Isaiah Rashad has unveiled the complete tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful, slated for release next month. This project marks a significant return for the Chattanooga-born rapper, serving as the official follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 LP, The House is Burning. The forthcoming album is an expansive 16-song collection, featuring the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and boasting a carefully curated selection of guest appearances from prominent artists in the contemporary music landscape.
The album’s supporting cast includes Grammy-winning superstar SZA, known for her soulful R&B and genre-bending artistry, and rising alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, who has carved out a unique niche with his blend of indie rock and hip-hop influences. Additionally, the tracklist features emerging artist Julian Sintonia, signaling Rashad’s continued support for burgeoning talent.
One of the most anticipated collaborations on It’s Been Awful is the track "Boy in Red," which reunites Isaiah Rashad with SZA. This marks the sixth time the two artists have collaborated, further solidifying their proven chemistry in the studio. Their previous joint efforts, 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 emotional depth and sonic synergy. The inclusion of "Boy in Red" suggests a continuation of this successful partnership, promising another compelling musical offering from the duo.
It’s Been Awful is officially scheduled for release on May 1st, distributed through TDE/Warner Records. The announcement comes after a period of anticipation from fans, who have eagerly awaited new material from Rashad since his last full-length project.
A Look at the Tracklist and Artwork
The revealed artwork for It’s Been Awful offers a visual prelude to the album’s thematic content, though specific interpretations remain open to the listener. The tracklist itself presents a diverse array of song titles, hinting at the multifaceted nature 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 "Same Sh!t" as a featured track signifies its role as a precursor to the album, offering fans a taste of the sonic direction Rashad is exploring. The song’s recent release has already generated considerable buzz, setting the stage for the full project. The presence of established artists like SZA and Dominic Fike alongside an emerging artist like Julian Sintonia on the tracklist indicates a balanced approach to collaboration, showcasing both seasoned talent and the promise of new voices.
Influences and Sonic Direction
In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad provided significant insight into the creative forces shaping It’s Been Awful. He cited a rich tapestry of musical inspirations, prominently featuring the pioneering sounds of OutKast, the innovative artistry of Prince, and the soulful expression of Fousheé.
"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," Rashad stated, highlighting the contemporary artist’s influence on his creative process. He also elaborated on his deep appreciation for Prince, noting, "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months." This dedication to Prince’s catalog suggests an exploration of themes related to intimacy, relationships, and musical experimentation that are characteristic of the legendary artist’s work.
Furthermore, Rashad pointed to specific albums by OutKast as key touchstones for It’s Been Awful. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he explained. These iconic albums from OutKast are celebrated for their genre-defying innovation, blending funk, rock, soul, and hip-hop with a distinctly Southern flair. This reference suggests that Rashad’s new album will likely incorporate a similar adventurous spirit and a strong regional identity. He also expressed gratitude for the creative freedom afforded to him, adding, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This implies a collaborative effort with his label, Top Dawg Entertainment, that prioritized artistic vision.
The Tennessee native further articulated the album’s sonic identity, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated on this multifaceted sound, stating that the project encompasses "Everything 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 that is both regionally rooted and sonically adventurous, capable of evoking a wide range of emotions and moods. The blend of "twangy rock and psychedelia" suggests a willingness to experiment beyond traditional hip-hop boundaries, while the "trunk-rattling" element points to the enduring influence of Southern bass music culture.
Context and Anticipation
The release of It’s Been Awful arrives after a significant period of creative development for Isaiah Rashad. Following the critical and commercial success of The House is Burning in 2021, which was hailed for its introspective lyrics, laid-back flow, and Southern-tinged production, fans have been keenly awaiting his next body of work. The House is Burning was seen as a triumphant return for Rashad, who had taken a hiatus from releasing music due to personal struggles, including battles with addiction. The album was lauded for its honesty and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners and solidifying his reputation as a significant voice in contemporary hip-hop.
The anticipation for It’s Been Awful is further amplified by Rashad’s established artistic reputation and his loyal fanbase. His music is often characterized by its authenticity, lyrical depth, and a distinctively Southern sonic palette that draws from a variety of influences, including soul, jazz, and funk. His ability to craft introspective narratives while maintaining a compelling rhythmic delivery has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
The announcement of the tracklist and guest features provides concrete details that fans can dissect and discuss, fueling the ongoing conversation around the album’s potential impact. The collaboration with SZA, in particular, is a significant draw, given their shared history of creating impactful songs. SZA’s own recent successes, including her chart-topping album SOS, have cemented her status as a dominant force in modern music, making any collaboration with her a noteworthy event. Similarly, Dominic Fike’s growing popularity and unique artistic sensibility suggest that his feature on "Cameras" could offer a compelling dynamic.
Broader Implications and Analysis
The unveiling of It’s Been Awful‘s tracklist and artwork signifies a pivotal moment in Isaiah Rashad’s career. It suggests a renewed commitment to his artistic output and a strategic approach to his musical releases. The album’s length, 16 tracks, indicates a desire to present a comprehensive artistic statement, allowing for a deeper exploration of themes and sonic landscapes.
The inclusion of established stars like SZA and Dominic Fike, alongside emerging talent, points to a thoughtful curation of features that aims to broaden the album’s appeal while remaining true to Rashad’s artistic vision. This strategy can help to introduce his music to new audiences while satisfying the expectations of his existing fanbase.
Furthermore, Rashad’s detailed explanations of his influences, particularly his references to OutKast’s Stankonia and The Love Below, suggest an ambition to create a project that pushes creative boundaries and contributes to the ongoing evolution of Southern hip-hop. These albums are celebrated for their experimental nature and their ability to seamlessly blend diverse genres, indicating that It’s Been Awful may be an equally ambitious undertaking.
The fact that Top Dawg Entertainment, Rashad’s label, reportedly made "compromises for the creativity" is a crucial detail. It suggests a supportive environment that prioritizes artistic integrity, a factor that is often essential for artists navigating the pressures of the music industry. This level of creative autonomy can lead to more authentic and impactful work.
The description of the album’s sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy" and encompassing "twangy rock and psychedelia" suggests a departure from, or at least an expansion upon, the sound of The House is Burning. This evolution in his sonic palette, coupled with the introspective lyrical themes he is known for, positions It’s Been Awful as a potentially significant release that could further solidify his artistic legacy and influence the direction of contemporary music. The album’s release on May 1st will undoubtedly be a key event in the hip-hop calendar, eagerly anticipated by critics and fans alike.
