Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated upcoming album, "It’s Been Awful," slated for release next month. This project marks a significant return for the Chattanooga-born artist, serving as the long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 LP, "The House Is Burning." The new album is set to be a substantial body of work, featuring a total of 16 tracks, and includes the recently released single "Same Sh!t," which has already generated considerable buzz among fans.
Star-Studded Collaboration and Deepening Artistic Partnerships
"It’s Been Awful" is poised to feature a carefully curated, albeit select, group of notable artists, underscoring Rashad’s commitment to meaningful collaborations. Among the featured guests are frequent artistic confidante SZA and the burgeoning alt-pop star Dominic Fike. The tracklist also highlights the inclusion of emerging talent Julian Sintonia, hinting at Rashad’s continued dedication to showcasing new voices within the musical landscape.
A particularly significant collaboration on the album is the track "Boy in Red," which reunites Rashad with SZA. This pairing marks their sixth musical endeavor together, further cementing their reputation as one of contemporary R&B and hip-hop’s most potent creative duos. Their previous collaborations, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently demonstrated a remarkable synergy, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. The addition of "Boy in Red" suggests a continued exploration of their shared artistic chemistry.
Album Release Details and Anticipation
"It’s Been Awful" is officially scheduled to drop on May 1st, distributed through the esteemed TDE/Warner Records imprint. The announcement of the tracklist and artwork has amplified the already palpable anticipation surrounding the album’s release. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material from Rashad since the success of "The House Is Burning," which saw a significant resurgence in his career, praised for its introspective lyricism and distinctive Southern-infused sound.
A Glimpse into Artistic Inspirations and Sonic Evolution
In a candid interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered valuable insights into the creative process and influences behind "It’s Been Awful." He cited a diverse range of artists as key inspirations, including the iconic Southern hip-hop duo OutKast, the legendary Prince, and the captivating Fousheé. Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé as a primary influence, stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." He also shared his deep appreciation for Prince’s work, noting that he had "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat for several months. Furthermore, he acknowledged the impact of emerging Atlanta artists PLUTO and BunnaB on the project’s later stages.
Rashad’s sonic aspirations for "It’s Been Awful" are ambitious, aiming to capture the essence of influential OutKast albums like "Stankonia" and "The Love Below." This suggests a potential departure from, or an expansion upon, the sounds that defined his previous work, incorporating a broader spectrum of musical experimentation. He expressed gratitude towards Top Dawg, the head of TDE, for allowing creative concessions, which he believes were crucial for the project’s artistic integrity.
The Tennessee native further elaborated on the album’s sound, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He detailed a sonic palette that spans "everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This multifaceted description hints at an album that is both regionally rooted and artistically adventurous, promising a rich and varied listening experience.
Contextualizing the Release: A Timeline of Anticipation
The journey to "It’s Been Awful" has been marked by a significant period of anticipation from Rashad’s dedicated fanbase. Following the release of "The House Is Burning" in July 2021, which was lauded for its raw honesty and mature artistry, fans began to look towards the next chapter in his discography. "The House Is Burning" itself was a significant release, arriving after a considerable hiatus from his previous studio album, "Cilvia Demo" (2014) and "The Sun’s Tirade" (2016). This pattern of thoughtful, deliberate album releases has contributed to the high expectations for each new project.
The announcement of "Same Sh!t" as a pre-release single provided the first concrete auditory glimpse into the new era. The track’s reception indicated a continuation of Rashad’s signature introspective style, coupled with a fresh sonic approach that has left many eager for the full album. The subsequent reveal of the album title, "It’s Been Awful," and its accompanying tracklist and artwork, has now solidified the rollout plan and ignited further discussion about the thematic content and potential sonic directions.
Potential Implications and Fan Reception
The release of "It’s Been Awful" carries significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career trajectory. Following the critical and commercial success of "The House Is Burning," this album has the potential to further solidify his position as a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop. The inclusion of artists like SZA, who herself is a Grammy-winning superstar, not only lends significant star power to the project but also signals a continued evolution in Rashad’s willingness to engage with a wider audience while maintaining his artistic authenticity.
The fan reception to the tracklist has been overwhelmingly positive, with particular excitement surrounding the SZA and Dominic Fike features. Online forums and social media platforms are abuzz with speculation about the lyrical themes and sonic landscapes that "It’s Been Awful" will explore. The track titles themselves, such as "Scared 2 Look Down," "Happy Hour," and "719 Freestyle," offer tantalizing hints at the personal narratives and introspective reflections that fans have come to expect from Rashad.
The inclusion of Julian Sintonia also suggests a commitment to fostering new talent, a practice that has been a hallmark of labels like TDE. This not only benefits the emerging artist but also signals Rashad’s broader influence within the industry and his role as a tastemaker.
Analyzing the Artistic Direction
The artistic inspirations cited by Rashad – OutKast, Prince, and Fousheé – point towards a project that aims for both sonic depth and emotional resonance. OutKast’s influence, particularly from albums like "Stankonia" and "The Love Below," suggests a willingness to experiment with genre-bending, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock into a hip-hop framework. Prince’s legacy, known for its genre fluidity, emotional vulnerability, and masterful musicianship, could translate into more intricate arrangements and deeply personal lyrical explorations. Fousheé’s raw, emotive vocal delivery and genre-defying sound might inform Rashad’s vocal performances and the overall atmospheric quality of the album.
The description of a "sultry southern mix" combined with "trunk-rattling" sounds directly nods to his Southern roots, promising a sound that is both grounded in tradition and forward-thinking. The emphasis on "tender intimacy" suggests that, alongside the more robust sonic elements, the album will also delve into deeply personal and vulnerable themes, a characteristic that has endeared Rashad to his fanbase.
Conclusion
Isaiah Rashad’s "It’s Been Awful" is shaping up to be a highly anticipated release, promising a rich tapestry of sound, emotion, and artistic collaboration. With a compelling tracklist featuring prominent artists and a clear articulation of his diverse inspirations, the album is poised to further cement Rashad’s status as a vital and evolving force in contemporary music. The May 1st release date marks the culmination of a period of intense creative development and anticipation, and fans are eagerly awaiting the full unveiling of what is sure to be a significant contribution to his discography.
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
