The House Is Burning

Isaiah Rashad

Though he’s on a label that also features stars like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, L.A.-based rapper Isaiah Rashad’s presence is as low-key as his music. He’s a playful depressive; slurring through songs of suicide and drug addiction with brevity and an unmistakable flow. A deep dive will reveal Rashad’s story is just as ambitious as those of his labelmates—as he raps on “THIB,” “Don’t tell Rashad he’s a star on the low-low.” On The House Is

Burning, he doesn’t change the formula much. His team backs him with smoky West Coast beats, and Rashad leans into his Southern influence a lot on this record.

These songs are unmistakably cool and immediately chill. Rashad delivers a masterclass in subtlety, and his marriage of catchy and calm is unmatched. It’s been five years, but Rashad’s still got the music for the vibers.