Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the 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-bred artist, serving as the long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, The House is Burning. The forthcoming album is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a carefully curated selection of guest appearances from a small but potent roster of acclaimed artists.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
The guest list for It’s Been Awful includes frequent and celebrated collaborator SZA, the genre-bending alt-pop star Dominic Fike, and the emerging talent Julian Sintonia. This assembly of artists suggests a diverse sonic palette and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries within Rashad’s signature sound.
The collaboration with SZA, in particular, is a significant point of interest for fans. The track "Boy in Red" will mark the sixth time the two artists have joined forces. 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 continuation of this partnership on It’s Been Awful signals a deepening of their musical relationship and a reliable source of compelling artistry for listeners.
Album Details and Release Information
It’s Been Awful is scheduled to be released on May 1st through Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Warner Records. The album’s title itself, It’s Been Awful, hints at a potential exploration of personal struggles, growth, and perhaps catharsis, themes that have often resonated throughout Rashad’s discography. The artwork, which has also been revealed, offers a visual prelude to the album’s thematic content, though specific interpretations remain open to the listener.
The 16-song tracklist is as follows:
- 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-released single provides an early glimpse into the album’s sonic direction. The track has been met with positive reception, further building anticipation for the full project. The feature from Dominic Fike on "Cameras" also promises an intriguing blend of their distinct styles, potentially bridging Rashad’s Southern rap roots with Fike’s more experimental, genre-fluid approach.
Artistic Influences and Sonic Direction
In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered valuable insights into the creative forces shaping 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 contemporary artist Fousheé.
"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," Rashad stated in the interview. "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months. Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB." This highlights a deliberate effort to draw from a spectrum of musicality, from R&B and funk influences to contemporary sounds emanating from the Atlanta scene.
Rashad further elaborated on his engagement with OutKast’s expansive catalog, noting a particular connection to their seminal albums Stankonia and The Love Below. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he explained. This suggests an incorporation of the genre-bending experimentation and thematic depth that defined those projects, potentially indicating a more adventurous and multifaceted sound for It’s Been Awful.
The Tennessee native also provided a descriptive overview of the album’s intended sound, characterizing it as "a sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated, "Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This rich tapestry of influences and sonic textures points towards an album that aims to be both deeply personal and broadly resonant, capturing the nuances of Southern culture while exploring universal themes of emotion and experience.
Context and Significance of the Release
The release of It’s Been Awful arrives at a crucial juncture in Isaiah Rashad’s career. His previous album, The House is Burning, released in July 2021, was a significant moment for the artist, marking his first full-length project in five years. That album was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its introspective lyrics, cohesive production, and Rashad’s distinctive vocal delivery. It solidified his position as a unique voice in contemporary hip-hop, known for his ability to blend vulnerability with a laid-back yet impactful flow.
The hiatus between albums was marked by public discussions about Rashad’s personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse and mental health challenges. These experiences have often informed his music, lending it a raw authenticity that resonates deeply with his fanbase. The title It’s Been Awful could therefore be interpreted as a direct acknowledgment of these past difficulties, with the album serving as a testament to his resilience and journey toward healing.
The involvement of TDE, a label renowned for fostering the careers of artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, provides a strong platform for Rashad’s latest work. TDE’s track record of supporting artistic integrity and pushing creative boundaries aligns with Rashad’s own artistic ethos. The partnership with Warner Records further broadens the potential reach of the album, suggesting a significant marketing and distribution effort behind its release.
Anticipation and Fan Engagement
Fans have been eagerly awaiting new music from Isaiah Rashad since the success of The House is Burning. The announcement of It’s Been Awful, along with the release of "Same Sh!t," has generated considerable excitement across social media and music forums. The tracklist’s reveal, featuring prominent artists like SZA and Dominic Fike, has only amplified this anticipation, with many speculating about the lyrical themes and sonic collaborations that will define the project.
The detailed tracklist provides a roadmap for the album’s journey, with titles like "Scared 2 Look Down" and "719 Freestyle" hinting at introspection and raw expression. The inclusion of "Cameras" featuring Dominic Fike and "Boy in Red" with SZA are particularly highlighted by fans as potential standout tracks. The overarching narrative hinted at by the album’s title and Rashad’s previous statements suggests a project that is deeply personal, offering a window into his experiences and evolution.
Broader Implications for the Music Landscape
The release of It’s Been Awful has the potential to further solidify Isaiah Rashad’s status as a significant artist in the contemporary music scene. His ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, coupled with his unique sonic identity, has garnered him a dedicated following and critical respect. The album’s success could also have a ripple effect, influencing emerging artists and underscoring the enduring appeal of introspective and genre-fluid hip-hop.
Furthermore, the collaboration with artists like SZA and Dominic Fike highlights a trend in the music industry where established artists are increasingly open to cross-genre collaborations, fostering a more dynamic and innovative artistic landscape. The success of such projects can pave the way for future collaborations that push the boundaries of musical expression.
As May 1st approaches, the music world will be watching closely to see how It’s Been Awful is received. Based on Rashad’s past work, the strength of his collaborators, and the intriguing hints provided about his artistic direction, the album is poised to be a significant release, offering a compelling narrative of personal growth and artistic evolution from one of hip-hop’s most compelling voices. The journey through these 16 tracks promises to be an intimate and sonically rich experience, reflecting the "awful" moments that have shaped the artist and the profound strength found in overcoming them.
