Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful, slated for release next month. This project marks a significant return for the Chattanooga-bred artist, serving as the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 album, The House is Burning. The forthcoming record is a substantial offering, comprising 16 tracks and featuring the recently released single "Same Sh!t." Adding to the excitement, It’s Been Awful boasts a curated selection of guest appearances, including Grammy-winning artist SZA, alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia.
A Star-Studded Collaboration List
The collaboration with SZA on the track titled "Boy in Red" is particularly noteworthy. This pairing extends a successful and prolific partnership between the two artists. "Boy in Red" will be their sixth joint effort, adding to a discography that includes fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." Their consistent synergy has been a hallmark of Rashad’s recent work, resonating deeply with his fanbase and critics alike.
Dominic Fike, a fellow artist signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), also contributes to the album on the track "Cameras." Fike’s inclusion further highlights the interconnectedness of artists within the TDE roster and suggests a potential exploration of genre-bending sounds, given Fike’s diverse musical background. The addition of Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" introduces a newer voice to Rashad’s established platform, signaling an openness to fresh perspectives and collaborations with emerging artists.
Album Release and Artistic Vision
It’s Been Awful is scheduled to be released on May 1st, distributed through TDE/Warner Records. The announcement was accompanied by the reveal of the album’s artwork, which offers a visual prelude to the project’s thematic and sonic explorations. The artwork, though not explicitly detailed in the initial announcement, is anticipated to reflect the introspective and perhaps somber tone suggested by the album’s title.
In a candid interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered a glimpse into the artistic influences and creative direction behind It’s Been Awful. He cited a diverse range of artists as key inspirations, including the legendary Southern hip-hop duo OutKast, the iconic Prince, and the soulful vocalist Fousheé. Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé’s work as a primary catalyst for the project’s development.
"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," Rashad stated. "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months. Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB.” This eclectic mix of influences points towards a project that transcends conventional genre boundaries, drawing from soul, funk, and contemporary R&B.
Furthermore, Rashad expressed his intention to channel the spirit of specific OutKast albums. “I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else,” he revealed. These particular albums are celebrated for their experimental approaches, genre fusion, and vibrant sonic palettes, suggesting that It’s Been Awful may delve into similarly innovative territory. Rashad also acknowledged the support and creative freedom granted by his label, Top Dawg, noting, "I would say Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement implies a level of artistic autonomy that could result in a more personal and uninhibited body of work.
Sonic Landscape and Thematic Depth
The Tennessee native described the album’s sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated on this description, noting that the project encompasses a wide spectrum of sonic elements. "Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south," he explained, as quoted by the publication. This multifaceted description suggests a rich and textured listening experience, one that blends regional influences with introspective lyrical content. The mention of "twangy rock and psychedelia" hints at potential sonic departures from his previous work, incorporating elements that might surprise and engage listeners.
The title, It’s Been Awful, itself suggests a thematic exploration of hardship, struggle, or emotional turmoil. Given Rashad’s history of addressing personal challenges in his music, this album could offer a deeply cathartic and reflective narrative. The juxtaposition of this potentially heavy theme with the described "sultry southern mix" and "tender intimacy" indicates a complex emotional landscape that Rashad is prepared to navigate through his artistry.
Context and Fan Anticipation
The anticipation for It’s Been Awful has been building for some time. The House is Burning, released in July 2021, was a significant moment in Rashad’s career, earning widespread critical acclaim for its introspective lyricism, distinctive flow, and cohesive production. It was his first full-length project since Cilvia Demo in 2014 and The Sun’s Tirade in 2016, making the gap between albums a period of intense speculation and longing for new material from his dedicated fanbase.
The House is Burning debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart and was lauded for its raw honesty and its ability to blend vulnerability with confident swagger. Singles like "Lay Wit Ya" and "From the Garden" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert) showcased Rashad’s versatility and his knack for creating infectious yet meaningful tracks. The success of this album cemented his position as a vital voice in contemporary hip-hop, known for his unique perspective and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
The announcement of a new album, particularly one with such a substantial tracklist and notable features, is therefore a significant event for the hip-hop community. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Rashad’s musical journey, and the details surrounding It’s Been Awful suggest that it will be a project of considerable depth and artistic ambition.
Tracklist Breakdown:
- The New Sublime
- M.O.M
- Same Sh!t
- Boy in Red (feat. SZA)
- Supaficial
- Scared 2 Look Down
- Happy Hour
- Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)
- Ain’t Givin’ Up
- GTKY
- Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike)
- Act Normal
- 10 States Away
- Nuthin 2 Hide
- Superpwrs
- 719 Freestyle
The tracklist itself offers further clues to the album’s potential themes and narrative arc. Titles like "Scared 2 Look Down," "Ain’t Givin’ Up," and "Nuthin 2 Hide" hint at themes of resilience, self-doubt, and vulnerability. The inclusion of a freestyle track, "719 Freestyle," suggests a space for uninhibited expression and raw lyrical prowess, a common element in Rashad’s live performances and mixtapes. The placement of the SZA and Dominic Fike features in the middle and latter half of the album, respectively, could indicate strategic points where Rashad aims to amplify the emotional intensity or introduce new sonic textures.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The release of It’s Been Awful carries significant weight not only for Isaiah Rashad’s career but also for TDE as a label. In recent years, TDE has continued to cultivate a roster of critically acclaimed artists, with Rashad being a foundational member. His consistent ability to deliver cohesive and impactful projects solidifies his importance within the label’s ecosystem. The success of this album could pave the way for further creative exploration and potentially attract new talent to the TDE banner.
Moreover, the album’s diverse influences and the artist’s stated intention to push sonic boundaries suggest a potential impact on the broader landscape of contemporary hip-hop. Artists who successfully blend introspection with genre experimentation often influence a new wave of musicians. If It’s Been Awful achieves critical and commercial success, it could encourage more artists to embrace a similar multifaceted approach to their music.
The engagement with artists like SZA and Dominic Fike also underscores the evolving nature of collaborations in the music industry, where genre lines are increasingly blurred. This project stands as a testament to Rashad’s growth as an artist and his commitment to creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As the release date approaches, the anticipation for It’s Been Awful continues to grow, promising a significant contribution to the hip-hop canon from one of its most distinctive voices.