11 Years Later, Rashad’s Return Is Worth Its Weight in 'Gold'
After more than a decade away from the spotlight, the Columbus native returns with 'I Was Told There’d Be Gold,' a genre-hopping reminder of his formidable collection of talents.
Well, long time no see, old friend.
When singer-songwriter-producer Rashad last graced us with his presence, it was with his second studio album, 2015’s The Quiet Loud—the esoteric follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut, Museum. With its obscure samples and unorthodox approach—we’re talking about a dude who flips French horns and tubas into bouncing basslines—his sophomore album was equal parts autobiography and introspective ode to creative freedom.
As someone whose musical journey has been mired in more than its fair share of frustrations—as his failed deals with labels like RCA and Columbia can attest to—his victory laps as an independent entity are a testament to his talent and his unyielding belief in it.
“I’ve been frustrated with the industry, for sure. But I was one of those kids who didn’t give himself a plan B,” he told Columbus Monthly while discussing his string of major label woes. “When you’re in that grind, it’s all about sounding like someone else. For a creative person, that sucks.”
He continued: “I learned I need to be completely true to what I do, and I got more comfortable in my own shoes. I was more reserved [then]. Now, I’m not holding anything back.”
In the 11 years in between The Quiet Loud and his latest release, I Was Told There’d Be Gold, Rashad bided his time racking up placements like every other in-demand music producer. From Bizzy Bone’s son, to jumping Jack Harlow into the “Gang Gang Gang,” to blessing fellow Columbus, Ohio native J. Rawls with a trip to “Rio.” Even Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin knew who to call when it was time to “bring it on back” to his “Neighborhood.”
But music aside, life happened. He became a husband and a father—and we get to hear all about that evolution, and much more, on I Was Told There’d Be Gold.
In what should come as a surprise to absolutely no one, the production picks up exactly where it left off on his prior releases: knockin’. For all his shortcomings as a vocalist, Rashad knows his otherworldly command of playing keys and MPCs is where his strength lies. But for all his prowess as a producer, it’s his aptitude as a songwriter that doesn’t get nearly enough credit.
On the neck jerker “Return to Brazil,” we’re treated to Rashad’s signature blend of beauty and boom-bap as he ponders if “heaven left us down here,” and theorizes that “life is beautiful, but it can be hell too.” Additional themes throughout the album include perseverance (“Larry’s Lament”), valor in the face of insurmountable odds (“Courage”), and, of course, love.
With its nods to everything from Apache’s “Gangsta Bitch” to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Fantasy,” I Was Told There’d Be Gold is pure genre-hopping delight. You’ll get plenty of hip-hop; you’ll get a generous portion of R&B; you’ll even get a heaping scoop of house. But most importantly, you’ll get what’s sure to be one of the strongest releases of the year from one of the most criminally underrated musical maestros of our time.