Review: "It Is What It Is" Album by Thundercat
Many of you might not be familiar with Thundercat yet, even though he’s worked numerous time with famous artists like Kendrick Lamar. In 2020, he might not be a household name, but we don’t think that’s going to last very ling after “It Is What It Is.” The fifteen-song debut is his fourth album, and is a celebration of jazz, which this musician interprets in a genius, completely original way that many compare to the late greats.
“Interstellar Love” is a percussive roller coaster that feels like a merging of meditation and jazz - an energy that the LA musician seems to cultivate in many of his tracks. However, in “I Love Louis Cole” he speeds it up a bit, taking us on an exhilarating downhill journey at the speed go lightening. “Black Qualls,” featuring heavy-hitters Childish Gambino, Steve Arrington and Steve Lacy, brings funk back to 2020 in every sense, from the guitar to the syrupy vocals.
This is maybe the best work on the album, and perhaps because of the collaborators’ contributions. Arrington was a prominent ‘80s singer in funk band Slave, which Steve Lacy was a guitarist for the Internet.
Thundercat’s tracks seem to have a fluid connection to the tracks of Flying Lotus, which makes sense as the two were in the same jazz bands together as teenagers. The album is an exploration of existentialism and loss, with many of the tracks ruminating on the passing of Mac Miller, a close buddy of Thundercat. That being said, he remains positive on many tracks such as “Miguel’s Happy Dance”, a reassuring pat on the shoulder that tells you to keep dancing, no matter how much grief surrounds you.
“Overseas” and “Dragonball Durag” are also forays into funk, but less Saturday Night Fever, and more Marvin Gaye brand of harmonizing seduction. “Fair Chance” has the most radio potential, with an auto-tuned Ty Dolla $ign feature that infuses Thundercat’s usual style with more contemporary R&B that usual.
The entire album feels like a slow journey with the homies into outer space, and we can’t think of a better mental space to be in during this time of social distancing. Light a spliff, put on the dreamy intro track “Lost in Space/Great Scott/22-26,” get acquainted with “It is What it Is,” and appreciate the mastery of genre-fusion that this time-traveling artist has.