5 tracks to get ya into Isaiah Rashad

Free Lunch:

"The trunk was full, the ride was long, the cop was cool, we smoked in peace"

Produced by Cam O'bi

What Rashad does really well is craft subtle but memorable hooks that seep into the the brain like maple syrup in pancakes or waffles and they haven't been touched for several minutes so the syrup blends in with the waffles to become one syrupy carbo loaded breakfast of mouthwatering proportions. Track three off of the critically lauded "The Sun's Tirade" is groovy cut. Upbeat production credits from the talented Cam O'bi, this rap song goes in about going out and getting it while the getting is good. Shad excels at providing introspective simple yet poignant lines for the vibers. A great track to bounce your head to on your way to the grind, whatever that may be to you.

4r da Squaw:

"If I can pay my bills, I'm good, I'm comin' over , found a message in my bottle your son is comin' up"

Produced by FrancisGotHeat

Track two off of "The Sun's Tirade" sets the tempo in such a subtle yet stellar way. The way that this man can just blend singing and rhyming is really something to behold. Minimal auto-tune just good ole southern flair in the vocals. If you like family matters you'll dig this joint for sure. This one is for those just trying to get by like Talib. He is showing appreciation for his pursuit of happiness, and is thankful for all of the ups and downs that come with it. The music that accompanies this track only adds to the ambiance in the best way's possible. FrancisGotHeat murdered this beat to the first degree. So smooth, so unwrinkled, this song feels like your favorite sweatshirt fresh out the dryer every time. This track is a smooth spectacle to behold for sure.

Wats Wrong:

"Lovin' life above a reason, just can't find it like a dozen people . Catch that vibe at night, and Bobby Whitney"

Produced by D. Sanders and Al B Smoov

If this was a group project, the assignment would get an A+ and everyone's individual grades would've been A tier as well. Zacari thrived on this stunning hook. He's a hidden gem in Top Dawg Entertainments roster of artist y'all should definitely check out. Kendrick Lamar delivers one of his enthralling guest verses to date, D. Sanders and Al B Smoov deliver sublime production to set the ambiance for the track and Zay comes through with not one but two heartfelt verses that turned me into an Isaiah Rashad fan.

Soliloquy:

"Immaculate, this scatter rapping, no passing my blunt . Don't you put me on freshman covers, I'm posing with lunch"

Produced by Farhot

Ever tasted hunger? This lyricism and delivery makes a person taste hunger. Track number seven on the stellar "Cilvia Demo" is a real doozy. Every line packed a punch like prime Tyson. He gets raunchy, he exudes the confidence of anti-hero-esque figure coming from out of nowhere standing tall with his chest out saying "I'm here". (Got to love My Hero Academia). The production by Farhot was on point with this one. Plus, he opens the song with a Frank Sinatra line so cold that I'm just now understanding. No spoilers :]

Headshots:

"Who want a shot, wanna die? Lemme know, I got two on the hip and the knot, no diggity , Zay, you smooth like a R&B song"

Produced by Hollywood Cole and Henry Was

He really does slide like butter on this one. Track six on the lauded "House is Burning" long play really keeps the ball rolling when it comes to woozy, chill bops that are good to smoke and chill to, good to get a kickback jumping or simply study. The production of Hollywood Cole (don't mess with him) is light and bouncy, the verses delivered by Zay are literally as smooth a 90's R&B ballad juxtaposing the grim and often gritty subject matters of death and vices. His voice always come through like a tender parent after their kid has experienced a pain for the first time, letting the listener know that life has many obstacles, and you can and will get through it. That's what makes Zay special.