It Is What It Is

Rhythim Is Rhythim released It Is What It Is as a 12-inch single on Transmat in May 1988. The original release credits Mayday with production and mixing, with Juan credited as editor of the title track. The single came from Derrick May's core Transmat run, when Detroit's electronic dance underground was gaining international attention. It extended the label's early reputation for emotionally charged, machine-built club records. It Is What It Is remains one of Derrick May's key Rhythim Is Rhythim titles and a fixture of the early Transmat catalogue. Its Majestic Mix continued to circulate through later reissues and retrospective compilations of May's work.