One BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher rhyme is all it took to catapult Chattanooga, Tennessee native Isaiah Rashad into the mainstream consciousness. Ultimately though, it was not a case of what he said, but who he said it with—appearing alongside the rising in Rap prominence, Top Dawg Entertainment crew—that mattered. However, it’s in recalling the moments that made us initially love another rapper (with a government name similar to Rashad’s) once known by two names—Common Sense—that makes his 14-track debut Cilvia Demo a hopeful sign for more intriguing and insightful material to come.
There was once a time before dating Serena Williams, wearing tailored suits and starring in major motion pictures that Common was an “artist, formerly known as Sense,” and then was Common Sense who, 22 years ago wanted to borrow a dollar. The same level of no nonsense hustler’s spirit that informed the quick-witted wordplay of Common’s “Take it EZ” in 1992 and existed throughout the early days of Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr.’s early career buoys much of Isaiah Rashad’s mainstream debut release. Rashad’s Cilvia Demo kicks off with “Webbie Flow,” wherein the young emcee raps in effortless couplets and triplets, sounding more like a veteran that’s finally arrived than a neophyte emcee with developing skills. Produced by rising EDM name Mr. Carmack, the track’s jazzy vibe with a boom bap core sets the stage for an entire EP filled with heavy raps over intricate, yet soulful productions.
One of the highlights of listening to Rashad’s veteran-styled approach to Rap is that he’s very adept at creating hooks. Eponymous track “Cilvia Demo,” the love-lorn “Menthol,” and the anything but “Modest” all benefit tremendously from the TDE-affiliate understanding that a great song is as much defined by having the ability to cogently tell a story as much as it is being able to couple those bars with a punctuation that sticks in the mind, aids the soul and can be shouted by a jam-packed arena. It’s in the mastery of the small details that artisans in any field define their ascension to the top of the pack, and in having material with solid hooks, he engenders himself well to potential listeners.
Content may be the one place where Rashad, similar to the aforementioned Common may benefit from depth aided by growth. Thankfully, in the case of Cilvia Demo being very heavy in sex brags, drug tales and classic laid back Southern Rap tropes, from those whom nothing is expected, everything is gained—so the material is only at the beginning of what should be a much more intriguing tale. The names of Master P, Juvenile, Scarface (“Brad Jordan” is his instant classic from the project), OutKast’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmusik (on the SZA-aided “West Savannah,” which also features producer Antydote co-opting Iman Omari’s “Energy”) and yes, even one-hit wonder Webbie are all here as necessary touchstones to place Isaiah Rashad as a Southern emcee. However, his perspective is so honest and his skill so great that one only hopes that his artistry will allow him to gain broader access to more cultured viewpoints. As with other members of TDE, Rashad’s insistence on setting a high standard makes you want to get behind him as a potential voice of a new generation of Rap fanatics.
As has become tradition from Top Dawg Entertainment, EP closer “I Shot You Down” is all about people talking loud and saying everything. It’s in Isaiah Rashad, a young man who on the opening track “Hereditary” recounts how “[his] daddy taught [him] how to drink [his] pain away,” and how “[his] daddy taught [him] how to leave somebody,” finding himself in an ideal situation with a crew of guys with similar paths is the heart-warming realization that allows this EP to succeed. Every story and every hook connects on a human level, which in a Rap game moreso than ever defined by absurdity and ephemeral aspirations makes this a worthwhile listen.
i copped it, shits sooo ill
i like isaiah a lot!
The mixtape is good. I agree w/ him being aligned with TDE helps, but doesnt completely support his rise. I think he’s more BIG Krit than Common Sense — but his messaging is all TDE.
Looking forward to all Top Dawg Ent’s releases this year though
I think this mixtape is legit but does anyone else get annoyed with the distortion effect he uses on his adlibs? My best examples are from the songs Webbie Flow and RIP Kevin Miller. When I play it in my car I hear the distorted adlibs over the music.
