Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the tracklist and album artwork for his highly anticipated new project, "It’s Been Awful," slated for release next month. This forthcoming album marks a significant moment for the Chattanooga-bred artist, serving as the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, "The House Is Burning." "It’s Been Awful" is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a curated selection of guest appearances from a constellation of notable artists.
A Star-Studded Collaboration List
The album’s supporting cast is as impressive as it is selective, featuring a mix of established stars and rising talents. Among the confirmed collaborators are frequent artistic partner SZA, the acclaimed alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging artist Julian Sintonia. This strategic selection of features suggests a deliberate curation of sounds and perspectives, aimed at amplifying Rashad’s unique artistic vision.
The collaboration with SZA on the track "Boy in Red" is particularly noteworthy. This pairing marks the sixth time the two artists have joined forces, underscoring a deeply resonant creative chemistry. Their previous collaborations, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently resonated with fans and critics alike, solidifying their status as a formidable duo in contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The anticipation for "Boy in Red" is therefore exceptionally high, with many expecting it to build upon the successful foundation of their past work.
Dominic Fike’s inclusion on the track "Cameras" also signals an exciting convergence of distinct musical styles. Fike, known for his genre-bending approach that blends rock, pop, and hip-hop influences, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Rashad’s introspective soundscape. The collaboration with Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" introduces a newer voice to the project, hinting at Rashad’s willingness to foster and showcase emerging talent.
Release Details and Album Artwork
"It’s Been Awful" is officially scheduled for release on May 1, distributed through TDE/Warner Records. The announcement was accompanied by the unveiling of the album’s artwork, a visual component that often provides early clues into the project’s thematic direction and aesthetic. While the specifics of the artwork’s symbolism are open to interpretation, its release alongside the tracklist has generated considerable buzz within the music community.
Genesis of "It’s Been Awful": A Deeper Dive
The journey to "It’s Been Awful" has been a gradual unfolding for Isaiah Rashad, marked by a period of introspection and creative exploration following the success of "The House Is Burning." In a candid interview with VICE conducted last year, Rashad offered insights into the diverse influences shaping his upcoming work. He cited a rich tapestry of musical inspirations, including the groundbreaking sounds of OutKast, the innovative artistry of Prince, and the compelling work of Fousheé.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé as a primary muse for the project. "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," he stated, indicating a significant impact from the artist’s unique sonic palette and lyrical approach. His admiration for Prince was also evident, with Rashad revealing that he had "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat for an extended period, suggesting a deep engagement with Prince’s exploration of emotional intimacy and sonic experimentation. He also credited two Atlanta-based artists, PLUTO and BunnaB, for their contributions to his creative process during the latter stages of the album’s development.
The influence of OutKast, particularly their seminal albums "Stankonia" and "The Love Below," was also a key talking point. Rashad expressed a desire to capture the expansive and genre-defying spirit of these iconic records. He further elaborated on the creative liberties afforded to him on this project, noting, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement suggests a collaborative effort with his label, Top Dawg Entertainment, that prioritized artistic freedom and allowed Rashad to fully explore his creative impulses.
Sonic Landscape: A Sultry Southern Fusion
The sonic direction of "It’s Been Awful" has been described by Rashad as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." This description hints at a rich and layered soundscape that draws from the diverse musical traditions of the American South. The album is expected to traverse a wide spectrum of genres, incorporating elements of "twangy rock and psychedelia," alongside moments of "tender intimacy" and the "trunk-rattling" basslines characteristic of Southern hip-hop. This multifaceted approach suggests an album that is both deeply personal and broadly appealing, capable of resonating with a wide range of listeners.
The Legacy of "The House Is Burning" and Anticipation for a New Era
"The House Is Burning," released in July 2021, was a triumphant return for Isaiah Rashad after a five-year hiatus. The album was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its introspective lyrics, smooth production, and Rashad’s signature laid-back yet profound delivery. It solidified his position as a significant voice in contemporary hip-hop, known for his ability to weave narratives of struggle, resilience, and personal growth. The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 27,000 equivalent album units in its first week. This commercial success, coupled with the overwhelmingly positive critical reception, set a high bar for any subsequent project.
The anticipation for "It’s Been Awful" is amplified by this established legacy. Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material from Rashad, and the reveal of the tracklist and features has only intensified the excitement. The album’s title, "It’s Been Awful," carries a weight of emotional resonance, suggesting a project that delves into challenging experiences and personal reflections. This introspective quality, a hallmark of Rashad’s artistry, is likely to be a central theme throughout the album.
The Broader Implications for TDE and the Hip-Hop Landscape
The release of "It’s Been Awful" is also significant for Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), a label renowned for its consistent output of high-quality music and its nurturing of unique artistic talent. Following the immense success of Kendrick Lamar’s final album with the label, "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," and SZA’s chart-topping "SOS," the addition of a new Isaiah Rashad project further solidifies TDE’s position as a powerhouse in the music industry. The label’s commitment to fostering individual artistic visions, as evidenced by Rashad’s comments about creative compromises, is a key factor in its enduring success.
Furthermore, "It’s Been Awful" arrives at a time when the hip-hop landscape is continuously evolving. Rashad’s ability to blend introspective lyricism with diverse sonic influences positions him as an artist capable of pushing creative boundaries. The album’s exploration of various musical textures and thematic depths could serve as an influential marker for other artists navigating the complexities of contemporary music creation. The project’s success or reception could also signal shifts in audience preferences, highlighting a continued appreciation for authentic storytelling and genre-bending experimentation within hip-hop.
Tracklist for "It’s Been Awful":
- 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 unveiling of this tracklist, coupled with the artist’s insightful commentary on his inspirations and creative process, paints a vivid picture of an artist poised to deliver a deeply personal and sonically adventurous body of work. As May 1 approaches, the music world eagerly awaits the full realization of Isaiah Rashad’s vision on "It’s Been Awful."
