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 rapper, serving as the long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 album, The House is Burning. The forthcoming record is set to feature a robust 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a carefully curated selection of guest appearances from some of the music industry’s most compelling artists.
A Star-Studded Collaboration List
The tracklist for It’s Been Awful reveals a concise yet impactful list of collaborators, underscoring Rashad’s artistic vision. Among the featured artists are his frequent and celebrated collaborator SZA, the genre-bending alt-pop star Dominic Fike, and the promising up-and-comer Julian Sintonia. This selection suggests a blend of established artistic chemistry and fresh sonic exploration.
The collaboration with SZA, titled "Boy in Red," is particularly noteworthy. This track will extend the prolific artistic partnership between Rashad and SZA, marking their sixth joint effort. Their previous collaborations, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently been highlights of their respective projects, known for their intricate lyrical exchanges and evocative production. The addition of "Boy in Red" further solidifies their status as one of contemporary R&B and hip-hop’s most dynamic duos.
Dominic Fike’s inclusion on the track "Cameras" also points towards a potential fusion of styles, as Fike is known for his eclectic approach to music, often blending elements of rock, pop, and hip-hop. Julian Sintonia’s feature on "Do I Look High?" introduces a new voice to Rashad’s established audience, hinting at the album’s willingness to embrace emerging talent and diverse sonic palettes.
The Genesis of It’s Been Awful
The announcement of It’s Been Awful follows a period of significant anticipation from fans. The House is Burning, released in July 2021, was met with widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, re-establishing Rashad as a prominent voice in hip-hop. Its introspective themes, laid-back yet intricate production, and Rashad’s signature Southern-infused flow resonated deeply with listeners, leading to a surge in his popularity and renewed critical attention. The subsequent release of new material has been eagerly awaited, with It’s Been Awful poised to continue this momentum.
The title itself, It’s Been Awful, suggests a deeply personal and potentially cathartic artistic statement. While Rashad has not explicitly detailed the lyrical themes of the album, his past work has often explored personal struggles, mental health, and the complexities of life in the South. The title may allude to a period of introspection and difficult experiences that have shaped the creative output of this new project.
A Glimpse into Sonic Inspirations
In a previous interview with VICE, Isaiah Rashad offered a compelling insight into the diverse influences that have shaped the sound of It’s Been Awful. He cited a rich tapestry of musical giants, including OutKast, Prince, and Fousheé, as key inspirations. This eclectic mix signals an ambitious artistic direction for the album.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé’s influence, stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." He also shared his deep appreciation for Prince, mentioning that he had "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat for an extended period. This indicates a dive into R&B and soul-inflected sounds, characterized by emotional depth and musical experimentation. Furthermore, Rashad pointed to two individuals from Atlanta, PLUTO and BunnaB, as significant inspirations for the latter half of the project, suggesting a continued connection to the vibrant Southern music scene.
The rapper’s acknowledgment of OutKast’s seminal albums, Stankonia and The Love Below, is particularly significant. These albums are celebrated for their genre-defying creativity, pushing the boundaries of hip-hop with elements of funk, rock, and pop. Rashad’s intention to draw from these works suggests an album that aims for a similar level of innovation and sonic adventurousness. His appreciation for the creative freedom granted by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) also indicates a collaborative environment that fostered his artistic exploration.
The description of the album’s sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy" further paints a picture of a multifaceted listening experience. Rashad alluded to a sonic landscape that encompasses "everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This suggests a sophisticated blend of regional flavors, experimental textures, and heartfelt lyrical expression, promising an album that is both grounded in its Southern roots and expansive in its musical reach.
Release Details and Anticipated Impact
It’s Been Awful is scheduled for release on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. This release date places it within a competitive period for new music, but Rashad’s established fanbase and the buzz surrounding his return are likely to ensure significant attention. The visual identity of the album, revealed through its artwork, will also play a role in its reception, offering a first impression of its thematic and aesthetic direction.
The album’s success could have several implications. For Isaiah Rashad, it represents an opportunity to solidify his position as a leading artist in contemporary hip-hop, showcasing artistic growth and continued relevance. For TDE, it continues their track record of developing and promoting highly regarded artists. For the broader hip-hop landscape, the release of It’s Been Awful is an eagerly anticipated event that promises to deliver the distinctive lyrical prowess and sonic innovation that fans have come to expect from the Chattanooga rapper. The collaboration with established stars like SZA and Dominic Fike also hints at the album’s potential to crossover to wider audiences and further broaden Rashad’s appeal. The inclusion of emerging artist Julian Sintonia also speaks to a commitment to nurturing new talent within the genre.
Tracklist Breakdown
The full tracklist for It’s Been Awful 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
This comprehensive list of 16 tracks provides a substantial body of work for fans to delve into. The inclusion of "Same Sh!t" as a pre-released single offers a taste of the album’s sonic direction and lyrical themes. The song titles themselves hint at a range of moods and narratives, from introspective reflections to more assertive declarations. The "719 Freestyle" at the end of the album suggests a potential for raw, uninhibited expression, a common feature in many hip-hop projects that allows artists to showcase their improvisational skills and deliver a final, impactful statement.
The artistic choices in the tracklist, from the sequencing to the featured artists, suggest a carefully constructed narrative and a cohesive artistic vision. The album’s release is poised to be a significant moment in the hip-hop calendar, offering a fresh perspective from one of the genre’s most respected voices.
