"It Is What It Is," the fourth studio album by American musician Thundercat, made its mark on April 3, 2020, courtesy of Brainfeeder. Preceded by five singles, including "King of the Hill" from the label's compilation album Brainfeeder X in 2018, and followed by "Black Qualls," "Dragonball Durag," "Fair Chance," and "Innerstellar Love" in 2020, the album showcases Thundercat's signature blend of humor, introspection, and virtuosic bass playing.
 
Executive produced by Thundercat and Flying Lotus, "It Is What It Is" features an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Louis Cole, Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, Childish Gambino, Ty Dolla Sign, Lil B, Kamasi Washington, BadBadNotGood, and Zack Fox. Notably, the track "Unrequited Love" was previously featured in an episode of the anime "Carole & Tuesday" in 2019.
 
Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and Thundercat's poignant expression of grief over the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator, Mac Miller, "It Is What It Is" resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The album's title track, which contains a vocal sample from the late Miller, serves as a poignant tribute to his memory, encapsulating the bittersweet essence of the album as a whole. Thundercat's ability to infuse humor, vulnerability, and musical innovation into his work solidifies "It Is What It Is" as a standout achievement in his illustrious career.