This, this annoyed me at first. And the beats to me were too similar to each other which annoyed me. But disregard that still a pretty good tape
Cilvia Demo is dope as hell and a good start for Rashad. Dope production and great lyricism makes this a 5/5. My favorite cuts on it is Brad Jordan, Modest, RIP Kevin Miller, and Soliloquy.
I haven’t liked a single thing this cat has done so far but I’ll give it a listen.
haven’t listened to it fully but the tracks I heard were dope nigga got bars
good start
overrated
Da shit! Zay Dot in da house!
Haven’t got round to listening yet but now i will
#HiiiPOWER
shit is ill in my opinion
Solid 4. Good shit I like the Posse cut at the end
this tape was hella boring
kill yoself
How to earn 300 us dollar per day its unbelievable but its work Hope to see you around here more often.== > http://www.tec70.Com
what yall dont know is how these EDM producers are taking over the game. Their level of production is better than 90% of hip hop producers. I’ve been rockin with Mr. Carmack since 2012.
what do you want a fucking cookie
u have so much knowledge and understanding. thank u so much
until I saw the draft which was of $4634 , I didn’t believe …that…my neighbours mother was like realie bringing home money in there spare time on their apple laptop. . there uncles cousin has been doing this less than twenty two months and just took care of the debts on their apartment and got a new Audi Quattro . view website… http://www.Fb39.COm
Funny how we’re the so called editors getting paid a great salary and you’re still a lowly, minimum wage drone.
2dope!
I like the kid, but to call him a great lyricist is being generous. He can make music and that’s for sure. Great production though.
Agreed. Cats give cats too much credit on the lyrical side nowadays. He ain’t garbage, but he def didn’t blow me away lyrically. Solid project.
Dope Album
Soliloquy video is dirty af
listend to both tapes, this one and welcome to the game and i like the kid, has great lyrics, catchy hooks and shows flashes BUT his beats sound almost the same, they’re dope but it’s like you’re listening to one long song…
if he mixes up his beat selection and flow a bit, that’s when he’ll really jump on the scene
my fav songs by him so far are 2x pills, ronnie Drake and Shot you down
Agreed. I like “part III” of the first tape too. I kept that on repeat.
AMAZING album from Isaiah. Starting off 2014 excellent for rap. Sounds sort of like Kendrick, but has his own style and flow. Really easy to vibe to.
It will make my year end list.
5 stars
Love this guy can’t wait for his full LP later this year
Agree with the 4 star rating. It’s not a classic, not enough variety in the production or his rapping, but it’s an enjoyable listen.
At first it all sounds the same, by the 3rd or 4th listen though you’ll start to realize that they aren’t really that similar.
Refreshing album and something that will will be in constant rotation. I’d give it 4 1/2 if I could.
This album is really unique. It doesn’t hit you right away 3rd listen In you realize how good it is. very impressed. TDE never fail..
Best rap album review on hotnethiphop in almost 2 months. Last one was Childish Gambo – Because of the Internet
bornig
Please learn how to spell, honey 🙂
4.5/5
made me sleep
You should see a doctor about that. Narcolepsy is no joke.
Agree with the 2nd anonymous. We here at DX are here for you. Please seek treatment
Chill music. Tde
Nuggets
Powerful 4.25/5
Chill ass riding ass music 8.5/10
Love this album
Feeling this man. He got bars
Dude is dope, TDE don’t have a single weak link
Almost perfect mixtape! A banger for years to come. I’m bumpin the album now while doing some Psyc homework haha.
fire
good album
Great production, lyrically its not the greatest at times but he makes up for it with his charisma and flow. Very chill album, havent listened to it stoned yet but Ill bet it sounds 10x better (pretty sure he made this album for chilling with your bros). Overall a solid debut, 8/10 for me.
High points: Soliloquys (so mad this was only 1:47, probably one of the best beats Ive ever heard), Heavenly Father, Ronnie Drake, Modest, West Savannah.
Low points: None really, but I could really care less for Brad Jordan (ironically one of the only turn up songs on the album)
Great piece of work I definitely see him becoming a favorite
damn… i am hoping the young rhyme sayer wins! We need more of this than the rest of the BS that is out
Fuck with this album.
i doubt your boyfriend would want to fuck you to this album.
