Stephen Bruner, better known as Thundercat, put his bass and songwriting skills on full display on his new album It Is What It Is. This is the follow up to his 2017 album Drunk.
The LP spans 15 tracks and is produced by frequent collaborator Flying Lotus. The album includes features from Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil B, Childish Gambino, Kamasi Washington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, Flying Lotus, and comedian Zach Fox. Although it’s loaded with guest Thundercat remains the star of the show.
It Is What It Is is light and uplifting, and pushes back at a passing darkness. The record also features a tribute to the late rapper, whom Thundercat said he never “missed the chance to tell the guy I loved him.”
“This album is about love, loss, life, and the ups and downs that come with that,” he said of the record. “It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but at different points in life you come across places that you don’t necessarily understand… some things just aren’t meant to be understood.”
Prior to the release of the record, Thundercat dropped the music video for “Draganball Durag,” which includes cameos from HAIM, Kali Uchis, and Quinta Brunson.