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The Sun’s Tirade Vinyl: The Collector’s Guide To The Elusive Isaiah Rashad Masterpiece

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For vinyl collectors and dedicated fans of Isaiah Rashad, few records are as coveted—and as frustratingly elusive—as The Sun’s Tirade. Released in 2016, the album cemented the Chattanooga rapper’s place as a cornerstone of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), yet its official vinyl release remains a ghost in the catalog. As of the current date in late 2025, the market is still dominated by highly sought-after unofficial releases, making the search for this Southern Hip-Hop masterpiece a true collector’s quest.

The continuous high demand for this record, years after its digital debut, highlights its cultural significance. This guide cuts through the confusion, detailing the current status of the vinyl, the variants you can actually find, and why TDE’s most introspective work has yet to receive a proper, widespread official pressing.

The Elusive Official Press and the Rise of Unofficial Variants

The primary source of collector frustration stems from the simple fact: an official, widely distributed vinyl pressing of The Sun's Tirade has never been made available to the general public by Top Dawg Entertainment. This situation is not unique to Isaiah Rashad; several older TDE projects, including his own debut EP, Cilvia Demo, share a similar fate, creating massive demand in the secondary market.

The album, which debuted at number 17 on the US Billboard 200, is considered a critical success, praised for its raw introspection and soulful Southern Rap sound. This critical acclaim, coupled with the album’s emotional depth exploring themes of addiction and anxiety, has only fueled the desire among fans to own a physical, analog copy.

The Unofficial Vinyl Landscape: What’s Available Now

Because the official TDE release is non-existent, the vinyl market for The Sun’s Tirade is currently saturated with various unofficial releases, often referred to as "bootlegs" or "Fan Club" editions. While these releases allow fans to finally spin the album on a turntable, their quality and legitimacy vary greatly. These are the key details collectors need to know:

  • Release Format: Most unofficial versions are a 2×LP set, a necessary format to accommodate the album’s 17-song, one-hour-plus runtime.
  • Color Variants: Bootlegs are often released on colored vinyl to attract collectors. Common variants include clear light blue, random colored vinyl, or standard black vinyl.
  • Pricing (Late 2025): Prices for a new, sealed copy of an unofficial press range significantly, typically from $30 to $60 USD, depending on the retailer, vinyl color, and condition. Mint condition copies on the secondary market can sometimes fetch higher prices due to scarcity.
  • Sound Quality: As unofficial imports, the source material and mastering quality can be inconsistent. Collectors often report that while some presses sound good, they may not match the fidelity of a professionally mastered, official release.

The continued appearance of these unofficial versions, with new batches sometimes surfacing in 2024 and 2025, is a direct testament to the enduring, unfulfilled demand for a legitimate pressing.

Why The Sun’s Tirade Remains a Must-Own for Hip-Hop Collectors

Beyond the simple fact of its rarity, The Sun’s Tirade is a landmark album in modern Southern Hip-Hop and a crucial piece of the TDE puzzle. It serves as a bridge between Isaiah Rashad’s raw 2014 EP, Cilvia Demo, and his 2021 follow-up, The House Is Burning, solidifying his unique sonic identity.

The album is a deeply personal journey, with Rashad's signature laid-back, yet lyrically dense, flow navigating his struggles with alcoholism and depression. This vulnerability resonated deeply with critics and fans, earning the project "widespread critical acclaim" upon its release.

Key Tracks and Collaborators: The Topical Authority Entities

The album’s strength lies not only in Rashad's solo work but also in its stellar list of collaborators, which further elevates its status as a foundational TDE release. The presence of these artists ensures the album has significant topical authority in the modern rap landscape:

  • "Wat's Wrong": Features a standout verse from label-mate and rap titan, Kendrick Lamar, along with a soulful hook from Zacari. This track alone is a major driver of the vinyl's demand.
  • "Free Lunch": One of the album's most popular singles, showcasing Rashad's playful yet intricate lyricism.
  • "Rope // rosegold": A two-part track featuring SiR, another TDE vocalist, which exemplifies the album's smooth, atmospheric production.
  • "Tity and Dolla": Features fellow TDE artist Jay Rock and Hugh Augustine.
  • "Silkk da Shocka": Features a notable appearance from SZA, further cementing the album's TDE family feel.

Other essential entities that contribute to the album's sound include producers like Cam O’Bi, Francisgotheat, and Mike Will Made It, who helped craft the album’s distinct, hazy, and introspective Southern sound, often drawing comparisons to the sounds of Atlanta and Memphis Hip-Hop.

The Collector’s Dilemma: Official vs. Unofficial

For many vinyl enthusiasts, the decision to purchase an unofficial release of a beloved album is a major ethical and quality dilemma. When it comes to The Sun’s Tirade, the choice is clear: wait indefinitely for a potential official repress or embrace the unofficial market.

The hope for a legitimate repress remains, especially since TDE has occasionally released vinyl for other projects. However, the label’s history of sporadic physical releases for older titles suggests that fans may be waiting a long time. Until an official announcement is made—perhaps a special anniversary edition or a box set—the unofficial 2×LP pressings are the only way to experience the warmth of Chattanooga's finest on wax.

If you choose to buy an unofficial copy, always check the seller's reviews and seek out a variant that is known for better sound quality within the collector community. The chase for Isaiah Rashad’s most personal work is part of the fun, but knowing the reality of the vinyl market for this particular Top Dawg Entertainment gem is the key to a successful acquisition.

Entities mentioned in this article: Isaiah Rashad, The Sun’s Tirade, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Cilvia Demo, The House Is Burning, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, SiR, Zacari, Jay Rock, Deacon Blues, Kari Faux, Hugh Augustine, Chattanooga, Southern Hip-Hop, Billboard 200, Cam O’Bi, Francisgotheat, Mike Will Made It, Atlanta, Memphis, 2×LP, Vinyl Collectors, Unofficial Release, Bootleg, Fan Club Edition (26 entities).

The Sun’s Tirade Vinyl: The Collector’s Guide to the Elusive Isaiah Rashad Masterpiece
the sun's tirade vinyl
the sun's tirade vinyl

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