Reynand Wu
Critically acclaimed rapper Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the comprehensive tracklist and accompanying artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful, ahead of its scheduled release next month. The forthcoming project, which marks a significant return for the Chattanooga, Tennessee native, serves as the long-awaited successor to his 2021 offering, The House Is Burning. Spanning 16 tracks, the album includes the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and features a curated selection of guest artists, notably Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmate SZA, alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia. The revelation of these details has ignited considerable excitement among fans and critics alike, who have eagerly awaited new material from the artist known for his introspective lyricism and distinct Southern sound.
Album Details and Release Information
It’s Been Awful is slated for release on May 1, a collaborative effort between TDE and Warner Records. The album’s title itself, "It’s Been Awful," suggests a deeply personal and potentially cathartic exploration of themes, a characteristic hallmark of Rashad’s previous work. The album artwork, while not explicitly detailed in its thematic nuances, typically plays a crucial role in conveying the overarching mood and message of Rashad’s projects. Given the title, one might anticipate imagery that reflects introspection, resilience, or the raw emotional landscape that has often defined his artistry. The 16-song tracklist indicates a substantial body of work, allowing Rashad ample space to delve into the narrative threads suggested by the album’s title and his previous statements about its sonic direction. This project is not merely a collection of songs but is poised to be a significant artistic statement following a period of both professional success and personal challenges for the artist.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist
The 16-track compilation showcases a blend of solo efforts and carefully selected collaborations, each positioned to contribute to the album’s narrative and sonic diversity. The lead single, "Same Sh!t," released prior to the full tracklist reveal, has already provided a glimpse into the album’s potential tone and lyrical depth. Its inclusion as the third track suggests a deliberate sequencing, perhaps setting a foundation before the introduction of featured artists. The tracklist features several intriguing titles that hint at the thematic content, from the contemplative "The New Sublime" and "Scared 2 Look Down" to the more assertive "Ain’t Givin’ Up" and "Act Normal." The closing track, "719 Freestyle," typically implies a raw, unfiltered expression, potentially serving as a powerful bookend to the album’s journey.
The Enduring Partnership: Isaiah Rashad and SZA
One of the most anticipated collaborations on It’s Been Awful is undoubtedly "Boy in Red," featuring Grammy-winning R&B superstar SZA. This track marks the sixth official collaboration between Isaiah Rashad and SZA, solidifying their prolific and critically acclaimed partnership. Their shared history within Top Dawg Entertainment has fostered a unique creative synergy that has consistently produced fan-favorite tracks.
Their collaborative journey began with "West Savannah" from Rashad’s debut studio album, Cilvia Demo (2014). This early track showcased a natural chemistry, with SZA’s ethereal vocals providing a soulful counterpoint to Rashad’s laid-back yet potent delivery. Following this, "Ronnie Drake," also from Cilvia Demo, further cemented their artistic bond, becoming a standout track that highlighted their complementary styles.
The partnership continued to flourish on Rashad’s second studio album, The Sun’s Tirade (2016), with the standout track "Stuck in the Mud." This song, a fan favorite, exemplified their ability to craft atmospheric and emotionally resonant pieces, with SZA’s contribution elevating the track’s introspective mood. Her appearance on "Pretty Little Birds" from SZA’s own seminal album Ctrl (2017) demonstrated the reciprocal nature of their artistic relationship, with Rashad lending his distinctive flow to her critically lauded project. Most recently, they reunited on "Score" from The House Is Burning (2021), a track that received widespread praise for its seamless blend of their individual strengths, further proving their enduring creative connection.
The consistent quality and emotional depth of their previous collaborations set a high bar for "Boy in Red." Fans can anticipate another compelling interaction between Rashad’s candid storytelling and SZA’s evocative vocalizations, likely exploring themes of vulnerability, relationships, or personal reflection, which are common threads in both artists’ repertoires. This track is expected to be a major highlight, drawing attention not only to It’s Been Awful but also reaffirming the strength of one of TDE’s most beloved artistic pairings.
New Collaborations: Dominic Fike and Julian Sintonia
Beyond the established synergy with SZA, It’s Been Awful introduces new collaborative dynamics with Dominic Fike and Julian Sintonia. Dominic Fike, an artist who has garnered significant attention for his genre-bending sound that incorporates elements of indie rock, pop, and hip-hop, features on the track "Cameras." Fike’s distinct vocal style and eclectic musical approach could introduce a fresh sonic texture to Rashad’s typically Southern-infused sound, potentially pushing the boundaries of Rashad’s established aesthetic. This collaboration suggests Rashad’s willingness to experiment and broaden his artistic palette, possibly appealing to a wider audience while retaining his core identity.
Julian Sintonia, an up-and-coming artist, joins Rashad on "Do I Look High?" The inclusion of newer talent often indicates an artist’s desire to spotlight emerging voices or to find fresh perspectives that align with their current creative vision. While less widely known than Fike, Sintonia’s involvement could offer a unique, perhaps raw or experimental, contribution to the album, reflecting Rashad’s discerning ear for authentic talent. These new collaborations are crucial for demonstrating Rashad’s artistic evolution and his continued relevance in a dynamic musical landscape.
