Thundercat has shared the latest single from his forthcoming album, It Is What It Is, entitled “Fair Chance”, which features Ty Dolla $ign and Lil B.
The new track marks the third single release for the eclectic jazz/hip-hop/R&B performer, following “Dragonball Durag” and “Black Qualls“, which featured Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington. “Fair Chance” shows Thundercat at his most hip-hop when compared to the previous singles. Much of the hip-hop influence comes from Dolla $ign and Lil B who contribute low-key, down-tempo verses on the song as a simple backbeat and rapid acoustic guitar notes underscore a layered texture that allows for harmony at the end of the track. Thundercat himself comes in to provide his smooth falsetto voice for the refrain as the song fades out with the repetition of, “I keep holdin’ you down (holdin’ you down)/you do with me, it is what it is.”
Thundercat noted that the song also serves as a tribute to his departed friend and collaborator Mac Miller.
“This song is about Mac… when he passed it shook the ground for the artist community,” Thundercat said. “He’s a strong dude and when he heard the song he knew exactly what it should be. I was there when he recorded it. We talked about what it was, and he did what he felt was right to it, and I love what he did.”
Listen to “Fair Chance”, the latest single from Thundercat’s forthcoming album It Is What It Is, due out April 3rd via Brainfeeder. The new album will also feature collaborations with Childish Gambino, Kamasi Washington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, and Zack Fox on songs that have yet to be released.
Thundercat – “Fair Chance” (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Lil B)
[Video: Thundercat]
Thundercat, like so many other musicians, took to social media recently to announce the postponement of the remainder of his tour amid the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. For updates on rescheduled concerts, visit Thundercat’s website.