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 moment for fans, serving as the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, The House is Burning. The expansive 16-song collection includes the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and features a carefully curated, yet undeniably potent, roster of collaborators. Among the notable guests are frequent artistic partner SZA, the versatile alt-pop artist Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia, signaling a diverse sonic palette for the Chattanooga rapper.
A Deep Dive into the "It’s Been Awful" Tracklist
The 16-song lineup for It’s Been Awful offers a tantalizing glimpse into the musical journey Rashad has embarked upon. The inclusion of "Same Sh!t" as a lead single signals a continuation of his signature introspective and often melancholic lyrical style, a hallmark that has garnered him a dedicated fanbase. The anticipation surrounding the album has been building, particularly due to the strong collaborative efforts teased.
One of the most significant features is the reunion with SZA on the track "Boy in Red." This pairing continues a streak of successful collaborations that have become a defining element of both artists’ discographies. Their previous joint efforts, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently resonated with audiences, blending Rashad’s raw lyricism with SZA’s ethereal vocals. The addition of "Boy in Red" to this esteemed collection suggests another chapter in their fruitful artistic partnership, likely exploring themes of love, vulnerability, or complex relationships, common threads in their previous work.
Dominic Fike’s appearance on "Cameras" further broadens the album’s appeal, bridging Rashad’s Southern hip-hop roots with Fike’s genre-bending approach that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and indie. This collaboration hints at a potential exploration of contemporary themes and a willingness to experiment with diverse musical textures. The inclusion of Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" introduces a fresh voice to the project, potentially offering a new perspective or an injection of raw, unpolished talent that Rashad often champions.
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
The album is officially scheduled for release on May 1st, distributed through TDE/Warner Records, an imprint that has consistently supported Rashad’s artistic vision.
A Look Back: The Journey to It’s Been Awful
The release of It’s Been Awful arrives after a significant period of anticipation, with The House is Burning having dropped in July 2021. That album itself was a triumphant return for Rashad, following a hiatus that left fans eager for new material. The House is Burning was widely praised for its cohesive narrative, introspective lyrics, and diverse sonic influences, solidifying Rashad’s position as a unique voice in contemporary hip-hop. It debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 26,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, demonstrating the strong demand for his artistry.
The intervening years have been marked by a period of personal reflection and creative incubation for Rashad. While details about the specific circumstances leading to the album’s title remain private, the phrase "It’s Been Awful" itself suggests a period of significant emotional or psychological challenge. This vulnerability has often been a cornerstone of Rashad’s appeal, allowing listeners to connect with his authentic portrayal of life’s struggles and triumphs. His willingness to confront difficult themes in his music has earned him a reputation for profound honesty and artistic integrity.
Sonic Inspirations and Creative Direction
In a previous interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered insights into the creative forces shaping It’s Been Awful. He cited a diverse range of influences, including the legendary Southern hip-hop duo OutKast, the iconic Prince, and the contemporary R&B artist Fousheé. This eclectic mix points towards an album that aims to push sonic boundaries while remaining grounded in a distinct Southern aesthetic.
Rashad’s admiration for Fousheé was particularly emphasized, with him stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." This suggests an influence that may manifest in the album’s vocal delivery, lyrical introspection, or experimental production. His ongoing appreciation for Prince is evident in his mention of having "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat for months, hinting at a possible exploration of Prince’s fluid approach to genre and emotional expression.
Furthermore, Rashad’s connection to OutKast’s discography, specifically Stankonia and The Love Below, indicates a desire to capture the innovative spirit and genre-defying experimentation that characterized those landmark albums. This suggests a potential fusion of funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop elements, a sonic tapestry that has long been a hallmark of Southern music. He also expressed gratitude for the creative freedom afforded to him, noting, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it," implying a collaborative environment that allowed for artistic exploration.
The Tennessee native further elaborated on the album’s sonic identity, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." This evocative description promises a blend of raw, earthy sounds with a more personal and emotionally resonant quality. The publication also noted that the album’s soundscapes would encompass "everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This multifaceted approach suggests that It’s Been Awful will be a rich and varied listening experience, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Broader Impact and Fan Expectations
The anticipation for It’s Been Awful extends beyond just the promise of new music; it represents a significant cultural moment for fans of Isaiah Rashad and the broader landscape of conscious hip-hop. His ability to articulate complex emotions and societal observations through his music has cultivated a devoted following that eagerly awaits his next artistic statement. The album’s title, while hinting at personal struggles, also suggests a cathartic release and a testament to resilience, themes that often resonate deeply with audiences.
The confirmed features on the album are also a significant talking point. SZA’s consistent ability to deliver chart-topping hits and critical acclaim, coupled with Dominic Fike’s growing influence in the pop and alternative music scenes, positions It’s Been Awful for broad commercial appeal. The inclusion of emerging artist Julian Sintonia underscores Rashad’s commitment to nurturing new talent and his keen ear for promising artists.
The success of The House is Burning set a high bar, and the early indications suggest that It’s Been Awful is poised to meet, if not exceed, those expectations. The album’s release is likely to spark further discussions about Rashad’s artistic evolution, his lyrical prowess, and his unique place within the contemporary music industry. As the release date approaches, fans will be eager to dissect the lyrical content, production choices, and the overall narrative arc of this highly anticipated project. The journey from The House is Burning to It’s Been Awful represents not just a new chapter in Rashad’s career, but a potentially pivotal moment in his artistic development.
