Cilvia: Demo [EP]
by Isaiah Rashad
  • Record Label: Top Dawg
  • Release Date: Jan 28, 2014
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 126 out of 134
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 134
  3. Negative: 5 out of 134

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  1. hiphop97
    Feb 28, 2014
    10
    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 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. WellMany 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
  2. aymzkayy__
    Jun 12, 2014
    8
    This is such a great listen. Isaiah Rashad successfully creates such a calm and peaceful mood throughout the entire 50 minute run time. I could listen to this over and over!
  3. bigasspete
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    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 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 inAs 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
  4. freak4
    May 2, 2016
    10
    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 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 bestAlbum 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
  5. badbadnotgooc
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    Life changing album. Very personal, emotional and vulnerable project. We follow Rashad as he reflects on his life, and the world around him. The definition of a perfect project.
  6. NazAw
    Feb 26, 2014
    9
    Weeks with this stuck on replay, "Cilvia Demo" will easily end up being one of the strongest hip hop albums when we at top of the year, I'll say that.

    A disappointment some call this, boring to others. It's not cause he's wack or so, definitely not, it's just that he's comfortable to his craft, his sound, he knows his music. He knows what to go for. He has found his pocket. He does not    Weeks with this stuck on replay, "Cilvia Demo" will easily end up being one of the strongest hip hop albums when we at top of the year, I'll say that.

    A disappointment some call this, boring to others. It's not cause he's wack or so, definitely not, it's just that he's comfortable to his craft, his sound, he knows his music. He knows what to go for. He has found his pocket.
    He does not stop by a banger with a double time, he goes for the more mellow and laidback ones where his flow, delivery and wordplays are the ones that shines the most.

    Isaiah Rashad, is the star of the project, but let's not take anything away from the productions value cause it's beautifully layered. Really chill, jazzy and smooth, with Rashad's rough and melodic voice over that'll be ripping it apart.
    A few, few people nowadays has mastered to make an album full of mellow production as interesting, as this guy, Isaiah Rashad.

    The new guy in the smallest but most consistent label in the rap game, Top Dawg Entertainment. Well, no pressure when you stick to your formula as Isaiah shows us, a rookie? Not one bit from what my ears can hear. A lyrical MC that embraces the best from his influences and pays homage to the greats like Scarface and Master P.

    Southern he is.
    Support this, don't wanna see folks complain about that nothing lyrically from the south's out, with K.R.I.T. and now Rashad breaking out the most at the time in the mainstream scene.

    Rashad's first official release, only a demo he calls it (EP), yet, still more cohesive and creative than much we have out.

