Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More

Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artist Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the highly anticipated tracklist and accompanying artwork for his forthcoming album, It’s Been Awful, ahead of its scheduled release next month. The project, which marks a significant return for the Chattanooga, Tennessee native, is set to drop on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records. This release serves as the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 effort, The House Is Burning, ending a three-year hiatus between full-length studio albums. The new LP comprises 16 tracks and includes the recently released single "Same Sh!t," which offered fans a glimpse into the album’s sonic direction. It’s Been Awful is poised to feature a carefully curated selection of guest appearances, notably from frequent collaborator SZA, burgeoning alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and promising newcomer Julian Sintonia, underscoring Rashad’s discerning approach to artistic partnerships.

Decoding the Tracklist and Featured Collaborations

The comprehensive 16-song tracklist for It’s Been Awful offers a structured journey through Isaiah Rashad’s latest creative endeavor, balancing solo introspective pieces with select, impactful collaborations. The full sequence of tracks is as follows:

1. The New Sublime
2. M.O.M
3. Same Sh!t
4. Boy in Red (feat. SZA)
5. Supaficial
6. Scared 2 Look Down
7. Happy Hour
8. Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)
9. Ain’t Givin’ Up
10. GTKY
11. Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike)
12. Act Normal
13. 10 States Away
14. Nuthin 2 Hide
15. Superpwrs
16. 719 Freestyle

A closer examination of the featured artists reveals strategic choices designed to enrich the album’s narrative and sonic texture. The inclusion of SZA on "Boy in Red" is particularly noteworthy, extending a prolific and highly celebrated partnership between the two TDE stalwarts. This collaboration marks their sixth official song together, building on a history that includes fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." Their synergy is often characterized by SZA’s ethereal vocals complementing Rashad’s nuanced, often melancholic lyrical delivery, creating a unique emotional resonance. This consistent artistic rapport has become a hallmark of both artists’ careers, with each collaboration typically offering a blend of introspective lyricism and captivating melodic interplay. "Boy in Red" is anticipated to further explore this dynamic, potentially delving into themes of vulnerability or complex relationships that both artists navigate skillfully in their respective works.

The appearance of Dominic Fike on "Cameras" introduces an intriguing cross-genre element to It’s Been Awful. Fike, known for his eclectic blend of indie rock, pop, and hip-hop influences, rose to prominence with tracks like "3 Nights" and gained further recognition through his acting role in HBO’s Euphoria. His distinctive vocal style and genre-fluid approach could provide a fresh sonic dimension to Rashad’s typically Southern-rooted sound. This collaboration signifies a potential expansion of Rashad’s artistic scope, reaching audiences beyond traditional hip-hop circles and showcasing a willingness to experiment with diverse musical landscapes. The thematic implications of a track titled "Cameras" featuring Fike could suggest reflections on public scrutiny, perception, or the pressures of fame, themes that resonate with both artists’ experiences in the entertainment industry.

Julian Sintonia, featured on "Do I Look High?", represents the album’s nod to emerging talent. While less widely known than SZA or Fike, Rashad’s decision to feature an up-and-comer aligns with a tradition in hip-hop of artists championing new voices. This collaboration could serve as a significant platform for Sintonia, while also allowing Rashad to tap into fresh perspectives and sounds that might otherwise remain undiscovered by a broader audience. The track title "Do I Look High?" hints at introspective or potentially vulnerable lyrical content, a common thread in Rashad’s discography.

The Road to It’s Been Awful: A Chronology of Anticipation

Isaiah Rashad’s career has been marked by significant periods of introspection and a deliberate, unhurried approach to his discography, making each new release a highly anticipated event.

2014: Cilvia Demo
Rashad first garnered widespread critical acclaim with his debut EP, Cilvia Demo. Released through TDE, the project introduced his distinctive blend of introspective lyricism, Southern charm, and soulful production. It established him as a unique voice within the TDE roster, separate from the more aggressive styles of peers like ScHoolboy Q or the profound narratives of Kendrick Lamar. Cilvia Demo was lauded for its raw honesty and mature exploration of personal struggles, setting a high bar for his future releases.

