The Sun's Tirade
by Isaiah Rashad
  • Record Label: Top Dawg
  • Release Date: Sep 2, 2016
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 130
  3. Negative: 4 out of 130
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  1. Cypher_ATL
    Sep 15, 2016
    8
    When you're signed to TDE, you're expected to put out quality work, and I believe Isaiah came through with his debut album. One of the bigger concerns with his previous project was the lack of crisp production, and I think "The Sun's Tirade" really steps it up when it comes to the quality in production. With that being said, I think the lyrical ability that we get from Isaiah on thisWhen you're signed to TDE, you're expected to put out quality work, and I believe Isaiah came through with his debut album. One of the bigger concerns with his previous project was the lack of crisp production, and I think "The Sun's Tirade" really steps it up when it comes to the quality in production. With that being said, I think the lyrical ability that we get from Isaiah on this project is not up to par with his EP. Yes there are many standout moments through the album, many that come in the first half, but I thought that "Cilvia Demo" showcased Rashad's talents a lot more than his latest work, but I digress. I thought that the concepts and themes of most of the songs were very interesting, especially after these rough last couple of years for the fellow rapper. One of the biggest problems with this album for me though was all of the extra fat that was left on the track listing that didn't need to be there. While there are great topics expressed throughout the album, there are many instances where the same topics come up more than once to the point where it sounds like a broken record. On a more positive note though I believe that Isaiah delivers a very chill, smooth, and joyful project for his fans to enjoy. I believe listeners will enjoy the different type of production on this album compared to his other label-mates' projects, and if you have liked Isaiah in the past then you'll most likely enjoy him in this debut album. Those that love soothing production and dark topics will enjoy this album, but I think this is a middle-of-the-road project in the TDE discography. I'm pleased with what Zay gave us, and I am interested to see what he comes up with next.… Expand
  2. MovieLover123
    Sep 13, 2016
    10
    This, I believe, is Isaiah's TPAB moment, which is pretty impressive given the fact that this is his debut studio album. This album is full of meaningful lyrics, jazzy productions and great guest features. To Rashad fans, don't be dismayed from the first listen, you need to keep listening to the album in order to understand and enjoy it. The Sun's Tirade is not a vapid mainstream trap rapThis, I believe, is Isaiah's TPAB moment, which is pretty impressive given the fact that this is his debut studio album. This album is full of meaningful lyrics, jazzy productions and great guest features. To Rashad fans, don't be dismayed from the first listen, you need to keep listening to the album in order to understand and enjoy it. The Sun's Tirade is not a vapid mainstream trap rap album like say Travis Scott "Birds in the Trap", but a well developed , thoughtful hip hop album for those who want their rappers to tell a story they can relate too, not vapid lyrics like "smoke some, drink some, pop one" or "stroke my cactus" ala Travis Scott. Zaywop on the come up!… Expand
  3. AlexDionisio1
    Sep 10, 2016
    4
    The Sun's Tirade crosses a fine line away from traditional rap into new-age territory while holding on to some hip-hop character, but the album's obsession with emotional hood-centricity ultimately holds it back. Ghetto American feelings and pastimes are still valid, but they are not put in the context of the greater economic world order here. People expect more out of Top DawgThe Sun's Tirade crosses a fine line away from traditional rap into new-age territory while holding on to some hip-hop character, but the album's obsession with emotional hood-centricity ultimately holds it back. Ghetto American feelings and pastimes are still valid, but they are not put in the context of the greater economic world order here. People expect more out of Top Dawg Entertainment and greater material from Isaiah Rashad at this point.… Expand
  4. thebobbywhite
    Sep 11, 2016
    4
    Compared to Cilvia demo, this album is a huge step backwards. While there are moments of innovative and creative music, most of it is muddled together without any take off point. I've listened to this album about 5 times through now, and i wanted to love it because i think he is one of the best new artists, but i could not and remain highly disappointed.
  5. neighel1
    Aug 2, 2021
    8
    An album I always go back to. The Sun's Tirade is exactly what I want to be hearing from TDE (Aside from Kendrick).
  6. NickSiscoe
    Dec 12, 2016
    10
    This is by far my album of the year, I can't stop listening and vibing to it. The instrumentals are chill, relaxing, and funky at times, sonically this is great and the lyrical content is very good at times and extremely catchy at other times, I find myself singing in my head and snapping to songs on here throughout the day.
  7. SergioV
    Nov 17, 2016
    8
    76/100. "4r Da Squaw", **** and Dolla", and "Wat's Wrong" are the headliners. This album is great, and Rashad is easily becoming one of the better rappers in the game with his smooth production and flow.
  8. mhenton17
    Oct 15, 2016
    9
    Initial impression: this album is fire. Though this maybe isn't as lyrically sharp as his earlier work and Rashad's flow approaches mumble rap at moments, the overall aesthetic is catchy, unique, full, occasionally dark, and very layered. The key to this album is the fantastic production. The beat in "Tity and Dolla" had me bobbing my head like a **** Consistently crisp on nice headphones.Initial impression: this album is fire. Though this maybe isn't as lyrically sharp as his earlier work and Rashad's flow approaches mumble rap at moments, the overall aesthetic is catchy, unique, full, occasionally dark, and very layered. The key to this album is the fantastic production. The beat in "Tity and Dolla" had me bobbing my head like a **** Consistently crisp on nice headphones.

    Even with 17 songs, there's hardly any filler. Maybe two or three disappointing songs on the whole album (e.g. "Don't Matter") and a few real standouts. Isaiah remains one of my favorites in TDE despite being likely the least popular. If I had one criticism, the album takes a little dip tracks 10-12, but "Dressed Like Rappers" hooks me back in.

    This is better than Schoolboy's album by a decent margin imo.

    P.S. "by george" is beautiful    … Expand
  9. tommy1607
    Apr 16, 2017
    8
    Rashad is a hugely exciting prospect from TDE and I loved his debut 'Cilvia Demo'. His sophomore project is a hazy, laid back album with great lyricism and beats throughout. Kendrick's feature is stunning and Isaiah compliments him fantastically on 'Wat's wrong?'. Isaiah has cemented himself in my mind as a fantastic artist and one to watch for the future.
  10. Jensen67
    May 23, 2017
    9
    My album of the year in what was in all honesty a weak year for hip hop. But this is not a weak album and it's really nice just to chill out and vibe to.

    Best songs: AA / Free Lunch / Park
  11. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    2016's album of the year. As like Blonde and fine wine, this album took time to grow, but gets better with every listen. Relatable lyrics, extremely catchy melodies, flows, and with good punchlines. An album I can come back to any day, any month. Album quietly achieves masterpiece status
  12. Tomes
    Sep 23, 2020
    10
    I have been listening to this album from 2016, but from 2019, I took a break from it, I downloaded it again! Damn, the album is good! I guess I will die listening to it! The albums is smooth throughout! Made me love Isaiah than them all rappers!

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 12, 2016
    80
    It's up to the label's high standard, a riveting composite of grief and filth like no other.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    Nov 8, 2016
    80
    The Sun's Tirade is a master class in restraint and pacing. [Nov 2016, p.64]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 20, 2016
    70
    The Sun's Tirade is a good hip-hop album, especially for a chill summer's day.
    Read full review
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