Isaiah Rashad is set to break a five-year silence with the announcement of his forthcoming album, "It’s Been Awful," slated for release on May 1st via Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records. This highly anticipated project marks the Tennessee native’s return to the music scene, following his critically acclaimed 2021 release, "The House is Burning," which itself ended a significant hiatus after the fan-favorite "The Sun’s Tirade." The announcement was accompanied by a cinematic trailer and the unveiling of pre-save options for the lead single, "Same Sh!t."
A Dramatic Unveiling and a Digital Footprint
The reveal of "It’s Been Awful" was orchestrated with a multi-faceted approach, designed to build anticipation and engage fans. The accompanying trailer, described as cinematic, presents a poignant visual narrative of Rashad navigating a desolate landscape, his physical struggle underscored by a limping gait following an implied violent encounter. This imagery, while open to interpretation, suggests themes of resilience and overcoming adversity, elements that have often resonated within Rashad’s lyrical content.
Complementing the visual rollout, Rashad has launched an interactive website, itsbeenawful.com. This digital hub serves not only as a platform for album information but also offers a glimpse into the project’s sonic landscape. Visitors can access a snippet of an unreleased instrumental, widely believed to be a preview from "It’s Been Awful," allowing fans an early taste of the new material. Furthermore, the website features an "It’s Been Awful Tour" poster, strongly indicating that a live performance component will accompany the album’s release, a move eagerly anticipated by his dedicated fanbase.
Cryptic Teasers and Collective Support
The album’s title, "It’s Been Awful," was foreshadowed through a series of cryptic social media posts. Earlier this week, Rashad shared an image on his Instagram Stories featuring a card with the poignant message: "Everybody wanna see you crash out, fall off, and burn out all for their entertainment. I just wanna see you smile." The reverse of this card bore the phrase that would soon be revealed as the album’s title, hinting at a period of personal struggle or societal pressure that has weighed on the artist.
This deliberate, almost theatrical, build-up has been met with widespread support from his label mates at Top Dawg Entertainment. Artists such as Doechii, ScHoolboy Q, and SiR have amplified the announcement across their social media platforms, tweeting out the album title and demonstrating a united front in promoting Rashad’s return. This collective endorsement from his TDE family underscores the significance of "It’s Been Awful" within the label’s broader artistic landscape.
Influences Shaping the Sonic Tapestry
In a 2023 interview with VICE, Isaiah Rashad offered insights into the creative direction and influences behind his upcoming third studio album. He cited a diverse range of artists as key inspirations, including the iconic Southern hip-hop duo OutKast, the legendary Prince, and the contemporary artist Fousheé.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé as a primary muse, stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." He also elaborated on his deep appreciation for Prince’s work, mentioning that he had been listening to "If I Was Your Girlfriend" extensively for several months. The artist also credited two individuals from Atlanta, identified as PLUTO and BunnaB, for their contributions to his creative process during the latter stages of the project.
When discussing his sonic aspirations, Rashad drew parallels to OutKast’s seminal albums, "Stankonia" and "The Love Below." He expressed a desire to explore similar artistic territories, indicating a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. He also acknowledged the collaborative spirit of his label, noting, "I would say Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This suggests a level of artistic freedom and support from TDE that has enabled Rashad to fully realize his vision for "It’s Been Awful."
A Rich and Diverse Sound Palette
The 34-year-old artist further described the album’s sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." This description hints at a complex and layered sonic experience, encompassing a wide spectrum of musical styles. According to the VICE report, the album is expected to traverse "Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This ambitious sonic palette suggests a departure from conventional genre boundaries, promising a rich and multifaceted listening experience for his audience.
The stylistic breadth described indicates a willingness on Rashad’s part to experiment and fuse disparate sounds, a characteristic that has often defined his most compelling work. The mention of "twangy rock and psychedelia" alongside "trunk-rattling" basslines points towards a fusion of influences that could appeal to a broad range of music enthusiasts, extending beyond the traditional hip-hop audience. The emphasis on "deep sense of intimacy" suggests that despite the expansive sonic exploration, the project will retain a personal and emotionally resonant core.
A Calculated Return to the Forefront
"It’s Been Awful" arrives as the successor to "The House is Burning," released in 2021. That album itself marked a significant comeback after a five-year absence from music, a period that followed the widespread acclaim of his 2016 project, "The Sun’s Tirade." The consistent five-year gaps between major releases – from "The Sun’s Tirade" to "The House is Burning," and now to "It’s Been Awful" – suggest a deliberate approach to his artistic output, perhaps prioritizing personal well-being and creative gestation over constant output.
The duration of these hiatuses, coupled with the introspective and often vulnerable nature of Rashad’s music, has cultivated a deeply loyal and patient fanbase. This audience has demonstrated a willingness to wait for his projects, trusting in his ability to deliver impactful and authentic work. The anticipation surrounding "It’s Been Awful" is a testament to the artistic capital Rashad has built over his career. His ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, often exploring themes of mental health, addiction, and personal growth, has cemented his status as a significant voice in contemporary hip-hop.
The Broader Implications for TDE and Hip-Hop
Isaiah Rashad’s return is a significant event not only for his personal career but also for Top Dawg Entertainment. TDE has consistently produced artists who push creative boundaries and achieve critical acclaim, and Rashad has been a cornerstone of their roster since his emergence. His unique artistic vision and the dedicated following he commands contribute substantially to the label’s reputation for fostering authentic and impactful music.
The success of "It’s Been Awful" could further solidify TDE’s position as a leading independent label capable of nurturing diverse talent. Furthermore, Rashad’s willingness to experiment with a broad range of musical influences and his introspective lyrical content can inspire other artists in the genre to explore similar avenues. In an era often dominated by trends, Rashad’s commitment to artistic integrity and personal expression offers a compelling counter-narrative, reminding audiences of the power of authentic storytelling and sonic innovation in hip-hop. The anticipation for "It’s Been Awful" suggests that this project has the potential to be a landmark release, both for Isaiah Rashad and for the broader landscape of contemporary music.
