Thundercat has announced a new album, It Is What It Is, and released the first single titled “Black Qualls”, which features Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington.
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The first single offers an interesting snapshot of the album to come. Through disorienting layers of rhythm and vocals, “Black Qualls” provides brief glimpses of so many different styles that could personify the forthcoming album, from his soulful falsetto to the driving, funky backbeats. The moment you think you have the groove of the song figured out, it switches up completely. With “Black Quals”, Thundercat raises more questions than he answers about It Is What It Is, out April 3rd via Brainfeeder.
Listen to “Black Qualls” by Thundercat featuring Steve Lacy and Steve Arrington below.
Thundercat ft. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington – “Black Qualls”
[Video: Thundercat]
The album announcement also includes a list of artists featured on It Is What It Is including Flying Lotus (who co-executive produced the album with Thundercat), Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino, Lil B, Kamasi Washington, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, and Zack Fox.
Additionally, Thundercat will embark on his previously-announced tour beginning February 28th at the Vogue Theater in Vancouver, BC. Tickets are available on his website. See a full tracklisting for It Is What It Is below.