    This to vibe with.. vibe with it.
    "Cilvia Demo" is one brilliant EP.    … Expand
  7. The_Following
    Apr 1, 2014
    8
    Cilvia 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.
  8. eli_obeid
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Flames is an understatement, he executed it so swiftly in this project................ just wow, what a beautiful work of art. Now excuse me while I go and bump this album in my car
  9. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    6
    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 the storytelling, instrumentals and choruses that prove to be pretty underwhelming and lackluster.
  10. 2hip2beahipster
    Mar 3, 2014
    8
    Though I really like this EP, I don't think it warrants a score above an 8. This album display's Isaiah's rap skills and I really feel like that on each verse here he absolutely gives it his all. Zay has great flow, and shows versatility in his voice as there are tracks on here that feature him with an aggressive flow, and there are others with more of a deadpan, spoken word flow. I thinkThough I really like this EP, I don't think it warrants a score above an 8. This album display's Isaiah's rap skills and I really feel like that on each verse here he absolutely gives it his all. Zay has great flow, and shows versatility in his voice as there are tracks on here that feature him with an aggressive flow, and there are others with more of a deadpan, spoken word flow. I think the fact that the word "Demo" is in the title is very telling. While the verses are spectacular, the chorus and hooks are often lackluster. As well as the beats. The best part of this album is Isaiah. Simple as that. The production, beats and hooks are boring or lackluster, but Isaiah's skill shines in every single track. I think this guy has a lot of potential, and am definitely looking forward to what he comes up with next.… Expand
  11. Bleat0124
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    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 (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 notThis 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
  12. PedroOliveira
    Jun 30, 2014
    8
    Very nice project, with some brand new production style, Isaiah proves he's no Underdog at any aspect of his spitting abilities and surely his topics and music sound either. He has something to say, and he develops an own sound, I haven't heard something quite like Cilvia Demo. The replay value on this record is really high, almost all tracks can have you chained to them for weeks with noVery nice project, with some brand new production style, Isaiah proves he's no Underdog at any aspect of his spitting abilities and surely his topics and music sound either. He has something to say, and he develops an own sound, I haven't heard something quite like Cilvia Demo. The replay value on this record is really high, almost all tracks can have you chained to them for weeks with no problem. Considering this EP as his debut on the big stage, he took a big step forward on the road of success and consolidation.… Expand
  13. Denniz
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best things I've heard in 2014. This is deep as ****. Its amazing. There are deep tracks such as West savannah and heavenly father and there are tracks when Isaiah goes in 110%. One of the best up and coming artists. IF YOU HAVNT HEARD IT GO LISTEN NOW.
  14. chughes717
    Aug 15, 2014
    8
    A hell of a debut. The soulful, and blissful production brought by the array of producers compliment Rashad's smooth delivery and introspective lyrics throughout the whole project. Hopefully this is a sign of bigger and better things to come from the Tennessee MC.
  15. ben_zo77
    Jul 22, 2014
    7
    For an EP this is impressive, but it's not quite cohesive enough to me to be considered in the conversation of best albums of the year as some are saying (it'd be a sad year in hip hop if this was in the top ten albums of the year). Cilvia: Demo is wonderfully introspective lyrically. As a work of art, however, there are far too many shortcomings. Throughout, I felt like Rashad didn't haveFor an EP this is impressive, but it's not quite cohesive enough to me to be considered in the conversation of best albums of the year as some are saying (it'd be a sad year in hip hop if this was in the top ten albums of the year). Cilvia: Demo is wonderfully introspective lyrically. As a work of art, however, there are far too many shortcomings. Throughout, I felt like Rashad didn't have the star presence, confidence, or urgency in his words for me to take this project more seriously. ~ 7.3/10

    Best track: "Shot You Down" ft. Jay Rock & ScHoolboy Q: The fact that this track was the best on the album further illustrates my main problem with Rashad: he doesn't have the "it factor" that certain other MC's do. Two better lyricists with more presence and vitality were the only reason this song was so good.    … Expand
  16. wondugebeyehu
    Mar 12, 2014
    8
    The song "R.I.P. Kevin Miller" is what initially made me like this album. But I listened to the whole thing and it's a really great album, let alone a debut. Isaiah Rashad is obviously a really skilled rapper and I can't wait to see him evolve as an artist.
  17. drmillionaire
    Apr 17, 2014
    9
    great mixtape! isaiah´s voice is just dope and he knows how to combine it with a good beat. there could be a little more features, since "shot you down" is the best track in this mixtape.
  18. Daniel_B
    Jul 28, 2014
    9
    Man, 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    Man, 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
  19. heavyd14
    Nov 22, 2014
    9
    Affectionately named after his ‘95 Honda Civic, Isaiah Rashad’s Cilvia Demo expertly conveys the trials and tribulations of a young man coming of age surrounded by a world of violence and temptation. With his debut album, this Chattanooga based rapper strays away from many of his peers involved in the southern rap scene and takes a more conscious spin on the making of a hip-hop record.Affectionately named after his ‘95 Honda Civic, Isaiah Rashad’s Cilvia Demo expertly conveys the trials and tribulations of a young man coming of age surrounded by a world of violence and temptation. With his debut album, this Chattanooga based rapper strays away from many of his peers involved in the southern rap scene and takes a more conscious spin on the making of a hip-hop record. While undeniably Southern, Rashad doesn’t conform to the style being popularized in recent years by a lot of other Southern hip-hop artists such as Waka Flocka Flame, 2 Chainz, and Rick Ross. He leaves behind the talk of choppahs, big booty hoes and bands-a-making her dance, and replaces it with profound lyrics about very real issues. Without being a full-blown concept album, Rashad takes an almost episodic approach to telling his story through Cilvia Demo. Each track outlines challenges that he has faced throughout his life, whether it’s his father leaving he and his mother at a young age, or issues that he has had in the past with self-harm and emotional instability. Rashad uses his lyrical ability to paint a picture in the listener’s mind of the message he is trying to convey without sacrificing musicality. He expertly showcases his ability to make an album that, while being extremely personal and close to home, is also very relatable for the listener.

