Isaiah Rashad has unveiled the complete tracklist and official artwork for his highly anticipated forthcoming 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 successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 release, The House is Burning. The new album is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the previously released single "Same Sh!t." The project also boasts a carefully curated list of guest appearances, featuring a select but impactful ensemble of artists, including the Grammy-winning SZA and the burgeoning alt-pop star Dominic Fike, alongside emerging talent Julian Sintonia.
The inclusion of SZA on "Boy in Red" further solidifies their artistic synergy, marking their sixth collaboration. Their previous joint efforts, including "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score," have consistently resonated with fans, showcasing a chemistry that has become a hallmark of Rashad’s musical output. The announcement of It’s Been Awful has generated considerable excitement within the hip-hop community, with fans eagerly anticipating Rashad’s distinctive lyrical prowess and introspective storytelling. The album is scheduled to drop on May 1st under the TDE/Warner Records banner, promising a fresh chapter in the artist’s evolving career.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist and Collaborations
It’s Been Awful presents a meticulously crafted 16-song collection, offering a comprehensive sonic landscape. The tracklist reveals a thoughtful progression of themes and moods, from the evocative opener "The New Sublime" to the introspective closer "719 Freestyle." The inclusion of "Same Sh!t" as a lead single signals a continuation of Rashad’s raw and relatable lyrical approach, a characteristic that has endeared him to a devoted fanbase.
The collaborations on the album are particularly noteworthy. The pairing with SZA on "Boy in Red" is a significant highlight, building upon a proven track record of successful artistic interplay. SZA, a fellow artist under the Top Dawg Entertainment umbrella, has consistently demonstrated her versatility and emotional depth, making her contributions to Rashad’s work particularly impactful. Their combined ability to weave intricate narratives and create captivating melodies suggests that "Boy in Red" could be a standout track on the album.
Dominic Fike, known for his genre-bending sound that blends elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop, is featured on the track "Cameras." Fike’s inclusion hints at a potential exploration of diverse musical textures and a willingness by Rashad to experiment with different sonic palettes. His unique artistic perspective is likely to add an exciting dimension to the album.
The presence of Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" introduces an emerging artist into the mix. This collaboration underscores Rashad’s commitment to nurturing new talent and his willingness to integrate fresh voices into his projects. Sintonia’s inclusion suggests a potential for unexpected sonic explorations and a broader artistic vision for It’s Been Awful.
Context and Anticipation: The Journey to It’s Been Awful
The release of It’s Been Awful arrives after a period of significant anticipation, following the critical and commercial success of The House is Burning in 2021. That album marked a triumphant return for Rashad after a five-year hiatus, during which he openly discussed personal struggles and a period of creative reevaluation. The House is Burning was lauded for its mature lyricism, intricate production, and its ability to capture Rashad’s signature blend of vulnerability and resilience. The positive reception of The House is Burning set a high bar for any subsequent project, and fans have been eagerly awaiting further developments from the TDE artist.
Rashad has historically taken his time between projects, allowing for organic growth and creative development. This patient approach has often resulted in albums that feel deeply personal and meticulously crafted. The gap between albums, while sometimes a source of frustration for eager fans, has also contributed to the perception of Rashad as an artist who prioritizes artistic integrity over commercial expediency.
In a previous interview with VICE last year, Rashad offered insights into the creative process behind It’s Been Awful, revealing a diverse range of influences. He cited the pioneering work of OutKast, the legendary artistry of Prince, and the contemporary sounds of Fousheé as key inspirations. This eclectic mix suggests an album that may push sonic boundaries, drawing from various eras and genres.
His remarks about Prince, specifically mentioning having "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat, point towards an exploration of R&B and soul influences, often characterized by Prince’s innovative approach to songwriting and production. The mention of Fousheé, a rising artist known for her distinctive vocal style and genre-fluid sound, indicates a contemporary edge to Rashad’s creative palette. Furthermore, his reference to OutKast’s Stankonia and The Love Below suggests an embrace of funk, psychedelic, and genre-bending elements that have defined the iconic Atlanta duo’s most celebrated works.
Rashad’s description of the album’s sound as a “sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy” further elaborates on this stylistic fusion. He elaborated that the album encompasses everything from “twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south.” This multifaceted description hints at an album that is both sonically adventurous and deeply rooted in Southern musical traditions, a characteristic that has long been a hallmark of Rashad’s artistry.
The mention of "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one" suggests a collaborative and supportive environment within TDE, allowing Rashad the artistic freedom to realize his vision. This statement is a testament to the label’s commitment to fostering unique artistic voices.
Artwork and Release Details
Accompanying the tracklist reveal is the official artwork for It’s Been Awful. While specific details about the artwork’s symbolism or inspiration have not been fully disclosed, album art often serves as a visual narrative, offering a glimpse into the project’s themes and aesthetic. The visual presentation of It’s Been Awful is expected to align with the introspective and multifaceted nature of Rashad’s music.
The release date of May 1st places It’s Been Awful within a competitive landscape for new music, but Rashad’s established fanbase and critical acclaim suggest it will be a significant event for hip-hop enthusiasts. The partnership with TDE and Warner Records ensures a robust distribution and promotional strategy, aimed at reaching a wide audience.
The Broader Impact and Implications
The release of It’s Been Awful has several implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career and the broader hip-hop landscape. Firstly, it signifies a continued period of prolific output following a period of significant personal and professional reevaluation. His ability to return with a full-length project of this magnitude demonstrates resilience and a renewed commitment to his craft.
Secondly, the confirmed collaborations, particularly with SZA and Dominic Fike, highlight Rashad’s continued relevance and his ability to attract top-tier talent. These partnerships not only enhance the album’s appeal but also suggest a willingness to engage with contemporary sounds and artists, while remaining true to his own artistic identity.
Thirdly, the album’s sonic description, which includes influences ranging from rock and psychedelia to intimate R&B and Southern hip-hop, points towards a project that could push creative boundaries. If successful, It’s Been Awful could further solidify Rashad’s reputation as an artist who is unafraid to experiment and innovate within the hip-hop genre. This could inspire other artists to explore similar stylistic fusions and broaden the sonic palette of mainstream hip-hop.
Finally, the album’s title, It’s Been Awful, suggests a potential thematic exploration of past struggles, personal growth, and the journey towards healing. Rashad has been open about his past challenges, and the title itself implies a reflective and cathartic process that fans may connect with on a deeply personal level. The success of this album could be measured not only by its commercial performance but also by its ability to resonate emotionally with listeners and offer a sense of shared experience and understanding.
The anticipation for It’s Been Awful is palpable, with fans eager to experience the latest evolution of Isaiah Rashad’s artistry. The revealed tracklist and collaborations offer a compelling preview of what promises to be a significant and impactful release.
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
