In this episode of “People’s Party With Talib Kweli,” Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with rapper and writer:

ISAIAH RASHAD

Here’s what we dug into with one of this generation’s most respected lyricists:

• Why Isaiah chose to rap under his first and middle name.
• His mother and stepfather’s history of being Five-Percenters.
• The primary rap influences that gave him the emotional variations in his flow.
• Going through phases of wanting to become a preacher or a teacher.
• The impact of Outkast and their album ‘ATLiens’ had on his wanting to pick up a mic.
• His Chattanooga, Tennessee upbringing and the influences shaped his style.
• Diversity in today’s hip hop and the future of journalism.
• How he was brought onto the Smoker’s Club Music Festival.
• The excellence of Joey Bada$$ and his hitting the scene during the “creative control era”.
• Why SoundCloud has been such a huge part of Isaiah’s success story.
• The Top Dawg Entertainment signing feeling like a blessing from God.
• Feeling in the zone during the making of his ‘Cilvia Demo’.
• Discussion of if ‘The Sun’s Tirade’ was meant to be a concept album.
• Lupe Fiasco and Lil’ Wayne inspiring him to write introspectively.
• Breaking down who Isaiah views as the most entertaining rapper.
• A debate over whether or not Magoo was a good rapper and if he stole Q-Tip’s style.
• The songs ‘Wat’s Wrong featuring Zacari & Kendrick Lamar and ‘Free Lunch’.
• Ice Cube going Hollywood while still releasing records that garner respect.
• His experience working with Syd, SZA as well as Kenny Beats.
• His highly anticipated album ‘The House Is Burning’ being released the day of the show.