Sonic Tapestry: Inspirations and Thematic Exploration
In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad provided invaluable insights into the artistic inspirations and sonic direction of It’s Been Awful. His references underscore a deliberate effort to craft a project that is both deeply personal and musically expansive. Rashad cited a diverse array of influences, including contemporary artists Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB, alongside legendary figures like Prince and iconic hip-hop duo OutKast.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé as "the biggest inspiration," suggesting an admiration for her unique blend of R&B, rock, and alternative sounds. This influence could manifest in the album’s vocal textures, experimental arrangements, or lyrical candor. His repeated listening to Prince’s "If I Was Your Girlfriend" for "2-3 months" points to a deep engagement with the themes of intimacy, gender roles, and emotional complexity, potentially informing the album’s lyrical content and its "deep sense of intimacy." The mention of Atlanta artists PLUTO and BunnaB indicates Rashad’s continued connection to the vibrant Southern music scene and an openness to new, perhaps unconventional, sounds emerging from his regional roots.
Crucially, Rashad stated, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." This is a profound declaration, as Stankonia is revered for its genre-bending experimentalism, socially conscious lyrics, and sonic adventurousness, while The Love Below (André 3000’s half of the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album) is celebrated for its eclectic fusion of R&B, funk, jazz, and pop, showcasing a radical departure from traditional hip-hop. Emulating these albums suggests It’s Been Awful will be a project unafraid of sonic exploration, incorporating diverse musical elements and pushing Rashad’s artistic boundaries.
He further elaborated on the album’s sound, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy. Everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This vivid description paints a picture of a multifaceted album that weaves together disparate genres. "Sultry southern mix" speaks to his foundational hip-hop and R&B roots, while "twangy rock and psychedelia" hint at guitar-driven elements, atmospheric soundscapes, and perhaps a departure from traditional boom-bap or trap aesthetics. The "deep sense of intimacy" and "tender intimacy" underscore the personal and vulnerable nature of the lyrics, a characteristic that has always resonated deeply with his fanbase. Finally, "trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south" assures listeners that despite the experimentation, the album will retain a powerful, bass-heavy foundation rooted in Southern hip-hop tradition.
Rashad also revealed that Top Dawg (TDE CEO Anthony Tiffith) "made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement is significant, suggesting that Rashad was given considerable artistic freedom to pursue his vision, potentially exploring sounds or themes that might diverge from TDE’s more commercially aligned projects. This autonomy could be a key factor in the album’s unique and potentially groundbreaking direction.
Isaiah Rashad’s Journey with TDE: A Chronology of Anticipation
Isaiah Rashad’s career within Top Dawg Entertainment has been marked by periods of intense creative output interspersed with significant gaps, contributing to the "long-awaited" status of each new release. Signed to TDE in 2013, Rashad quickly made an impact with his debut EP, Cilvia Demo, released in January 2014. This project immediately established him as a distinctive voice within the TDE roster, lauded for his introspective lyrics, nuanced storytelling, and a laid-back Southern flow that set him apart from his West Coast labelmates.
The anticipation for his debut studio album was high, culminating in the release of The Sun’s Tirade in September 2016. This album further solidified his critical acclaim, featuring standout tracks and collaborations that showcased his growth as an artist. However, following The Sun’s Tirade, Rashad entered a lengthy hiatus from releasing new music, a period during which he openly discussed battling personal struggles, including substance abuse and mental health issues. This hiatus fueled intense speculation and concern among his dedicated fanbase.
His return came in 2021 with The House Is Burning, an album that was met with both critical praise and immense relief from fans. The project was seen as a triumphant comeback, addressing his personal journey with honesty and vulnerability, and reaffirming his unique artistic voice. It debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, a testament to his enduring popularity and the strong emotional connection he maintains with his audience.
The period following The House Is Burning was also not without its challenges. In early 2022, Rashad was unfortunately at the center of a public privacy invasion incident, which he addressed candidly in a subsequent interview, further revealing his resilience and commitment to his craft. This context is vital when considering the title It’s Been Awful, as it directly resonates with the documented adversities Rashad has faced. Each album from Rashad, therefore, arrives not just as new music, but as a chapter in an ongoing, deeply personal narrative, often reflecting his real-life experiences and growth. The relatively shorter gap between The House Is Burning and It’s Been Awful compared to previous releases might indicate a newfound momentum and stability in his artistic process.
Anticipation and Broader Implications
The announcement of It’s Been Awful and its detailed tracklist has generated significant buzz within the hip-hop and R&B communities. For Isaiah Rashad, this album is more than just another release; it represents a crucial juncture in his career. It offers an opportunity to build upon the momentum of The House Is Burning, further solidify his artistic identity, and potentially reach new commercial heights. The album’s title, coupled with his stated influences and sonic descriptions, suggests a project that is both deeply personal and creatively ambitious.
For TDE, It’s Been Awful reinforces its reputation as a label that nurtures unique talent and allows artists significant creative freedom. The album’s potential genre-bending nature could also serve to diversify TDE’s sonic portfolio, which has historically been rooted in West Coast hip-hop and R&B.
The implications for the broader music landscape are also notable. In an era where genre lines are increasingly blurred, Rashad’s stated fusion of "twangy rock and psychedelia" with "sultry southern mix" could offer a refreshing and innovative sound that influences other artists. His continued collaboration with SZA, a global superstar, also ensures a spotlight on the project, potentially drawing her vast fanbase to Rashad’s distinct artistry. The album’s introspective and vulnerable themes, hinted at by the title and Rashad’s previous work, could also resonate deeply in a cultural moment that values authenticity and mental health discourse in art.
As the release date approaches, fans and critics will be keenly listening to how Rashad translates his diverse inspirations and personal journey into a cohesive and impactful body of work. It’s Been Awful is poised to be a significant addition to Isaiah Rashad’s esteemed discography, a testament to his artistic resilience and evolving vision.
