Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated upcoming 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 release, The House is Burning. The forthcoming album is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t." The project also boasts a curated selection of collaborators, including a reunion with frequent partner SZA and an appearance from alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, alongside emerging artist Julian Sintonia.
A Star-Studded Collaboration List
The inclusion of SZA on the track "Boy in Red" signifies the continuation of a prolific and celebrated partnership between the two artists. This collaboration will mark their sixth joint effort, building upon a discography that includes fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." The pairing of Rashad and SZA has consistently resonated with audiences, highlighting a strong creative synergy that fans eagerly anticipate exploring further on this new project.
Dominic Fike, known for his genre-bending sound and growing popularity, is set to feature on the track "Cameras." This collaboration further signals Rashad’s willingness to explore diverse sonic landscapes and connect with artists from across the musical spectrum. Julian Sintonia, an up-and-coming artist, will also make an appearance on the track "Do I Look High?", suggesting Rashad’s commitment to elevating new talent within the hip-hop scene.
The Genesis of It’s Been Awful
The announcement of It’s Been Awful comes after a period of anticipation for new music from Isaiah Rashad. His previous album, The House is Burning, released in July 2021, was widely praised for its introspective lyricism, laid-back flow, and cohesive sonic identity. The album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 32,000 equivalent album units in its first week, demonstrating significant commercial and critical success. This followed a five-year hiatus after his 2016 debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, during which Rashad navigated personal challenges.
In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Rashad offered insights into the creative direction and inspirations behind It’s Been Awful. He cited a diverse range of artists as key influences, including the iconic Southern hip-hop duo OutKast, the legendary Prince, and the captivating Fousheé. Rashad specifically mentioned Prince’s track "If I Was Your Girlfriend" as being on constant rotation, indicating a deep dive into soulful and emotionally resonant music. He also highlighted the influence of Atlanta artists like PLUTO and BunnaB, suggesting a continued connection to his Southern roots and the vibrant Atlanta music scene.
Sonic Explorations and Influences
Rashad elaborated on the sonic tapestry he aimed to weave for It’s Been Awful, stating, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." This reference points to a desire to incorporate the experimental and genre-blending elements that characterized these seminal OutKast albums. Stankonia (2000) is renowned for its fusion of funk, rock, soul, and hip-hop, while The Love Below (2004) ventured into more pop and psychedelic territories. This suggests that It’s Been Awful may move beyond the purely introspective and laid-back sound of his previous work, embracing a broader and potentially more adventurous sonic palette.
The Tennessee native further described the album’s sound 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 evocative description hints at a rich and layered listening experience, blending regional influences with a personal and emotional core. The mention of "twangy rock" and "psychedelia" suggests potential sonic detours that could further distinguish this project from his previous releases.
Rashad also expressed gratitude for the creative freedom afforded to him on this project, noting, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement implies a collaborative process with his label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), and suggests that the label was supportive of Rashad’s artistic vision, allowing him the space to explore new creative avenues. Such artistic autonomy is often crucial for artists seeking to evolve and push their creative boundaries.
Release Details and Tracklist
It’s Been Awful is scheduled for release on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. The album’s artwork, which accompanies the tracklist reveal, is likely to offer visual cues to the themes and mood of the project. The full 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
Broader Context and Anticipation
The release of It’s Been Awful arrives at a significant point in Isaiah Rashad’s career. Following the widespread success and critical acclaim of The House is Burning, there is considerable anticipation for how he will build upon that momentum. His unique ability to blend raw honesty with smooth, melodic delivery has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and a reputation as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary hip-hop.
The inclusion of established artists like SZA and Dominic Fike, alongside emerging talent, signals Rashad’s continued influence and his role as a tastemaker. The tracklist itself, with its diverse song titles, suggests a narrative arc and thematic exploration that fans will be eager to unpack. The "719 Freestyle" at the end of the album could potentially offer a raw, unscripted glimpse into Rashad’s current state of mind or artistic process.
The release date of May 1 places It’s Been Awful within a competitive spring music release window. However, Rashad’s established fanbase and the buzz surrounding his previous work suggest that the album is poised to make a significant impact. The sonic descriptions provided by Rashad indicate a project that is both familiar and experimental, aiming to satisfy existing fans while also attracting new listeners. The journey to this album has been one of personal growth and artistic evolution, and It’s Been Awful promises to be a significant chapter in Isaiah Rashad’s ongoing musical narrative.
