Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the highly anticipated tracklist and artwork for his upcoming album, It’s Been Awful. Set to drop next month, the project marks a significant return for the Chattanooga-bred artist, serving as the successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, The House is Burning. The 16-song collection will feature the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and boasts a select yet potent roster of collaborators, including R&B superstar SZA, alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and rising talent Julian Sintonia.
A Highly Anticipated Return
The announcement has generated considerable buzz within the hip-hop community, with fans eagerly awaiting Rashad’s distinctive lyrical style and introspective narratives. It’s Been Awful arrives at a time when Rashad’s fanbase has demonstrated a sustained and fervent appreciation for his work, evidenced by the enduring popularity of his previous albums and singles. The album’s title itself, It’s Been Awful, hints at a potential exploration of challenging personal experiences, a theme that has often resonated deeply with his listeners.
The follow-up to The House is Burning, which itself was a long-awaited release after a five-year hiatus, signifies Rashad’s continued dedication to his craft and his ability to consistently deliver impactful projects. The gap between his releases has often been attributed to personal struggles and a meticulous approach to music-making, a narrative that has further endeared him to a dedicated following who value authenticity and vulnerability in his artistry.
Star-Studded Collaborations
The inclusion of SZA on the track "Boy in Red" is particularly noteworthy. This collaboration marks the sixth time the two artists have joined forces, solidifying their status as a dynamic duo in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Their previous collaborations include fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," all of which have been lauded for their chemistry and artistic synergy. The continued partnership suggests a deep creative understanding and mutual respect between Rashad and SZA, promising another compelling track for their shared catalog.
Dominic Fike, known for his genre-bending sound and mainstream appeal, is also featured on the album, appearing on the track "Cameras." Fike’s inclusion further highlights Rashad’s willingness to collaborate across different sonic landscapes, potentially bringing a fresh and diverse energy to the project. Julian Sintonia, an emerging artist, rounds out the guest features, signaling Rashad’s commitment to supporting and spotlighting new talent within the industry.
A Deeper Dive into Influences and Sound
In a candid interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered valuable insights into the creative forces behind It’s Been Awful. He cited a diverse range of musical inspirations, including the pioneering sounds of OutKast, the iconic artistry of Prince, and the compelling work of Fousheé. This eclectic mix of influences suggests an album that will likely eschew conventional genre boundaries, aiming for a rich and layered sonic experience.
Rashad specifically mentioned Prince’s "If I Was Your Girlfriend" as a track he had on repeat for an extended period, indicating a potential for introspective and emotionally resonant themes within his own music. He also credited Atlanta artists PLUTO and BunnaB for their inspirational contributions, hinting at a continued embrace of Southern musical traditions and aesthetics.
The influence of OutKast’s seminal albums, Stankonia and The Love Below, was also a prominent theme in his discussion. These albums are celebrated for their innovative fusion of funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop, along with their bold artistic experimentation. Rashad’s intention to draw from these influential works suggests an album that aims for both sonic depth and creative ambition. He also expressed gratitude towards Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) for allowing creative compromises, a testament to the label’s support for his artistic vision.
Describing the album’s sound, Rashad characterized it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated on this, noting the inclusion of elements ranging from "twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This description paints a vivid picture of an album designed to be both regionally authentic and universally resonant, a hallmark of Rashad’s previous work. The blend of raw, down-south energy with more experimental and introspective textures promises a multifaceted listening experience.
Release Details and Tracklist
It’s Been Awful is slated for release on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. The album’s artwork, which has also been revealed, is expected to visually complement the thematic and sonic elements of the project.
Isaiah Rashad – It’s Been Awful (Tracklist):
- 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 inclusion of "719 Freestyle" as the closing track suggests a potentially improvisational and raw element to the album, a characteristic that has often defined Rashad’s live performances and informal releases. The track titles themselves offer glimpses into the album’s potential narratives and moods, ranging from the evocative "The New Sublime" and "Scared 2 Look Down" to the more direct "Same Sh!t" and "Nuthin 2 Hide."
Broader Context and Industry Implications
The release of It’s Been Awful is significant not only for Isaiah Rashad’s career but also for the broader landscape of contemporary hip-hop. His consistent ability to blend introspective lyricism with innovative production has cemented his status as a unique voice within the genre. His influence can be seen in the growing number of artists who prioritize emotional honesty and sonic experimentation.
The success of The House is Burning demonstrated a strong and growing demand for Rashad’s particular brand of artistry. This new project has the potential to further solidify his position as a leading figure in alternative hip-hop, appealing to a wide audience that appreciates depth and originality. The inclusion of established stars like SZA and Dominic Fike also signals a mainstream acceptance of his distinct sound, while the feature from Julian Sintonia underscores his role as a tastemaker and supporter of emerging talent.
Furthermore, the album’s release through TDE/Warner Records indicates a continued robust partnership between the independent label and a major distributor, a model that has proven successful for artists seeking both creative freedom and widespread reach. The sustained success of TDE artists has consistently highlighted the power of nurturing unique artistic visions.
The anticipation surrounding It’s Been Awful is a testament to Isaiah Rashad’s enduring appeal and the profound connection he has forged with his audience. As the release date approaches, the music world will be watching closely to see how this latest chapter in his musical journey unfolds, expecting a project that is both deeply personal and sonically adventurous, true to the artist’s established legacy. The project is poised to be a significant addition to his discography, offering further exploration of his evolving artistic identity and his unique perspective on life, love, and the complexities of the human experience.