2016: The Sun’s Tirade
Two years later, Rashad delivered his debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade. This project expanded on the themes introduced in Cilvia Demo, delving deeper into his battles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It featured notable collaborations with SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and other TDE artists, solidifying his position as a core member of the label. The Sun’s Tirade was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its vulnerability, lyrical depth, and cohesive sonic atmosphere, further cementing his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most compelling storytellers. The album’s success underscored the depth of his artistic vision and the patience of his fanbase.

2016-2021: A Period of Hiatus and Personal Challenges
Following The Sun’s Tirade, Rashad entered a period marked by significant personal challenges and a lengthy hiatus from releasing new music. During this time, he openly discussed his struggles with mental health and addiction, which often delayed his creative process. This period of quietude, while difficult for fans, contributed to the intense anticipation surrounding his eventual return. The TDE camp, known for allowing its artists creative freedom and space, supported Rashad through this journey, reinforcing the label’s commitment to artist well-being.

2021: The House Is Burning
After a five-year gap, Isaiah Rashad made his triumphant return with The House Is Burning. The album was a testament to his resilience and growth, offering a more refined sound while retaining his signature introspective style. It was a commercial success, debuting at number 7 on the Billboard 200 chart, and received positive reviews for its cohesive production and Rashad’s continued lyrical prowess. The album felt like a celebration of overcoming adversity, and it re-energized his dedicated fanbase, proving his enduring appeal.

2021-Present: The Genesis of It’s Been Awful
In the wake of The House Is Burning‘s success, Rashad hinted at new music, expressing a desire to continue evolving his sound. The announcement of It’s Been Awful comes three years after his last project, a relatively shorter interval than his previous hiatuses, signaling a potentially more consistent creative flow. The release of the single "Same Sh!t" earlier this year served as the first official preview of the album, building momentum and setting the stage for the full project. This timeline illustrates a career characterized by artistic integrity, personal growth, and a fanbase that eagerly awaits each chapter of his musical journey.

Artistic Vision and Sonic Evolution: Insights from Isaiah Rashad

In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered profound insights into the creative process and the diverse influences shaping It’s Been Awful. These statements provide a crucial lens through which to understand the album’s thematic and sonic landscape. Rashad cited a surprisingly eclectic mix of inspirations, indicating a deliberate departure or expansion from his previous sounds.

"The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," he stated, referring to the contemporary R&B artist known for her distinctive voice and genre-bending approach. This nod to Fousheé suggests an interest in exploring more avant-garde vocal techniques, experimental production, or perhaps a fusion of R&B and alternative sounds that are prominent in Fousheé’s work. Furthermore, Rashad revealed a deep dive into the catalog of the iconic Prince, specifically mentioning "If I Was Your Girlfriend" being "on repeat for 2-3 months." Prince’s influence points towards a potential infusion of funk, synth-pop, and a bold exploration of gender and identity themes, or simply a deep appreciation for his unparalleled musicality and willingness to push boundaries. The choice of "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is particularly telling, as it’s a song known for its narrative complexity and exploration of intimacy and desire from a unique perspective, hinting at similar explorations on It’s Been Awful.

Beyond established legends, Rashad also highlighted the impact of newer, lesser-known artists: "Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB." This demonstrates Rashad’s commitment to drawing inspiration from contemporary, often underground, artists, which can keep his sound fresh and relevant. It also reinforces his connection to the vibrant Atlanta music scene, which has historically influenced his Southern hip-hop roots.

Perhaps most significantly, Rashad articulated a conscious effort to channel the spirit of OutKast, specifically their groundbreaking albums Stankonia and The Love Below. He elaborated, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." This is a monumental statement, as Stankonia is revered for its experimental soundscapes and social commentary, while The Love Below is celebrated for its genre-defying eclecticism and artistic ambition. Emulating these albums suggests Rashad aims for a project that is both musically adventurous and deeply personal, potentially incorporating elements of psychedelic soul, funk, and unconventional song structures. The influence of OutKast, particularly their later, more experimental work, signals a move towards pushing the boundaries of traditional hip-hop.

Rashad also acknowledged the support from his label, stating, "I would say Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This indicates that the album might contain elements or directions that are creatively ambitious, perhaps requiring the label to embrace less conventional sonic choices. This flexibility from TDE underscores their commitment to artistic integrity, allowing Rashad the freedom to fully realize his vision without commercial constraints stifling his experimental impulses.

