‘What It Is’ is the second LP from Brooklyn- based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and producer Sly5thAve; his first new music since the critically acclaimed project ‘The Invisible Man: An Orchestral Tribute to Dr. Dre’. The recording had been first devised as a benefit concert in LA which was attended by Dr. Dre who took to the stage to express thanks for Sly5thAve’s arrangements. Having spent the past three years performing the project with orchestras around the world, ‘What It Is’ sees Sly5thAve retain the high-quality that fans and critics alike have come to expect from him while stepping out with something considerably different, delving deeper into the worlds of hip hop, jazz and soul. Celebrating not only his own versatile musicianship but that of his collaborators and friends, ‘What It Is’ is a collection of tracks showcasing the best of the multi-faceted musician. A sought-after collaborator himself, Sly5thAve has attained much respect from his work with a host of highly fêted musicians including; Prince (as a member of the New Power Generation Band), Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Taylor Swift, Janelle Monáe, Freddie Gibbs and Quantic.

“It’s a little jazzy. There is some hip hop in there. A little bit of
orchestral chamber vibes… It’s me”, Sly5thAve admits. From the
NYC-Texas inspired sounds of “More Or Less” featuring prolific New
York rapper Marlon Craft to the politically charged
Brazilian-Portuguese “Expatria” recorded with Grammy-nominated
Thalma de Freitas, the album spans a myriad of genres and
offerings from fellow talented musicians.
"Really great always, he makes brilliant music and that new track 'With You' is
really strong." – GILLES PETERSON

“Great one” – LEFTO

“Sometimes when I am pottering about in the kitchen something will take my
ear [on BBC 6Music] and I’ll go “ooh that’s nice”, and I will go out and buy it, and
that’s exactly what I did with this.” – MARTIN FREEMAN

“Sly always comes correct with his own take on covers but also pushed new
boundaries on his original work. Don’t sleep on Sly!” – ANTHONY VALADEZ
(KCRW)