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The House Is Burning Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The first full-length release in five years for the Tennessee rapper features guest appearances from 4r Da Locals, 6LACK, Amindi, Kal Banx, Duke Deuce, Iamdoechii, Lil Uzi Vert, Jay Rock, Smino, SZA, Jay Worthy, and YGTUT.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Aug 4, 2021
    90
    Isaiah Rashad has returned as sharp as ever, delivering an album that houses some of the best material that he's ever released. The album never lulls over its 16-track runtime; instead, it finds an artist who's taken his time away from the spotlight back in a good space, building upon an already strong foundation to result in with the most complete project he's released.
  2. 90
    Rashad’s gotten himself straight, and as a result he’s returned triumphantly from his 5-year absence with his best album yet.
  3. Aug 4, 2021
    90
    He sounds freer than ever. ‘The House Is Burning’ subverts expectations. ... Rashad’s music is like a sonic encyclopaedia of Southern rap reference points.
  4. Aug 4, 2021
    78
    Ultimately the thoroughly satisfying maturation on display is enough to overcome any lyrical shortfalls.
  5. Aug 4, 2021
    77
    It may demand time and focus, but for those interested in a hip hop album that seeks understanding rather than any immediate gratification, this is a quiet, restrained, and uniquely giving world.
  6. Aug 4, 2021
    76
    Burning projects newfound poise and even joy through a sophisticated collage. Rashad’s collection of references and phrases plays like the inside of a jumbled but vibrant brain.
  7. Aug 11, 2021
    70
    While THIB is a back-to-front vibe and an intriguing experiment for Zay's mellowed-out sound, it's one that's still negotiating its own limits.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. May 5, 2022
    10
    Infinite amount of replay value, Catchy hooks, deep lyrics, banging beats, mellow beats, What more can I say this album to me is a modern dayInfinite amount of replay value, Catchy hooks, deep lyrics, banging beats, mellow beats, What more can I say this album to me is a modern day classic and top 5 releases from TDE at least. It is a shining moment where Isaiah really was able to let it all go and release an album he really wanted to release. Something for everyone on this album. This album is perfection to me. Expand
  2. Aug 14, 2021
    10
    Perfect album. Fantano wishes he could make music half as good.

    Favorite track: HB2U
  3. Nov 22, 2021
    10
    Fantastic album. I recently bought the deluxe version and it adds some great music to an already solid album. A very chilled album but hopingFantastic album. I recently bought the deluxe version and it adds some great music to an already solid album. A very chilled album but hoping the next album is much darker but still, a fantastic album that puts Donda (and Whatever Drake released) to absolutely shambolic shame. This kid has some serious talent. Expand
  4. Aug 9, 2021
    9
    After the first listem, I had my instant favourites such as, don't shoot, HB2U, score, claymore, RIP Young and the singles that came out priorAfter the first listem, I had my instant favourites such as, don't shoot, HB2U, score, claymore, RIP Young and the singles that came out prior to album release. I also had my reservations, cuz I didn't feel that Zay gave me his best as far as "spitting the bars" was concerned.

    Having listened to the album, many times over since, as with every Zay project, it has taken on a whole new life for me. Front to back, no skips, this project is a vibe, a vibe, a vibe.

    In conclusion, I have come to terms with a few things, and they are as follows;

    - Initially, it felt as though the features outshined him on his own project.
    - Zay has held his own, against some of the GOATs, like Kendrick Lamar in the past, so was Zay being lazy? I was disappointed.
    - However, the more I listened, the more I understood it.
    - Isaiah has an uncanny ability to ease every feature into a certain head space, while drawing out their best performance simultaneously.
    - How does he do this? he doesn't try to out perform his feature, instead he becomes a big fat cushion for them to bounce off of.
    - The features may shine bright on the songs, but Isaiah is still the star of this album, with his buttery smooth vocals and his impeccable flows that set the tone throughout.
    - Zay is more of a curator of sound on this project than simply a rapper. Like a mini Kanye if you may.
    - He sets the vibe to every song by mixing in his flows and vocals at just the right frequencies, with a little message blended in.
    - The flows are so good, they almost distract you from what he is saying. But if you sit with it long enough, the album will resonate.

    All in all, this is yet another solid addition to Zay Wop's discography. It's his most daring project yet. I'm good for another 5 years, but man, please don't make us wait that long Zay! Peace!
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  5. Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Not as lyrical as some past releases, but is bumpable from top to bottom. Keep putting on one track and accidentally cycling through the wholeNot as lyrical as some past releases, but is bumpable from top to bottom. Keep putting on one track and accidentally cycling through the whole album. One of the best albums of the year without question. Expand
  6. Aug 31, 2021
    8
    Although this album is probably worse than Cilvia Demo or The Sun Tirade, it's still a pretty good album. Isaiah Rashad never misses and is soAlthough this album is probably worse than Cilvia Demo or The Sun Tirade, it's still a pretty good album. Isaiah Rashad never misses and is so consistent, deserves way more credit imo. Expand
  7. Aug 8, 2021
    1
    Meh. Why do artists go rant at people who dont like their stuff? Its embarassing, just like this album.
    The argument that 'you didnt like it
    Meh. Why do artists go rant at people who dont like their stuff? Its embarassing, just like this album.
    The argument that 'you didnt like it cuz you dont understand it' is soo lame because; anyone who made a piece of art can bark at people saying you dont like it cuz you dont understand it, like the artist himself did. Grow a spine
    Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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