Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated forthcoming 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 effort, The House is Burning. The new album is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently debuted single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a carefully curated selection of guest appearances from some of the industry’s most compelling voices.
The confirmed collaborators on It’s Been Awful include frequent creative partner SZA, the genre-bending alt-pop star Dominic Fike, and rising artist Julian Sintonia. This assembly of talent underscores Rashad’s reputation for fostering unique musical collaborations and hints at the diverse sonic landscape of the album. The inclusion of SZA, in particular, continues a prolific and celebrated partnership, with their collaboration on "Boy in Red" marking their sixth joint venture. Their previous pairings, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently been highlights of Rashad’s discography, praised for their chemistry and emotional resonance.
It’s Been Awful is scheduled to drop on May 1st, distributed through TDE/Warner Records, a partnership that has been instrumental in amplifying Rashad’s distinctive artistry. The announcement has been met with considerable excitement from fans who have eagerly awaited new material from the Top Dawg Entertainment signee since his last full-length project.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist and Artistic Vision
The 16-song lineup for It’s Been Awful offers a glimpse into the thematic and sonic explorations Rashad has undertaken. The track titles themselves suggest a journey through introspection, vulnerability, and the complexities of lived experience.
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 "Same Sh!t" as a pre-release single signals a continuation of Rashad’s signature introspective and relatable lyricism. Its reception has been largely positive, with many fans highlighting its raw honesty and signature melodic flow. The anticipation for "Boy in Red," featuring SZA, is particularly high, given their established track record of creating impactful music together. Their collaborations often delve into themes of relationships, vulnerability, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with their respective fan bases.
Dominic Fike’s appearance on "Cameras" further broadens the album’s sonic palette. Fike, known for his genre-fluid approach and raw vocal delivery, is expected to bring a unique energy to the track, potentially blending elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop. The addition of Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" suggests a platform for emerging talent, a move consistent with Rashad’s history of championing artists with distinct voices.
Influences and Creative Evolution
In a candid conversation with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered significant insight into the creative forces shaping It’s Been Awful. He identified a diverse range of musical inspirations, including the pioneering sounds of OutKast, the singular artistry of Prince, and the soulful expressions of Fousheé. This eclectic mix points towards an album that aims to transcend conventional genre boundaries.
"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," Rashad stated, emphasizing the influence of contemporary artists who push creative envelopes. He also spoke of his deep engagement with Prince’s work, noting that "If I Was Your Girlfriend" had been a constant companion for several months. This suggests an exploration of themes related to intimacy, identity, and emotional complexity, often present in Prince’s most iconic songs.
Rashad’s admiration for OutKast, particularly their seminal albums Stankonia and The Love Below, indicates a desire to capture the innovative spirit and sonic adventurousness of these Atlanta legends. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he explained. This points to a project that might incorporate funk, soul, and experimental elements, moving beyond the more straightforward hip-hop structures of his previous work. The artist also expressed gratitude for the creative freedom afforded to him by Top Dawg, noting, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This suggests a collaborative environment that allowed for artistic experimentation.
The publication further elaborated on the album’s sound, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." This evocative description hints at a project that embraces the regional nuances of Southern hip-hop while simultaneously delving into deeply personal and introspective territory. The reported range of influences, from "twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south," paints a picture of a richly textured and sonically diverse album.
Context and Chronology of the Release
The announcement of It’s Been Awful arrives after a period of significant anticipation within the hip-hop community. Following the success of The House is Burning in 2021, which was lauded for its introspective themes and laid-back yet potent delivery, fans have been keenly awaiting Rashad’s next full-length statement. The House is Burning itself was a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus, solidifying Rashad’s position as a unique voice in contemporary hip-hop. The album received critical acclaim, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart and garnering praise for its cohesive artistry and emotional depth.
The period between albums has seen Rashad remain active through touring and select features, but the promise of a new body of work has remained a central point of discussion among his fanbase. The release of "Same Sh!t" served as the first official signal that It’s Been Awful was nearing completion, igniting further speculation and excitement.
The visual component of the album, its artwork, also plays a crucial role in setting the tone. While specific details of the artwork were not provided in the initial release, album art often serves as a visual extension of the music’s themes and aesthetic. For artists like Rashad, known for their evocative storytelling, the artwork is an integral part of the overall artistic package.
Broader Implications and Fan Reception
The release of It’s Been Awful holds significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career trajectory and the broader landscape of TDE’s artistic output. As one of the label’s most distinctive voices, Rashad’s ability to craft deeply personal and sonically adventurous music has earned him a devoted following. This new album presents an opportunity for him to further expand his artistic boundaries and potentially reach a wider audience.
The inclusion of established artists like SZA and Dominic Fike, alongside the promising Julian Sintonia, suggests a strategic approach to showcasing Rashad’s collaborative spirit and his ability to connect with diverse musical styles. This approach not only enriches the album but also provides valuable exposure for the featured artists.
Fan reactions to the tracklist reveal have been overwhelmingly positive across social media platforms. Hashtags related to Isaiah Rashad and the album title have trended, with users expressing their eagerness to hear the new material. Many have highlighted their excitement for the SZA collaboration, reminiscing about their previous successful pairings. The length of the album, 16 tracks, has also been a point of praise, with fans anticipating a substantial and immersive listening experience.
The context of It’s Been Awful also speaks to the evolving nature of hip-hop. Rashad’s willingness to draw inspiration from a wide array of genres and artists, and his focus on introspection and emotional depth, aligns with a growing trend within the genre towards more nuanced and multifaceted artistic expression. His Southern roots, blended with psychedelic and intimate elements, suggest a sound that is both regionally specific and universally resonant.
As May 1st approaches, the anticipation for It’s Been Awful continues to build, positioning it as one of the most eagerly awaited hip-hop releases of the spring. The album is poised to not only satisfy the existing fanbase but also to introduce Isaiah Rashad’s unique artistry to a new generation of listeners.
