On January 28, 2014, his first project was released, titled Cilvia Demo. The EP debuted at number 40 on the US Billboard 200 chart and sold 8,500 copies in the United States during its first week of release. On May 5, 2014, XXL revealed Rashad was included in their annual freshman class.
On September 2, 2016, Rashad released his debut studio album, The Sun's Tirade. The Sun's Tirade received critical acclaim from music critics, debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200 and sold 19,000 copies its first week.
Sounds From Friday Morning
Isaiah Rashad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright lights, they want it
And it's funny how you so charismatic
A sex addict, but stay lonely
Throw a beat on, I kill it
Not a gun though, my feelings
Here comes slow, pop pilling
And I die young, God willing
Got me over here tripping
And liquor don't help for the feelings I felt
I'm just over here chilling
Yeah, always seem to blame a bitch
The only thing I got is my pain and shit
And these hoes want art
Love over your canvases
Should I talk about my dad or something?
Always feel like I'm mad for nothing
Rap fast cause a crash is coming
And it hurts for the words but it lasts for
something
Po Pimpin' so Do or Die
Slit wrists, so suicidal
Stay cool in a pool of fire
Worship in a verse, nigga who's your idol?
Ain't never felt like this before
Would you ride for freedom? Would you die
for freedom?
Got a ski mask on and a pistol loaded
Hear money talking, I die to meet 'em
Looking forward to the bright lights
Late nights and the bullshit
Yeah, they was talking that good shit
That's far as they could get, yeah
The lyrics of Isaiah Rashad's "Sounds from Friday Morning" delve into the complicated emotions felt by the artist, who finds himself caught between the allure of the bright lights and late nights of fame and the isolation that comes from being a "sex addict" who "stays lonely". The opening lines of the song paint a picture of a life that is constantly in motion, with the artist struggling to keep up with the demands of the industry while trying to maintain a sense of self. The line "throw a beat on, I kill it / not a gun though, my feelings" suggests that he finds solace in his music, which allows him to express himself in a way that a gun never could.
As the song continues, the artist delves into the conflicted emotions that come from living a life in the public eye. He admits to feeling angry and frustrated, but also acknowledges that he is fortunate to have this opportunity. He expresses his desire to make meaningful art that will transcend the superficiality of fame, but also admits to feeling pressure to conform to the expectations of the industry. The lines "should I talk about my dad or something? / always feel like I'm mad for nothing" suggest that he is struggling to find a sense of purpose and meaning in his life.
Ultimately, "Sounds from Friday Morning" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of fame and the toll that it can take on a person's emotional wellbeing. By juxtaposing the glamour of the music industry with the isolation and emotional turmoil that lies beneath the surface, Isaiah Rashad offers a nuanced and insightful take on what it means to be a modern-day artist.
Line by Line Meaning
Late nights, stay on it
I stay up late working hard and focused
Bright lights, they want it
Success and fame are highly desired
And it's funny how you so charismatic
You have an attractive and engaging personality
A sex addict, but stay lonely
You have a strong desire for sexual activity but still feel alone
Throw a beat on, I kill it
I am talented at producing music and creating beats
Not a gun though, my feelings
I express myself through music rather than violence
Here comes slow, pop pilling
I take drugs to deal with my problems and slow down
And I die young, God willing
I hope to die young and leave a legacy
God willing, shit
Expressing emphasis on leaving behind a legacy
Got me over here tripping
The situation has caused me to become anxious and worried
And liquor don't help for the feelings I felt
Drinking does not alleviate the pain I am feeling
I'm just over here chilling
I am relaxed and casual despite my problems
Yeah, always seem to blame a bitch
I tend to blame others, especially women, for my issues
The only thing I got is my pain and shit
I rely on my own struggles and difficulties as inspiration
And these hoes want art
Women are looking for art and creativity, rather than just physical relationships
Love over your canvases
Focus on creating something meaningful and inspiring, rather than just material gain
Should I talk about my dad or something?
Wondering if discussing personal issues with my father would help alleviate my problems
Always feel like I'm mad for nothing
Feeling irritable and frustrated for no particular reason
Rap fast cause a crash is coming
I work hard and fast because I know an eventual downfall or failure is imminent
And it hurts for the words but it lasts for something
My lyrics may be painful, but they hold significant value and meaning
Po Pimpin' so Do or Die
Referencing a song about struggle and survival from the group Do or Die
Slit wrists, so suicidal
Considering or experiencing suicidal thoughts and tendencies
Stay cool in a pool of fire
Maintaining composure and control despite difficult circumstances
Worship in a verse, nigga who's your idol?
Questioning who people look up to and admire, especially in the music industry
Ain't never felt like this before
Expressing a new and unfamiliar feeling or experience
Would you ride for freedom? Would you die for freedom?
Asking if someone is willing to fight and sacrifice for true freedom
Got a ski mask on and a pistol loaded
Prepared to take drastic and potentially violent measures for personal gain or protection
Hear money talking, I die to meet 'em
Money is a powerful motivator and can even be the cause of one's demise
Looking forward to the bright lights
Hopeful for success and fame in the future
Late nights and the bullshit
The difficulties and challenges that come with working hard and pursuing one's dreams
Yeah, they was talking that good shit
Others may praise and compliment me, but I still feel alone and uncertain
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.