Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the full tracklist and artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful, slated for release next month. This project marks the Tennessee rapper’s first full-length studio album since the critically acclaimed The House is Burning in 2021, a hiatus that has left fans eager for new material. The upcoming album is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, including the recently released single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a curated selection of guest appearances from prominent artists in the music landscape.
Star-Studded Collaboration and Long-Awaited Partnerships
It’s Been Awful will include contributions from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter SZA and the burgeoning alt-pop star Dominic Fike. The inclusion of SZA is particularly noteworthy, extending a prolific and celebrated artistic partnership between the two. Their collaboration on "Boy in Red" 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" from Rashad’s previous works. This consistent creative synergy has solidified their status as one of hip-hop’s most potent lyrical and melodic duos.
Dominic Fike, known for his genre-bending sound and mainstream success, is also set to feature on a track titled "Cameras." This collaboration signals a potential exploration of new sonic territories for Rashad, blending his signature introspective flow with Fike’s eclectic artistry. The album also introduces newcomer Julian Sintonia, who is credited on the track "Do I Look High?", hinting at Rashad’s continued commitment to nurturing emerging talent within the industry.
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 scheduled for release on May 1st under the TDE/Warner Records imprint, a partnership that has consistently supported Rashad’s distinctive artistic vision.
Artistic Influences and Sonic Direction
In a candid interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered a glimpse into the creative wellsprings that have informed 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 emerging Atlanta artist Fousheé.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé’s influence, stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." He further elaborated on his admiration for Prince’s catalog, noting, "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months." The rapper also credited two Atlanta-based artists, PLUTO and BunnaB, for their impact on the latter stages of the album’s development.
The influence of OutKast, particularly their seminal albums Stankonia and The Love Below, appears to be a significant sonic touchstone for this project. Rashad remarked, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." This suggests a deliberate move towards a more experimental and eclectic sound, potentially incorporating funk, soul, and psychedelic elements that characterized those landmark albums.
Furthermore, Rashad described the album’s overall sound as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated on this description, indicating that the project would encompass a wide spectrum of musical styles, from "twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This multifaceted approach promises a rich and varied listening experience, reflective of Rashad’s diverse influences and his deep roots in Southern culture. The rapper also expressed gratitude towards Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) for allowing creative flexibility on this project, stating, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it."
Background and Chronology
The anticipation for It’s Been Awful has been building for a considerable period. Following the widespread critical and commercial success of The House is Burning, which arrived after a five-year hiatus since his debut studio album Cilvia Demo, fans have been keenly awaiting Rashad’s next musical chapter. The House is Burning was lauded for its raw vulnerability, intricate lyricism, and cohesive sonic identity, solidifying Rashad’s position as a unique voice in contemporary hip-hop.
The release of "Same Sh!t" served as the first official single from It’s Been Awful, offering listeners a preview of the album’s direction. The track, characterized by Rashad’s signature laid-back yet potent delivery, garnered significant attention and further fueled speculation about the album’s overall sound and thematic content.
While the exact timeline of the album’s creation remains private, the announcement of its tracklist and artwork suggests a well-developed project ready for public consumption. The inclusion of SZA and Dominic Fike hints at a collaborative process that may have spanned several months, allowing for the refinement of featured verses and the integration of their artistic contributions. The confirmed release date of May 1st provides a definitive endpoint to the waiting period, allowing fans to mark their calendars for what is shaping up to be a significant release.
Broader Impact and Implications
The release of It’s Been Awful carries significant implications for both Isaiah Rashad’s career and the broader hip-hop landscape. For Rashad, this album represents an opportunity to build upon the momentum generated by The House is Burning and further solidify his artistic legacy. His distinctive blend of introspection, Southern charm, and musical experimentation has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. A successful release could see him reach new commercial heights while maintaining his artistic integrity.
The inclusion of prominent collaborators like SZA and Dominic Fike also signals Rashad’s growing influence and his ability to attract top-tier talent. Their involvement not only amplifies the album’s appeal but also suggests a mutual respect and admiration for Rashad’s artistry within the industry. The continued collaboration with SZA, in particular, is a testament to their enduring creative chemistry and its appeal to a wide audience.
From a stylistic perspective, Rashad’s declared inspiration from OutKast’s more eclectic work could signal a trend towards genre-bending and experimental sounds within mainstream hip-hop. As artists increasingly seek to push creative boundaries, Rashad’s willingness to explore diverse influences and sonic palettes could inspire a new wave of artists to do the same. The "sultry southern mix" he describes also points to a potential resurgence or evolution of Southern hip-hop aesthetics, moving beyond established tropes to embrace more nuanced and sophisticated sonic textures.
The long gap between The House is Burning and It’s Been Awful also highlights the challenges and realities of album creation in the modern music industry. The period between releases can be influenced by various factors, including personal well-being, label support, and the creative process itself. Rashad’s open acknowledgment of the difficulties he has faced, even referencing the album title itself, suggests a deeply personal and cathartic artistic journey that fans will undoubtedly connect with. The successful culmination of this process into a fully realized album is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft. The industry will be watching to see how It’s Been Awful resonates with audiences and critics, and whether it further cements Isaiah Rashad’s status as one of contemporary hip-hop’s most compelling storytellers.