Reynand Wu
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 project, slated for a May 1, 2026, debut, marks the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 effort, The House Is Burning. Comprising 16 tracks, the album includes the recently launched single "Same Sh!t" and features a curated selection of collaborators, most notably his frequent Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) labelmate SZA, rising alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and burgeoning artist Julian Sintonia.
A Return After Years of Anticipation
The announcement of It’s Been Awful and its detailed contents comes after a significant period of anticipation from fans and critics alike. Following the release of The House Is Burning in July 2021, Rashad embarked on extensive touring and maintained a relatively lower profile, leading to fervent speculation about his next musical direction. The four-year gap between albums, while not unprecedented in the modern music industry, has amplified the excitement surrounding this new body of work, positioning It’s Been Awful as a pivotal moment in the Chattanooga, Tennessee native’s career. His previous albums, Cilvia Demo (2014) and The Sun’s Tirade (2016), established Rashad as a distinctive voice in contemporary hip-hop, known for his introspective lyrics, soulful production choices, and laid-back yet potent delivery. Fans have come to expect a blend of candid storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes, qualities that Rashad has consistently delivered while evolving his artistry.
Tracklist Breakdown and Noteworthy Collaborations
The 16-song offering showcases Rashad’s penchant for thoughtful sequencing and strategic guest appearances. The album kicks off with "The New Sublime" and progresses through titles like "M.O.M," "Supaficial," and "Scared 2 Look Down," hinting at introspective and potentially narrative-driven themes.
The lead single, "Same Sh!t," which was released earlier this year, provided the first glimpse into the album’s sonic landscape, receiving positive early reception for its characteristic blend of mellow beats and Rashad’s signature flow. Its inclusion on the album underscores its role as a foundational track for the project’s overall mood and message.
One of the most anticipated collaborations is "Boy in Red" featuring SZA. This track extends a prolific partnership between the two TDE artists, marking their sixth joint effort. Their previous collaborations include fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." Each of these tracks has showcased a unique chemistry, blending Rashad’s contemplative verses with SZA’s ethereal vocals, often resulting in standout moments on their respective projects. The consistency and quality of their past work set a high bar for "Boy in Red," promising another compelling dynamic.
Dominic Fike, the multi-genre artist known for his blend of indie pop, rock, and hip-hop, appears on "Cameras." Fike’s inclusion suggests a broader sonic palette for Rashad, potentially incorporating alternative elements into his signature sound. Fike’s meteoric rise to prominence through hits like "3 Nights" and his role in the acclaimed series Euphoria has made him a recognizable figure, and his collaboration with Rashad could introduce Rashad’s music to a wider audience while also demonstrating Rashad’s artistic versatility.
Emerging talent Julian Sintonia is featured on "Do I Look High?," indicating Rashad’s continued commitment to spotlighting new voices within the music scene. This type of collaboration is characteristic of TDE artists, who often use their platforms to uplift up-and-coming talent.
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
Artistic Vision and Influences: A "Sultry Southern Mix"
In an interview with VICE conducted last year, Isaiah Rashad offered profound insights into the creative process and influences behind It’s Been Awful. He cited a diverse array of artists who shaped the album’s direction, including hip-hop legends OutKast, iconic pop and R&B figure Prince, and contemporary artists Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB. This eclectic mix of inspirations underscores Rashad’s broad musical tastes and his intention to transcend conventional genre boundaries.
Rashad specifically highlighted Fousheé as "the biggest inspiration" for the project, alongside Prince, noting that he had "If I Was Your Girlfriend" on repeat for months. The mention of Prince suggests an exploration of sensuality, intimacy, and perhaps a more experimental approach to song structure and vocal delivery. Fousheé, known for her genre-bending sound that incorporates R&B, rock, and alternative elements, likely influenced the album’s modern yet unconventional textures. The inclusion of Atlanta artists PLUTO and BunnaB also points to a continued grounding in Southern musical traditions while embracing fresh, innovative sounds.
Crucially, Rashad mentioned drawing heavily from OutKast’s seminal works, Stankonia (2000) and The Love Below (2003). Stankonia is revered for its fearless experimentation, genre fusion, and socially conscious lyricism, while The Love Below showcased André 3000’s deep dive into funk, soul, and pop, pushing the boundaries of what a hip-hop album could be. Rashad’s embrace of these albums implies a project that is both sonically adventurous and deeply personal, moving beyond typical rap conventions. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he stated, adding that Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) leadership made "compromises for the creativity on this one," indicating a supportive environment for his artistic risks.
He further elaborated on the album’s sound, describing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." This evocative description suggests a balance between the raw, visceral energy often associated with Southern hip-hop and a tender, vulnerable emotional core. The publication further detailed his explanation, noting elements ranging "from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south." This confluence of sounds paints a picture of an album that is rich in texture and mood, capable of shifting from hard-hitting beats to more delicate, atmospheric arrangements, while maintaining a distinctly Southern flavor.
The TDE Legacy and Rashad’s Place
Isaiah Rashad has been a cornerstone of Top Dawg Entertainment since signing with the label in 2013. TDE, founded by Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, has grown into one of hip-hop’s most influential independent labels, fostering the careers of global superstars like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, alongside distinctive artists such as ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. Rashad’s consistent delivery of critically praised projects has solidified his position within the label’s esteemed roster, representing a more introspective and soulful facet of TDE’s diverse sound.
The label’s willingness to support Rashad’s ambitious creative vision for It’s Been Awful, as he hinted at in the VICE interview, speaks to TDE’s artist-centric approach and its commitment to allowing its talent creative freedom. This freedom has historically enabled TDE artists to produce groundbreaking work that often pushes genre boundaries, a tradition that It’s Been Awful appears poised to continue.
Broader Impact and Anticipated Reception
The release of It’s Been Awful is expected to have significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career and the wider hip-hop landscape. For Rashad, it represents an opportunity to build on the momentum of The House Is Burning and further cement his status as a unique and essential voice in contemporary music. The album’s blend of established and emerging features, coupled with its ambitious sonic influences, suggests a project designed to appeal to both his loyal fanbase and new listeners.
Critics will undoubtedly scrutinize the album for its thematic depth, musical innovation, and how it fits into the evolution of Southern hip-hop. Given Rashad’s history of crafting immersive and emotionally resonant projects, anticipation for It’s Been Awful is exceptionally high. Its success could not only elevate Rashad’s profile but also reaffirm TDE’s reputation as a powerhouse for artistic integrity and innovation. As the May 1 release date approaches, the music community eagerly awaits the full unveiling of what promises to be a deeply personal and sonically expansive journey from Isaiah Rashad.
