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.
Tranquility
Isaiah Rashad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, thank God for the shooter
And thank God for the leader
And think hard for a message
Blink art on pedestrians, what are you, a believer?
Tranquility for a Brutus
And hard road for a Ceasar
Well, who came from the heavens?
[Verse 1]
Them hard streets make a militant man
Fuck a bitch, be as real as you can
Our education, they tend to say we killers again
But I'd rather give this living a chance, I'm getting patience
I wonder if the world is gon' see us, it's just niggas
They treat lyrics like I hold triggers like I make difference
Then downplay, what I'm given like I'm no different
It make me wanna move to my aunt's house
I've been on pills since a little one
Start with Advil then we level up
I wonder if my son gon' trust me, out a song so ugly
By his moms, ain't mean to see the world so crummy
They got Tec-9's for Jesus
So I figured that the second coming wasn't never coming
Go figure heaven is a hassle cause
They don't even want a nigga back in Africa
[Hook]
Well, thank God for the shooter
And thank God for the leader
And think hard for a message
Blink art on pedestrians, what are you, a believer?
Tranquility for a Brutus
And hard road for a Ceasar
Well, who came from the heavens?
They killed for a blessin', they gon' do it to Jesus
[Verse 2]
Some of us fall and some of us hover
Some of us shooters and some of us lovers
I see the some of it all, I'm running for cover
Invite you for supper, but really they hunt you
Was really 300, was really a gangster
Was really the prey, was really in danger
I'm willing to pray, I'm feeling the angels
Is liqour the savior? This moment will contain us
And ride to the far side, I'm looking for peace
Just spread the cigar wide, a moment of ease
Hard benches for my brothers that be roaming the streets
We don't always be the leaders that they want us to be
I'm just hoping that she praying while she down on her knees
See I often treat these hoes like their fathers would be
Good Lord, my flaws, blind you, mind you, got time for it, my flaws
[Hook]
Well, thank God for the shooter
And thank God for the leader
And think hard for a message
Blink art on pedestrians, what are you, a believer?
Tranquility for a Brutus
And hard road for a Ceasar
Well, who came from the heavens?
They killed for a blessin', they gon' do it to Jesus
Isaiah Rashad's song "Tranquility" is a commentary on the state of society and the struggles faced by black Americans. The hook of the song starts with thanking God for the shooter and the leader, which is a reflection on how society glorifies violence and the people who commit it. The song also touches on the lack of opportunities and education that black people face, resulting in them being treated as second-class citizens.
In the first verse, Isaiah reflects on the harsh realities of growing up on the streets, where survival is a necessity. He questions if the rest of the world sees them as just "niggas" and how they are often reduced to stereotypes. Isaiah also talks about his struggles with drugs, starting from his childhood with Advil and escalating from there. He brings up his fear of not being a good enough father to his son because of the world's ugliness.
The second verse explores the complex nature of society, where some people are oppressors, and some are oppressed. He talks about how people can be both shooters and lovers, highlighting the harsh dualities that exist. He also touches on his own struggles with alcohol and how it offers temporary reprieve from the reality of the world. Isaiah then ends the song on a reflective note, hoping for peace and understanding while accepting his own flaws and the flaws of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, thank God for the shooter
Thanking God for the person who protects oneself and others through violence.
And thank God for the leader
Thanking God for the person who guides and directs others towards a common goal.
And think hard for a message
Reflecting on the purpose and meaning behind one's actions and words.
Blink art on pedestrians, what are you, a believer?
Questioning the effectiveness of public art in influencing beliefs and behaviors.
Tranquility for a Brutus
Peaceful existence for a person who is capable of committing betrayal and violence.
And hard road for a Ceasar
Difficult and challenging journey for a person in a position of power and authority.
Well, who came from the heavens?
Asking about the origin and identity of powerful and influential individuals.
They killed for a blessin', they gon' do it to Jesus
Noting that even those who are considered sacred or holy could be the target of violence and harm.
Them hard streets make a militant man
Stating that difficult living conditions and surroundings can result in the development of an aggressive and combative personality.
Fuck a bitch, be as real as you can
Encouraging honesty, authenticity, and rejection of superficial relationships.
Our education, they tend to say we killers again
Commenting on the stereotypes and prejudices associated with certain groups of people based on their education, race, or background.
But I'd rather give this living a chance, I'm getting patience
Optimistically looking towards the future and willing to persevere through hardships.
I wonder if the world is gon' see us, it's just niggas
Questioning whether society will recognize and appreciate the value and potential of certain groups of people based on their race or ethnicity.
They treat lyrics like I hold triggers like I make difference
Pointing out how some people may unfairly associate certain types of music with encouraging violence or aggression.
Then downplay, what I'm given like I'm no different
Feeling undervalued and misunderstood despite possessing unique talents and qualities.
It make me wanna move to my aunt's house
Expressing a desire to escape and avoid the negative aspects of one's surroundings.
I've been on pills since a little one
Admitting to a history of substance abuse or mental health struggles.
Start with Advil then we level up
Describing the progression of drug use from over-the-counter medication to more potent and dangerous substances.
I wonder if my son gon' trust me, out a song so ugly
Questioning the ability to earn the trust and respect of one's child despite previous mistakes or regrets.
By his moms, ain't mean to see the world so crummy
Acknowledging the challenges and difficulties that one's child may face in the world.
They got Tec-9's for Jesus
Criticizing the glorification of guns and violence even towards religious figures and symbols.
So I figured that the second coming wasn't never coming
Pessimistically suggesting that there may be no hope for change or improvement in the future.
Go figure heaven is a hassle cause
Reflecting on the irony and difficulties associated with attempting to achieve a perfect and peaceful existence.
They don't even want a nigga back in Africa
Highlighting the historical and ongoing injustices and discrimination against Black people globally.
Some of us fall and some of us hover
Acknowledging the different paths and outcomes that people experience in life.
Some of us shooters and some of us lovers
Highlighting the varying roles and identities that individuals may hold.
I see the some of it all, I'm running for cover
Feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the face of complex and confusing realities.
Invite you for supper, but really they hunt you
Expressing suspicion and distrust towards the intentions of seemingly friendly or hospitable people.
Was really 300, was really a gangster
Admitting to past involvement in criminal or violent activities.
Was really the prey, was really in danger
Describing the experience of being vulnerable and at risk of harm or victimization.
I'm willing to pray, I'm feeling the angels
Turning to spirituality or faith as a source of hope and comfort.
Is liqour the savior? This moment will contain us
Questioning whether alcohol or other substances can provide a temporary escape or relief from life's struggles, but recognizing the limitations and consequences of such choices.
And ride to the far side, I'm looking for peace
Describing a desire for a peaceful, serene existence that may or may not be attainable.
Just spread the cigar wide, a moment of ease
Savoring and enjoying a brief moment of relaxation or pleasure.
Hard benches for my brothers that be roaming the streets
Sympathizing with the experiences and hardships of others living on the streets or in difficult circumstances.
We don't always be the leaders that they want us to be
Asserting that individuals have the right to define and resist societal expectations and standards.
I'm just hoping that she praying while she down on her knees
Expressing a desire for the wellbeing and safety of a loved one, especially during difficult times.
See I often treat these hoes like their fathers would be
Reflecting on the potentially harmful and degrading ways in which people may treat others.
Good Lord, my flaws, blind you, mind you, got time for it, my flaws
Acknowledging one's own imperfections and mistakes, and hoping that others will be understanding and forgiving.
Contributed by Josiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.