Isaiah Rashad
Born 1991 · Age 34
American rapper and singer from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founding member of rap collective The House. Signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2013; released Cilvia Demo (2014), The Sun's Tirade (2016) and The House Is Burning (2021).
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Isaiah Rashad Joel McClain is born in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Father leaves family
Rashad's father left the family when Isaiah was three years old — a formative childhood event.
Begins rapping seriously (10th grade)
Began rapping seriously in tenth grade, recording with friends on laptops; early commitment to music.
Adopts first stage name 'Zay Taylor'
Early stage name he used while beginning to rap and record.
Co-founds The House collective (approx.)
Founding member of Chattanooga hip-hop collective The House with YGTUT, Michael Da Vinci (MikeyD), Chris P, and Brian Brown (formation timeframe is early career/before major signing).
Attends Middle Tennessee State University
Attended Middle Tennessee State University after high school (later left to pursue music).
Access to cousin's recording studio
Friend introduced him to a friend who owned a studio (who turned out to be his cousin); recorded there for free before bouncing to other local studios and leaving school to record full-time.
Suicidal tendencies / attempted suicide (age 19)
In a later interview (2014) Rashad revealed he had suicidal tendencies and attempted suicide multiple times at age 19.
Performs on 2012 Smoker's Club Tour
First widespread recognition after performing on the Smoker's Club Tour alongside Juicy J, Joey Badass, Smoke DZA (tour ran July 13–August 23, 2012).
Releases free singles on SoundCloud
Released many free singles on SoundCloud using beats from producers like MF DOOM and Flying Lotus, helping his popularity grow and label interest to increase.
HipHopDX runner-up: 'Rising Star of the Year' (2013)
Named a runner-up for HipHopDX's 2013 'Rising Star of the Year' award.
Introduced to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) via Dave Free
Met Digi+Phonics' Dave Free who introduced him to Anthony Tiffith (CEO of TDE), beginning label relationship.
Report: buzz about signing to TDE
On June 3, 2013 media reported Rashad was the recent buzz about signing to Top Dawg Entertainment (label did not confirm immediately).
Moves to Los Angeles, records at TDE Red Room
Following the signing, Rashad moved to Los Angeles and lived/recorded at TDE's Red Room Studio.
Releases 'Shot You Down' video (celebratory)
To celebrate the official signing announcement a music video for 'Shot You Down' was released (video shot in Chattanooga).
Signs to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)
TDE publicly announced Isaiah Rashad's signing via Twitter on September 20, 2013; he later said he'd been signed since March.
Signing contract video released
A video showing Isaiah Rashad signing his contract with TDE was released October 1, 2013.
National TV debut – TDE Cypher (BET Hip Hop Awards)
Made national TV debut during the TDE cypher at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards alongside Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock; widely praised.
Releases 'Shot You Down' remix (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Jay Rock)
Remix released via SoundCloud on October 18, 2013 featuring ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock.
Announces upcoming project 'Cilvia' (Revolt interview)
Told Revolt he would release his first official project 'Cilvia' in December 2013 (later delayed to Jan 2014 and changed to an EP).
Cilvia Demo debuts on Billboard 200
Cilvia Demo debuted at number 40 on the US Billboard 200, selling 8,500 copies in its first week.
Cilvia Demo cover art & release date revealed
Top Dawg (CEO) revealed cover artwork and that Cilvia Demo would be released digitally on January 28, 2014; features include SZA and TDE artists on remix.
Releases 'Soliloquy' video
Released the music video for 'Soliloquy' the day before the EP release.
Releases debut EP 'Cilvia Demo'
Cilvia Demo released digitally (and on CD exclusively via TDE's store); received widespread acclaim.
Joins ScHoolboy Q international tour
From March 1 to June 1, 2014, toured for the entirety of ScHoolboy Q's Oxymoron supporting tour.
Named XXL 2014 Freshman
Included in XXL Magazine's 2014 Annual Freshman Class — major industry recognition.