    “Heavenly Father’s” upbeat production is deceiving because it masks the incredibly personal and serious issues that Isaiah is describing on this track. The song starts off with Rashad praying to God and saying that he needs “something for his soul” to keep him from “thinking of suicide” meaning that he wants to have a wholesome purpose in his life to keep him grounded and keep him from reverting back to his suicidal state. This idea of self-harm is revisited later in the song when he says, “They don’t know my issues as a child, cause I was busy cutting on myself.” Implying that as a kid, instead of talking to someone about his problems, he cut himself to cope. He then moves on to address his father asking “Daddy why you call me while you’re drunk? And why you never love me when I need it?” Lines like these throughout the album really make this record stand out because it shows Rashad’s ability as an artist to rap about subjects that aren’t always comfortable or won’t necessarily get mainstream attention.

    One of the most down to earth track on the album, “Tranquil” opens with a mournful piano loop set to the softened beat of drums and Isaiah describing the challenges people growing up in a violent, impoverished area face from a very young age. He describes being told as a child that people in his situation oftentimes get wrapped up in violence and end up dead or in jail. But Isaiah would “rather give this living a chance” and decides to focus his energy on something productive i.e. making music. But at the same time he “wonders if the world is gon’ see us, it’s just n****s. They treat lyrics like I hold triggers like I make difference. Then downplay what I’m giving like I’m no different.” Isaiah worries that the world has a skewed view of hip-hop in general, most likely stemming from the racism that persists in our society. Before they even give him a chance, people are going to see him as a gun toting, women hating thug just because he is an African American rapper and fail to see that he is actually trying to make a difference with his lyrics.

    In a genre that is dominated by ultra-masculinity and the need to feel respected, the ability to express emotions and talk about real life problems has become interpreted as a sign of weakness, wrongly I might add. People like to hear about pretty girls, fast cars and expensive clothes, but only because it’s fun and easy to digest. But there’s only one problem, it’s completely unrealistic. Not many people have the financial means to own a Lambo, nor do they have the ability to party with expensive alcohol and copious amounts of drugs every night. But with Cilvia, Isaiah Rashad is skipping the bragging about how many girls he has and how much money he’s made and instead talks about real life, no matter how ugly or uncomfortable it is. He’s rapping like he’s an actual person, and not some untouchable superstar. And there’s something admirable about that.    … Expand
  20. cpfeiffer
    Jul 22, 2017
    9
    The vulnerability, the lyrics, the subject matter and beats make for a cohesive exploration of where he is at this moment. There is a little something for everyone, but is not mismatched or chaotic. SZA is a beautiful collaborator, working well with Rashad. Lots of replay value.
  21. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    8
    All around just a very solid project. There aren't many bad things for me to say about it and I would recommend any hip hop head check this album out and really listen to the words.

    Best songs: Shot You Down / Heavenly Father / West Savannah
  22. MandalinK
    Apr 5, 2019
    10
    Amazing album, the unique beats to the lyrics, to the flow was a beautiful feeling.Songs like West Savannah was one of the most beautiful rap tracks I have ever listened to,The flow and instrumental for R.I.P Kevin miller had the hardest beat, to the fire flow.Every song had a vibe to it and had so much to like Isaiah will turn this album in as a classic
  23. LazaruzGaz
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Out...STANDING!!!!!!!!!!! That's all I can say. When I fist heard this back in 2014 it blew my mind. It was almost like when you first heard Kendrick Lamar on his debut E.P .

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The Source
    Apr 18, 2014
    80
    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]
  2. PopMatters
    Mar 5, 2014
    80
    The chilled production compliments Rashad’s smooth, thought-provoking vocals to create a cohesive album that’s one of the best of the young year.
    Read full review
  3. RapReviews.com
    Mar 4, 2014
    80
    At times the production teeters back and forth between cohesive and monotonous, but after repeated listens, the tracks stand out apart from each other more as you unravel the heavily layered production.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »