Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the complete tracklist and accompanying artwork for his highly anticipated new album, "It’s Been Awful," slated for release on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. This project marks a significant return for the Chattanooga-bred artist, serving as the successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 LP, "The House is Burning." The forthcoming album boasts a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t," and features a carefully curated selection of collaborators, including R&B superstar SZA, alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia.
A Deep Dive into the "It’s Been Awful" Tracklist
The revealed tracklist offers a comprehensive glimpse into the sonic landscape Isaiah Rashad is set to explore. The album opens with "The New Sublime," immediately setting a tone for what promises to be a journey through diverse moods and styles. Following this are "M.O.M" and the already-released "Same Sh!t," which has garnered significant attention since its debut.
A key highlight of the tracklist is the reunion of Rashad with SZA on the song "Boy in Red." This collaboration marks their sixth joint effort, further solidifying their potent artistic chemistry. Their previous successful pairings include "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," all of which have been celebrated by fans and critics alike for their distinct blend of vulnerability and melodic prowess. The addition of SZA to "It’s Been Awful" suggests a continuation of this acclaimed partnership, potentially exploring themes of introspection and complex relationships, common threads in both artists’ discographies.
Dominic Fike, known for his genre-bending approach to music, is featured on the track "Cameras." This collaboration introduces an element of contemporary pop-infused hip-hop, hinting at the album’s potential to bridge different musical aesthetics. Fike’s inclusion suggests a willingness from Rashad to experiment with newer sounds and reach a broader audience.
Emerging artist Julian Sintonia makes their debut on the album with the track "Do I Look High?". This feature provides a platform for a promising new voice within the TDE ecosystem, indicating Rashad’s commitment to showcasing rising talent. The presence of Sintonia alongside established artists like SZA and Fike underscores the diverse creative energy that has fueled "It’s Been Awful."
The remaining tracks, including "Supaficial," "Scared 2 Look Down," "Happy Hour," "Ain’t Givin’ Up," "GTKY," "Act Normal," "10 States Away," "Nuthin 2 Hide," "Superpwrs," and the concluding "719 Freestyle," promise a full spectrum of Rashad’s signature introspective lyricism, laid-back delivery, and soulful production. The titles themselves evoke a sense of personal reflection, social commentary, and a nod to his Southern roots.
The Long Road to "It’s Been Awful": A Timeline of Anticipation
The announcement of "It’s Been Awful" arrives after a significant period of anticipation from fans, with "The House is Burning" releasing in July 2021. Following the success of his previous album, which was lauded for its raw honesty and distinctive Southern charm, fans have been eagerly awaiting new material.
While specific details regarding the genesis of "It’s Been Awful" have been sparse, Isaiah Rashad has been candid about his creative process and inspirations in previous interviews. In a conversation with VICE last year, Rashad alluded to a shift in his musical direction, citing a diverse range of influences. He spoke about the profound impact of artists like OutKast, Prince, and Fousheé.
"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," Rashad stated in the interview, highlighting the singer-songwriter’s influence on his recent work. He also expressed a deep appreciation for Prince’s catalog, noting that "If I Was Your Girlfriend" had been in heavy rotation for months. Furthermore, Rashad mentioned being inspired by Atlanta-based artists like PLUTO and BunnaB, suggesting an ongoing engagement with the contemporary Southern music scene.
Rashad further elaborated on his sonic aspirations for the album, drawing parallels to iconic OutKast projects. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he revealed. This comparison to two of OutKast’s most experimental and critically acclaimed albums indicates a desire to push creative boundaries and incorporate a richer, more layered sound. He also expressed gratitude towards Top Dawg, his label head, for allowing creative freedom on this project, stating, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it."
The Tennessee native described the album’s sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated on this unique blend, explaining that it encompasses "everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This detailed description suggests an album that is both personal and expansive, rooted in his Southern heritage while exploring a wide array of musical textures and emotional depths.
Supporting Data and Artistic Context
Isaiah Rashad’s career, launched with the critically acclaimed "Cilvia Demo" in 2014, has been characterized by a steady rise in artistic maturity and fan engagement. His music often delves into themes of addiction, mental health, and personal growth, delivered with a distinctive flow and a knack for vivid storytelling. "The House is Burning" marked a significant milestone, receiving widespread critical praise for its thematic coherence and sonic evolution, debuting at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. This success set a high bar for "It’s Been Awful," with expectations for continued artistic exploration and commercial appeal.
The inclusion of SZA on "It’s Been Awful" is particularly noteworthy given their shared history and the growing acclaim of both artists. SZA’s own recent album, "SOS," has been a monumental success, topping charts and earning numerous accolades. Their continued collaboration suggests a mutual respect and creative synergy that resonates deeply with their respective fan bases. The anticipation for "Boy in Red" is therefore amplified by the proven success of their previous joint efforts.
Dominic Fike’s presence on the album further signals Rashad’s interest in contemporary sounds. Fike, who has achieved significant mainstream success with hits like "3 Nights" and his role in the HBO series "Euphoria," brings a different yet complementary energy to the project. His inclusion hints at a willingness to experiment with genre fusion and explore new sonic territories.
The artwork for "It’s Been Awful," released alongside the tracklist, is expected to provide further visual cues to the album’s themes and aesthetic. Album art often serves as a significant component of an artist’s narrative, offering symbolic representations of the music within. While the specific details of the artwork were not provided in the initial content, its unveiling is typically a crucial element in building anticipation for a new release.
Broader Impact and Implications
The release of "It’s Been Awful" is poised to be a significant event in the hip-hop landscape. For Isaiah Rashad, it represents an opportunity to build upon the momentum of "The House is Burning" and solidify his position as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary rap. The album’s diverse collaborations and Rashad’s own stated artistic ambitions suggest a project that could push his sound in new directions and attract a wider audience.
The album’s success could also have implications for Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), a label known for nurturing unique artistic talent. A strong performance from "It’s Been Awful" would further cement TDE’s reputation for delivering critically and commercially successful projects from its roster.
Furthermore, the continued success of collaborations between artists like Rashad and SZA highlights the power of artistic synergy in the modern music industry. These partnerships not only benefit the individual artists by exposing them to new audiences but also contribute to the richness and diversity of the music being produced.
As May 1 approaches, the anticipation for "It’s Been Awful" continues to build, fueled by the intriguing tracklist and the promise of a deeply personal and sonically adventurous project from one of hip-hop’s most cherished artists. The album’s release will undoubtedly be a focal point for discussions surrounding the evolution of Southern hip-hop and the enduring artistry of Isaiah Rashad.
