Isaiah Rashad’s second studio album The House Is Burning has finally arrived after five years of waiting. It comes after a period where fans thought they may never see another album from the TDE-signed artist. His debut album The Sun's Tirade was a rap classic but then he virtually vanished.
"I went through more in these five years than I did last time," he told Billboard when his comeback was announced.
"After Sun's Tirade, I was telling that story [about my addiction], but it wasn't like I had s--t behind me. [My manager] Matt checked me into rehab, and we got all that s--t out the way. Top was damn near about to cry through the s--t."
Much like on Sun's Tirade, he's gathered a stellar list of collaborators both from the TDE stables and further afield. Here's a guide to who you're going to hear alongside Rashad and what the history of their relationship is.
SZA
SZA and Rashad are TDE label mates and they have been on every single one of each other's albums. At this point, it's simply expected that they are going to appear together if there is an album involved and they never disappoint. Pretty Little Birds off SZA's CTRL may be the most popular of the bunch - a perfect combination of both of their strengths. SZA floats and Rashad floats.
Lil Uzi Vert
Uzi needs no introduction really. After a big year last year with Eternal Atake, he's spent the year featuring on a large array of rap and pop records. So far, he's collaborated with Tyler, The Creator, Young Thug, Bebe Rexha, Justin Bieber, Gucci Mane and more. Basically, if there's a high-profile rap record, Uzi's there. That's why he turned up for the icy flex track on Rashad's album From The Garden.
Duke Deuce
Duke Deuce popped up on the first single for this album Lay Wit Ya. It's probably not a name many were expecting to see on his comeback single but Deuce has been building momentum for a little while now. Signed to Migos' Quality Control, he peaked at #3 on the US charts this year with the release of his debut album Duke Nukem featuring A$AP Ferg, Lil Keed, Latto and more.
Smino
Smino is one of the most critically acclaimed and underrated rappers around right now. He's known for wonky, groove-infused beats that are used as a backdrop for his charismatic raps. The St. Louis rapper is also a drummer and a singer and has collaborated with some of the biggest artists around right now including Doja Cat, Ari Lennox and Chance The Rapper. This is the first time Smino and Rashad have appeared on a record together.
Amindi
Amindi is an Inglewood rapper who has blown up with her smouldering brand of soul music. Her 2017 track Pine & Ginger has been streamed more than 20 million times and her debut project nice is an impressive full-length entrance. Back in February, Rashad tweeted his support of the artist writing, "an Amindi appreciation tweet."
Jay Rock
Jay Rock and Rashad's relationship on tape goes back to 2015 when Rashad appeared on Rock's record Wanna Ride. Rock has been releasing records since 2006 but he's found mainstream acclaim as part of the TDE family. He's appeared on records with Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Schoolboy Q. He's been on every single Rashad project so far and the relationship continues on this latest LP.
iamdoechii
Florida rapper iamdoechii is about to blow up. She went viral last year with the autobiographical Yucky Blucky Fruitcake but her appearance on Rashad's cruisy Wat U Sed is her first high-profile rap feature. Her performance proves she really is the one next to pop off.
Kenny Beats
Is it a rap album if Kenny Beats isn't involved? The iconic producer has been instrumental in records by Vince Staples, '03 Greedo, Denzel Curry, Rico Nasty and plenty more. In May, Rashad appeared on Beats' The Cave where have a short time to rap over a custom Kenny beat.
6lack
6lack is another one that pops up on every great rap and R&B project. The Atlanta singer/rapper bagged one of his biggest hits yet this year on Lil Tjay's Calling My Phone. In the past year or so he's given varied features appearing on albums by Selena Gomez, J. Cole, Yung Baby Tate and Summer Walker.
Schoolboy Q
Schoolboy Q doesn't explicity feature on the new record but just this week Rashad dropped a new song with Q produced by Kenny Beats and Mount Kimbie. The loosie has been floating around the internet in snippet form since 2019 but this is the first time it's been heard in full. Q last appeared alongside Jay Rock on Rashad's Cilvia Demo cut Shut You Down.