I haven't been this excited for a weekend since I became a man at my Bar Mitzvah back in June 2005. That weekend was marked by transformation, a stereotypical basketball-themed party, an outpour of “Oy honey you did wonderfully up there!” and, most importantly, growth. This past weekend also marked a period of transformation and growth for two other men: Isaiah Rashad and Travis Scott. They are continuing one of the best summers for music through their highly-anticipated album drops, The Sun’s Tirade (Rashad) and Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (Scott). Both projects are great, but who won the weekend?
It had been over two and a half years since Isaiah’s debut EP Cilvia Demo revealed Hip Hop’s next big thing. This project emitted talent, depth and promise for the now 25-year old Chattanooga emcee. But over two and a half years elapsed since this gem, leaving fans questioning and worrying about the young rapper’s future—or if there’d even be one. Rashad recently revealed on the Juan Epstein podcast that a Xanax and alcohol addiction halted The Sun’s Tirade release, finally explaining his sabbatical and contextualizing the album.
The Sun’s Tirade is Isaiah’s “long, hot ass rant” about his life during his two-year addiction-riddled hiatus. He thought he was ready to leave Tennessee for Los Angeles, but Tinsel Town's elements melted life into one long continuous cycle, making it impossible for him to discern between the days. Creating this album was cathartic for Rashad for a number of reasons, but most importantly for self-discovery. He was running from his country boy roots, but during that escape he realized he was running from himself, and embraced his identity. This 17-track album features TDE label mates, Jay Rock, SZA and Kendrick, amongst others, and production from Mike Will Made It, Digi+Phonic’s Dave Free, D. Sanders and more. Standout tracks include: “Rope / Rose Gold”, “Wat’s Wrong”, “Tity and Dolla” and “Dressed Like Rappers”.
I thought the album was great, but at the end of the day, I was a little underwhelmed by it. Zay formed a cohesive project using vivid imagery to detail his addiction and life, but this was his big comeback album. We waited 31-months for this project. You need to earn that recess. Kanye West waited nearly three-years between Yeezus and The Life of Pablo, but come on—it’s Kanye! He earned that time off. Call me petty, but for making us wait that long I was expecting something as groundbreaking as Ready to Die—okay, that's unfair and I’m definitely petty. The Sun’s Tirade was an intriguing experience and I know Isaiah has a bright future, but I was just expecting a little more—something that would fill the void he left. I don't know, maybe my expectations were just unrealistic. But there was another force in Zay's way that he had no control over: the man they call La Flame, Travis Scott.
It’s 2016. We no longer go to Blockbuster; Google Maps have supplanted stubborn dads resisting asking for directions; purchasing music is more fragmented than ever. As a loyal Spotify user, I enjoy the user-friendly interface and streamlined listening experience. However, they lack Apple’s brand power, causing them to miss out on exclusive releases. Travis’ weekend drop, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, found itself on Apple’s exclusive list. I couldn’t just sit idly by while the world was consuming this surefire greatness—I needed to take action. It’s 2016 and I actually bought an album. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
From the opening track “The Ends” to the closing “Wonderful”, my head was bopping back and forth, giving me whiplash and one of 2016's best albums. La Flame is an apt nickname for Travis Scott because the man consistently puts out heat. Following up 2015’s Rodeo, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight (originally named Tina) is a 14-track sophomore release dedicated to Travis’ Texan friends caught in a societal trap. In a Billboard interview, Travis said, "I'm not saying that it's a trap--we not in the fucking projects but it's like a social trap. It's a social connection trap from what you want to do and how you want to express yourself. I feel like everyone just gets constricted by their parents or just life." BITTSM is a masterful reveal of Travis' complete immersion in the trappings of success, and the pain and beauty associated with the rapper lifestyle. Fame and money might have elevated his social standing, but his Missouri City roots bleed into his utopic life with lines like: "I can't get no rest/I fall asleep with a Tec/Stashin' all the pills in my desk/Wearin every chain on my neck" off "Way Back." Travis enlisted all-star features from Andre 3000, Kendrick Lamar, Bryson Tiller, 21 Savage, Kid Cudi (his idol), and many more. The album's honest yet chilling content is illuminated by the energizing and ominous production--a staple of Scott.
While lyricism is crucial, the beats on this album possess an amazing and distinguishable texture, making it my favorite aspect of the project. Names like Kanye West, Hit-Boy, Cardo and Travis Scott himself populate the production credits and combine for some of the most addicting instrumentals of 2016. I think I finally met God once I heard the scintillating and intoxicating beat for “Guidance”. Following-up a commercially and critically acclaimed release (Rodeo) with an even more impactful project is no easy feat and Travis is just making it look easy.
I love Isaiah and although I was underwhelmed, I thought The Sun’s Tirade was an impressive project. TST definitely has the lyrical edge over BITTSM and Zay is a fantastic story teller, but at the end of the day you need to answer this simple question: which project are you listening to more? Right now, I can’t go an hour without hearing Travie’s auto-tuned, eerie voice flowing over his invigorating production; his hooks are consistently stuck in my head and I hum his bars regularly. Kid Cudi, thank you for inspiring Travis Scott because right now, BITTSM is the soundtrack to my life.