5/5 All the songs are great, some may be too chill for me but still were listenable and enjoyable.
Your ranking does not match your comments for 5/5
Breath of fresh air. Sort of unique style. Great production. Lyrics nice for a debut. Good start for TDE this year.
It was a cool mixtape/album. Nice lyrics too.
5/5 – Amazing album from Isaiah Rashad!
Need more of this type of hiphop in 2014 and going forward,4 stars
excellent
As someone who’s equally if not more a fan of production than lyrics I had a hard time getting into this. The beats were a bit laid back for me. After reading the comments perhaps it needs another listen though….
I dig it.
Amazing
HAAAANHH!
WOW, great album man.
TDE ain’t playing
Hopefully he keeps releasing stuff like this. Fucking loved it. A couple of tracks were weak but most of these were good chill hip hop tracks. “West Savannah” is probably the best track (in my opinion).
Cats are gassed. 3/5, AT BEST.
rrr
amazing!!!!
good stuff
brill
8.5 out of 10 really enjoyed this Rashad is a talent no doubt.
This project in indeed groundbreaking and unique. My only issue with this review is that it misses important themes of “Cilvia”. The constant debate of suicide,drug use,and psychological analysis where themes that made this project have depth that doesn’t appear initially when listening.
I dunno bout you guys, but I farted and shit my pants again.
Sick mixtape. Props to Isaiah a lot of emotion on show with this mixtape, west savannah is an instant classic, love his style
Great album!
Great production and some great hooks West Savannah is a very dope beautiful beat.
Lyrically his game is average as fuck tho on most of the songs
shut up hater
The Isaiah Rashad
Cilvia Demo EP is Dope… Keep doing your Thing and bringing the real Hip Hop… Peace…
i got this as my album of the year thus far, we’ll see if that changes when Cocaine Pinata comes out
Rashad is fire. TDE
good music from someone who has to come with a high standard, livin up to expectaion. must listen
check my review for cilvia…http://slimsamurai.blogspot.com/2014/01/isaiah-rashad-cilvia.html
Such a great project.. Dope that Zay has his own sound so early in his career.
flame
Very Raw……R.I.P Kevin Miller was dope. Overall starting 2014 off Isaiah Rashad is putting in work for rap!!
Wasn’t feeling this one like everybody else.
dope,EP..I THINK HIS GONNA HV A GREAT YEAR..
I had forgotten about rashad but when I found out he released a album I bought it immediately
YOLO OMG YAY
best so far
Q and Rashad have done their part for TDE. both albums are good
Such a good album, I only wish he would lay of the misogyny a bit. But he’s just 22! lots to learn and amazing potential.
Cilvia Demo > Oxymoron
baby can u sucky on my dick i know its big enough….
After bumping this for a month now I can safely say that this is a great album, in my opinion better than Schoolboy Q’s Oxymoron. The only track that I thought was off par compared to the rest was Soliloquy as it was too dark to fit with the rest of the album. Would have been 4* but the last 4 songs really make the album great. 5/5
Dope Album. Better then Oxymoron ( which is decent to good). TDE needs to push this more.
4/5
Best new artist I’ve heard in a long time in the mainstream! Very soulful and creative! Kinda gave me flashbacks of the feeling I first got listenin’ to J.cole’s ”Friday Night Lights”
HEAVEN IN MY EARS
This DEMO is DOPE af, TDE def took up the rest of the talent in the game with signing him, I can identify his role models rapping and versatility, a perfect addition to TDE. 5*
Isaiah deserves more recognition for his album. Just like “Oxymoron” and “Good Kidd Maad City” I love all the songs on the album. Nothing like the true meaning of Hip-Hop and Rap.
Dat shit so Dope
Excellence.
Take out the background talking and this would be 6/5
Dope
Dope
dope
He’s my favorite rapper he’s gonna blow up fr rip kevin miller*