Albums of 2016". L.A. Weekly. December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  29. ^ "Reader's Choice: Best Albums of 2016". Okayplayer. December 14, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  30. ^ "Best Albums of 2016". Pigeons and Planes. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  31. ^ "The 20 Best Rap Albums of 2016". Pitchfork. December 5, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  32. ^ "The Best Hip-Hop of 2016". PopMatters. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  33. ^ "The 40 Best Rap Albums Of 2016". Stereogum. December 7, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  34. ^ "25 of our favorite albums from Southern musicians in 2016". The Birmingham News. December 25, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  35. ^ "20 Best Rap Albums Of 2016". Uproxx. December 12, 2016. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  36. ^ "Ultratop.be – Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  37. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  38. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  39. ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums Fusionnes – SNEP (Week 36, 2016)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. June 10, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  40. ^ "Charts.nz – Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
  41. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Isaiah Rashad – The Sun's Tirade". Hung Medien. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
  42. ^ Chart Log UK: "CLUK Update 10.09.2016 (wk36)". UK Albums Chart. Zobbel.de. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  43. ^ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  44. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  45. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  46. ^ "Isaiah Rashad Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
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