Performs at Pitchfork Music Festival
Performed at Pitchfork Music Festival on July 18, 2014 — a key festival appearance.
Included in Sprite 'Obey Your Verse' docu-series
Announced he would be included in a Sprite-supported docu-series highlighting lyricism (brand's 'Obey Your Verse').
Tweets that follow-up is completed
Tweeted on August 30, 2015 that he had completed and turned in his anticipated follow-up to Cilvia Demo.
Releases single 'Nelly'
Released the single 'Nelly' to critical acclaim; confirmed the follow-up would be his debut studio album (via deleted tweet).
The Sun's Tirade Billboard debut & first-week sales
The Sun's Tirade debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies in its first week.
Publicly reveals struggles with addiction during promotion
During promotion of The Sun's Tirade, revealed past Xanax and alcohol addiction, depression and near-dropping from TDE; later said he quit Xanax and drinks socially.
Releases single 'Smile'
Released the album's second single 'Smile' online; positive reception.
Releases single 'Free Lunch'
Released 'Free Lunch' in August 2016 and confirmed the debut studio album's release date.
Releases debut studio album 'The Sun's Tirade'
Released debut studio album The Sun's Tirade on September 2, 2016 to widespread critical acclaim.
Announces first U.S. headlining tour 'Lil Sunny Tour'
Announced on October 24, 2016 a 22-city U.S. headlining Lil Sunny Tour starting January 2017.
Adds dates to Lil Sunny Tour
Added 24 additional cities and second shows in Chicago, Boston and New York due to sold-out shows.
Hints at new album via tweets
On October 23, 2017 Rashad posted tweets hinting at a new album.
Plays excerpts of unreleased tracks (May 2019)
Performed excerpts of various unreleased tracks in May 2019 (building anticipation for next album).
Announces upcoming album title (IG Live)
During an Instagram Live on June 20, 2019, Rashad played a new excerpt produced by Kenny Beats and announced his upcoming studio album would be titled 'The House Is Burning.'
Releases 'Why Worry' (TDE Fan Appreciation Week)
Released the song 'Why Worry' as part of Top Dawg Entertainment's Fan Appreciation Week.
Pitchfork rates 'The House Is Burning'
Pitchfork rated The House Is Burning a 7.6 out of 10 (review published around album release).
Releases single 'Lay wit Ya' and signs joint venture with Warner Bros.
Released first single from upcoming album 'Lay wit Ya' (feat. Duke Deuce) and announced on credits a joint venture deal with Warner Bros. Records; music video directed by Omar Jones.
Releases single 'Headshots (4r da Locals)'
Released the album's second single 'Headshots (4r da Locals)' on June 17, 2021.
Releases 'Headshots' music video
Music video for 'Headshots (4r da Locals)' released six days after the single (directed by Jack Begert and Mez Heirs).
Reveals album cover art & release date
On July 7, 2021, revealed The House Is Burning cover art and announced July 30, 2021 as release date.
Releases studio album 'The House Is Burning'
Released long-delayed second studio album and major-label debut The House Is Burning (via TDE/Warner JV).
Chart: 'From The Garden' (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) enters charts
Billboard entry shows 'From The Garden' featuring Lil Uzi Vert at #99 on the Hot 100/related chart data for 8/14/21 (chart activity around album era).
Personal: has three children (publicly noted)
Publicly noted that Rashad has three children (timing/ages not disclosed in source).
Sex tapes leaked online
On February 9, 2022, two sex tapes of Rashad and other men were leaked online, which sparked discussion about his sexuality.
Acknowledges leaks during Coachella performance
Acknowledged the leaks during his Coachella 2022 performance and said fans' positive messages helped him.
Publicly identifies as sexually fluid
In a May 2022 interview with Joe Budden, stated he identifies as sexually fluid after exploring his sexuality.
Speaking fee listing on AAE Speakers Bureau
AAE Speakers Bureau lists Isaiah Rashad as a keynote speaker with a live event fee range of $30,000–$50,000 (profile page used as source).
Key Achievement Ages
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