Multi-talented bassist Thundercat has announced a new album titled It Is What It Is which will be released via Brainfeeder Records on April 3rd. This latest album announcement is accompanied by a new single titled “Black Qualls” featuring guitar player Steve Lacy of the Los Angeles-based neo-soul band The Internet and Steve Arrington.

“Black Qualls” features a more nostalgic soul sound with Thundercat’s smooth vocals channeling earlier funk influences which are complimented heavily by his bass playing and Lacy’s signature guitar riffs. Arrington brings his classic funk vocal abilities onto the track as well. Thundercat explained his thoughts on Arrington’s performance stating “The tone of the bass, the way his stuff feels and moves, it resonated through my whole body.” He further elaborated that the song described  ““What it feels like to be in this position right now… the weird ins and outs, we’re talking about those feelings… Part of me knew this [track] was where Steve [Arrington] left us.”

Thundercat stated that Lacy was “the physical incarnate of the Ohio Players in one person – he genuinely is a funky ass dude.” Lacy has received praise for his unique guitar playing, and style that helped The Internet dominate the neo-soul scenes with their album Ego Death and Hive Mind. 

This latest album release was produced by Flying Lotus and Thundercat, features aditional musical contributions from Ty Dolla $ign, Childish Gambino, Lil B, Kamasi Washington,BADBADNOTGOOD, Louis Cole, and Zack Fox. Childish Gambino will appear on the album version of this track upon its release. Thundercat will be embarking on a spring tour within the coming months.

It Is What It Is Track Listing

1. Lost In Space / Great Scott / 22-26
2. Innerstellar Love
3. I Love Louis Cole (feat. Louis Cole)
4. Black Qualls (feat. Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, & Childish Gambino)
5. Miguel’s Happy Dance
6. How Sway
7. Funny Thing
8. Overseas (feat. Zack Fox)
9. Dragonball Durag
10. How I Feel
11. King Of The Hill
12. Unrequited Love
13. Fair Chance (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Lil B)
14. Existential Dread
15. It Is What It Is

Photo Credit: Owen Ela