No song strays too far from the narrative or the occupied soundspace, and with each passing breath, Isaiah Rashad becomes a viable threat to leave an indelible mark similar to the one’s left by the southern rap Gods he follows so devoutly.
Overall a thoroughly introspective record featuring classic Southern yet modern hip-hop sound tagged with a relatable yet unique coming-of-age story. [Apr/May 2014, p.81]
Many people have said that this album is good but is not very unique or in depth when it comes to subject matter. I think this is actually aMany people have said that this album is good but is not very unique or in depth when it comes to subject matter. I think this is actually a very innovative and unique album if you really listen to what he is saying. I really enjoyed every track on the album and is certainly one of my favourites from TDE. My favourite track is soliloquy. That song is constantly playing in my house. Well done Isaiah! Now show TDE that you are as good as Black Hippy!…Expand
As the year comes to a close, I honestly think it's safe to say that this album is the best one of the year. If we can't agree there, then weAs the year comes to a close, I honestly think it's safe to say that this album is the best one of the year. If we can't agree there, then we may be able to agree in saying that this is definitely the most slept on album of the year. This tape is literally pure fire. Rashad's flow is so refreshing, and he never deviates from his combo of northeastern flow doubled with southern bounce in his beats. His style is incredibly original, and I'm about to make a great assertion. I am an extremely well-versed hip-hop head. My favorite artist is Rakim and other 80's greats. I say all this to give me a little credibility when I say I believe this album should be spoken about with the Illmatics and Paid in Fulls of the hip hop world. I've said that since the 20th time I heard this album. Now, having listened to this tape almost 100 times, I am firm when I say this is really one of the greatest albums in the short history of hip-hop. If you haven't heard his mixtape, please go listen to it, as you won't be disappointed. It almost sounds like an extension of Cilvia Demo. "Welcome to The Game" Isaiah Rashad is firmly cemented within hip-hop as one of the next men in line.…Expand
Album of the Year 2014. One of my all time favorite albums right now. Not a classic by any means, but definitely an album, I can never getAlbum of the Year 2014. One of my all time favorite albums right now. Not a classic by any means, but definitely an album, I can never get tired of. Tracks like the socially-conscious “Ronnie Drake”, the philosophical “Tranquility”, the braggadocio of “Modest”, or the mental breakdown, and utter depression of “Heavenly Father”, only prove that this album is definitely one of TDE’s best solo releases , and possibly one of the greatest rap debuts of the decade so far.…Expand
This is by far the best Rap Album of the year so far. EP or LP, it does not matter. There seem to be a revolution in rap right now (especiallyThis is by far the best Rap Album of the year so far. EP or LP, it does not matter. There seem to be a revolution in rap right now (especially east coast rap), where some people think that using random highly abstract terms and word play is "deep;" countless metaphors that are empty and dry and do not aid the content of the verse. I have heard some people say that Cilivia Demo is not lyrical. This is not the case. You won't find too many word schemes, but Rashad uses ordinary, down to earth language and stories to paint an interesting picture, i.e. Realism in Rap.
Example: on one of tracks he talks about going to some girl’s house and staring in the face of her fatherless son, yet still having meaningless sex with her. In another song, he talks about how his father left and comes back with "a step son"---he must have been saving the best buns. His resentment of his father is amplified by the characteristics they share.
Big vocabulary do not equal complex, since the whole album talks about family life, you start to hear patterns as you go through tracks.
With that being said, this album, like School Q album, is just plain fun to listen to, great hooks and vocal performances. Realism and Enjoyability. This album was a “mAAd city” away from being as good as GKMC. and so 9/10…Expand
Man, this is a good album. The Kendrick comparisons are legit, as Isaiah Rashad seems to have the same balance of mainstream and consciousMan, this is a good album. The Kendrick comparisons are legit, as Isaiah Rashad seems to have the same balance of mainstream and conscious hip hop to appeal to pretty much anyone.
Songs like "Ronnie Drake," "I Shot You Down," and "Heavenly Father" are great for radio, but don't write them off. Rashad has fantastic wordplay, and some very memorable lines throughout the record.
My second favorite rap album of the year, so far.…Expand
Cilvia Demo Is Nothing Short of amazing...definitely a fine piece of work and great introduction from a hungry rapper. Features catchy beatsCilvia Demo Is Nothing Short of amazing...definitely a fine piece of work and great introduction from a hungry rapper. Features catchy beats and a mellow vibe definitely a strong suit in hiphop for 2014.…Expand
Another album that has been blown out of proportion and over-hyped to hell. Isaiah proves to be a capable rapper lyricist here, but it's theAnother album that has been blown out of proportion and over-hyped to hell. Isaiah proves to be a capable rapper lyricist here, but it's the storytelling, instrumentals and choruses that prove to be pretty underwhelming and lackluster.…Expand
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