Describing the album’s overall sound, Rashad painted a vivid picture: 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 description suggests a rich tapestry of sounds. The "sultry southern mix" speaks to his foundational roots in Southern hip-hop and R&B, while "deep sense of intimacy" points to the vulnerable and personal lyrical themes often found in his work. The mention of "twangy rock and psychedelia" is particularly intriguing, indicating a potential fusion of unexpected genres, perhaps drawing on the experimental rock scene or incorporating distorted guitar riffs and mind-bending sonic textures. Finally, "trunk-rattling you’d only hear down south" assures listeners that despite the experimental leanings, the album will still deliver the bass-heavy, rhythmically potent sound that is characteristic of his regional heritage. This holistic description promises an album that is both deeply personal and sonically diverse, pushing Rashad’s artistry into new, exciting territories.

The Visual Narrative: Album Artwork and Its Thematic Resonance

Alongside the revealing tracklist, Isaiah Rashad also unveiled the official artwork for It’s Been Awful. While the specific details of the artwork are open to interpretation, album covers often serve as visual metaphors for the music within. Given the album’s evocative title and Rashad’s history of introspective and emotionally charged projects, the artwork is likely to reflect themes of vulnerability, introspection, and the journey through personal struggles. The choice of imagery would typically aim to complement the "sultry southern mix," "deep sense of intimacy," and "psychedelia" described by Rashad, perhaps featuring a blend of stark reality with dreamlike or abstract elements. An album titled It’s Been Awful might visually convey a sense of melancholy, resilience, or a raw, unfiltered look at emotional landscapes, providing a poignant visual introduction to the sonic experience.

Broader Impact and Implications

The release of It’s Been Awful carries significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career, Top Dawg Entertainment, and the broader landscape of contemporary hip-hop and R&B. For Rashad, this album is not merely another entry in his discography; it’s a testament to his artistic evolution and personal fortitude. Given the extended hiatuses between his previous projects and his openness about mental health and addiction, each new album represents a triumph over adversity. It’s Been Awful is expected to further solidify his standing as a unique and essential voice in music, celebrated for his authenticity and lyrical depth.

The inclusion of high-profile features like SZA and Dominic Fike, alongside emerging talent, demonstrates Rashad’s strategic approach to expanding his audience while maintaining artistic integrity. SZA’s consistent success and Fike’s growing mainstream appeal will undoubtedly draw new listeners to Rashad’s work, potentially introducing his distinctive sound to a broader demographic. This cross-pollination of fanbases is crucial in today’s fragmented music market.

For TDE, It’s Been Awful reinforces the label’s reputation for fostering unique artists who prioritize artistic vision over commercial trends. While known for its hip-hop dominance, TDE has also successfully branched into R&B and alternative sounds, largely thanks to artists like SZA and now, potentially, Rashad’s new direction. The label’s willingness to allow Rashad creative compromises, as he mentioned, speaks volumes about their long-term investment in their artists’ growth and innovation.

In the wider music industry, It’s Been Awful has the potential to influence genre boundaries. Rashad’s description of a sound incorporating "twangy rock and psychedelia" with "tender intimacy" and "trunk-rattling" elements suggests an album that defies easy categorization. This kind of genre fluidity is increasingly common and celebrated, and Rashad’s contribution could further blur lines between hip-hop, R&B, indie, and alternative rock, inspiring other artists to experiment more boldly with their sound. Critics will likely be eager to analyze how Rashad integrates these diverse influences while maintaining his distinct artistic identity.

Fan anticipation for It’s Been Awful is exceptionally high. Social media reactions to the tracklist reveal a passionate fanbase eager to embrace Rashad’s new material, particularly the continuation of his collaborations with SZA. The album’s themes, likely exploring the "awful" aspects of life with Rashad’s signature introspection, are expected to resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate his candid approach to storytelling and emotional vulnerability. Commercially, with strong features and a dedicated following, the album is poised for a robust debut, reflecting both critical acclaim and popular appeal.

In conclusion, Isaiah Rashad’s It’s Been Awful is shaping up to be a pivotal release. With a thoughtfully constructed tracklist, impactful collaborations, and a bold artistic vision rooted in diverse inspirations, the album is poised to be a significant moment in contemporary music. As the May 1 release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a deeply personal and sonically adventurous chapter in Isaiah Rashad’s compelling musical journey.