In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli”, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper and writer:
ISAIAH RASHAD
Here’s what they dug into with one of this generation’s most respected lyricists:
- Why Isaiah chose to rap under his first and middle name
- His mother and stepfather’s history of being Five-Percenters
- The primary rap influences that gave him the emotional variations in his flow
- Going through phases of wanting to become a preacher or a teacher
- The impact of Outkast and their album ‘ATLiens’ had on his wanting to pick up a mic
- His Chattanooga, Tennessee upbringing and the influences shaped his style
- Diversity in today’s rap and the future of journalism
- How he was brought onto the Smoker’s Club Music Festival
- The excellence of Joey Bada$$ and his hitting the scene during the “creative control era”
- Why SoundCloud has been such a huge part of Isaiah’s success story
- The Top Dawg Entertainment signing feeling like a blessing from God
- Feeling in the zone during the making of his ‘Cilvia Demo’
- Discussion of if ‘The Sun’s Tirade’ was meant to be a concept album
- Lupe Fiasco and Lil’ Wayne inspiring him to write introspectively
- Breaking down who Isaiah views as the most entertaining rapper
- A debate over whether or not Magoo was a good rapper and if he stole Q-Tip’s style
- The songs “Wat’s Wrong” featuring Zacari & Kendrick Lamar and “Free Lunch”
- Ice Cube going Hollywood while still releasing records that garner respect
- His experience working with Syd and SZA as well as Kenny Beats
- His highly anticipated album ‘The House Is Burning’ being released the day of the show
“People’s Party With Talib Kweli” is also available to give a listen via Spotify | SoundCloud | Google Play | Apple | Luminary