{"id":10156,"date":"2026-05-29T06:21:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T06:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/29\/isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-5\/"},"modified":"2026-05-29T06:21:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T06:21:27","slug":"isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/29\/isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chattanooga-born rapper Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the comprehensive tracklist and striking artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful<\/em>, ahead of its scheduled release next month. The project, slated for a May 1, 2026, debut under the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Warner Records imprints, marks a significant return for the artist, serving as the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed 2021 effort, The House Is Burning<\/em>. Clocking in at a robust 16 songs, the album promises a rich sonic landscape, featuring the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and an exclusive roster of collaborators, including frequent muse SZA, multifaceted alt-pop artist Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia.<\/p>\n

Album Structure and Noteworthy Collaborations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 16-track compilation of It’s Been Awful<\/em> is meticulously structured, offering a blend of solo explorations and strategic guest appearances designed to enrich Rashad’s narrative and sonic palette. The album opens with "The New Sublime" and progresses through tracks like "M.O.M," leading into the previously released single "Same Sh!t." This lead single, which dropped earlier this year, offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into the album’s introspective yet rhythmically compelling sound, setting a precedent for the project’s overall tone.<\/p>\n

A standout feature on the album is the track "Boy in Red," which reunites Isaiah Rashad with fellow TDE powerhouse SZA. This collaboration marks their sixth joint effort, further cementing a prolific partnership that has yielded fan favorites such as "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." The enduring chemistry between Rashad and SZA is a testament to their shared artistic vision and complementary styles, often blending Rashad’s raw, introspective lyricism with SZA’s ethereal vocals and genre-bending appeal. Their collaborations have consistently resonated with audiences, becoming highlights on previous projects and contributing to the unique sonic identity of the TDE collective. The inclusion of "Boy in Red" is expected to be a major draw, leveraging the proven success and fan enthusiasm for their joint ventures.<\/p>\n

Beyond SZA, It’s Been Awful<\/em> introduces other compelling collaborations. Dominic Fike, known for his distinctive blend of indie pop, rock, and hip-hop influences, lends his talents to the track "Cameras." Fike’s inclusion suggests a willingness by Rashad to explore broader musical territories and integrate diverse sounds, aligning with the album’s described eclectic nature. The track "Do I Look High?" features Julian Sintonia, an up-and-coming artist whose presence on such a high-profile release could signal a strategic move by Rashad to spotlight new talent, reminiscent of TDE’s history of fostering emerging voices.<\/p>\n

The full tracklist for It’s Been Awful<\/em> is as follows:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The New Sublime<\/li>\n
  2. M.O.M<\/li>\n
  3. Same Sh!t<\/li>\n
  4. Boy in Red (feat. SZA)<\/li>\n
  5. Supaficial<\/li>\n
  6. Scared 2 Look Down<\/li>\n
  7. Happy Hour<\/li>\n
  8. Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)<\/li>\n
  9. Ain\u2019t Givin\u2019 Up<\/li>\n
  10. GTKY<\/li>\n
  11. Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike)<\/li>\n
  12. Act Normal<\/li>\n
  13. 10 States Away<\/li>\n
  14. Nuthin 2 Hide<\/li>\n
  15. Superpwrs<\/li>\n
  16. 719 Freestyle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A Deep Dive into Creative Influences and Sonic Direction<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The creative genesis of It’s Been Awful<\/em> was partially illuminated in an exclusive interview Rashad granted to VICE<\/em> in 2025. During the conversation, Rashad openly discussed the diverse array of artists and musical movements that shaped the album’s conceptualization and sound. He cited a compelling mix of influences, ranging from contemporary artists to legendary figures, underscoring his eclectic taste and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.<\/p>\n

    Among the most significant inspirations, Rashad highlighted Foushe\u00e9, an artist celebrated for her unique blend of R&B, alternative, and indie sounds. This contemporary influence suggests an embrace of modern sonic textures and vocal approaches. He also paid homage to the iconic Prince, specifically referencing the track "If I Was Your Girlfriend," which he confessed to having on repeat for an extended period. Prince’s influence points to a desire for deep emotional resonance, genre fluidity, and a certain sensual vulnerability in his music, elements that Prince masterfully embodied.<\/p>\n

    Furthermore, Rashad acknowledged the impact of two Atlanta-based artists, PLUTO and BunnaB, particularly during the latter stages of the project’s development. This nod to regional talent reinforces Rashad’s connection to the vibrant Southern music scene and suggests a continued grounding in the sounds emerging from his geographic roots.<\/p>\n

    Perhaps most notably, Rashad drew parallels between It’s Been Awful<\/em> and the seminal works of OutKast, specifically mentioning their groundbreaking albums Stankonia<\/em> and The Love Below<\/em>. He stated, "I\u2019m touching more [OutKast\u2019s] Stankonia<\/em> and The Love Below<\/em> more than anything else." This comparison is highly indicative of the album’s ambitious scope. Stankonia<\/em> is revered for its experimental sound, fusing hip-hop with funk, rock, and electronic elements, while The Love Below<\/em> showcased Andr\u00e9 3000’s expansive musicality, delving into jazz, pop, and R&B with a fearless artistic spirit. Rashad’s aspiration to align with these benchmarks suggests an album that is not only sonically adventurous but also deeply personal and emotionally complex.<\/p>\n

    In the same VICE<\/em> interview, Rashad provided a vivid description of the album’s overarching sound, characterizing it as a "sultry southern mix mixed with a deep sense of intimacy." He elaborated further, promising a stylistic spectrum that encompasses "everything from twangy rock and psychedelia to tender intimacy to the kind of trunk-rattling you\u2019d only hear down south." This description paints a picture of a rich, multi-layered listening experience that honors his Southern heritage while venturing into experimental sonic territories. The "twangy rock and psychedelia" elements could signify a departure from traditional hip-hop sounds, incorporating live instrumentation and atmospheric textures. The "tender intimacy" points to vulnerable lyrical content, while "trunk-rattling" assures listeners that the album will still deliver the bass-heavy, head-nodding beats characteristic of Southern hip-hop.<\/p>\n

    Rashad also gave credit to his label, Top Dawg Entertainment, acknowledging that "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement suggests that the album\u2019s unique sonic direction required a degree of creative freedom and support from the label, highlighting TDE’s commitment to artistic integrity and allowing its artists to evolve.<\/p>\n

    The Path to It’s Been Awful<\/em>: A Chronology of Anticipation<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The journey to It’s Been Awful<\/em> has been marked by significant anticipation, following a pattern of extended intervals between Rashad’s full-length projects. His career trajectory has been characterized by thoughtful, deliberate releases rather than rapid-fire output, making each new album a highly anticipated event for his dedicated fanbase.<\/p>\n

    Isaiah Rashad first gained widespread critical acclaim with his debut EP, Cilvia Demo<\/em>, released in 2014. This project immediately established him as a distinctive voice within TDE, known for his intricate lyricism, laid-back flow, and introspective themes. Two years later, in 2016, he delivered his debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade<\/em>, which further solidified his reputation and earned him a loyal following. The album was praised for its honesty, exploring themes of addiction, anxiety, and personal growth, set against a backdrop of soulful and atmospheric production.<\/p>\n

    Following The Sun’s Tirade<\/em>, Rashad entered a period of relative quiet, leading to a five-year hiatus from full-length releases. This extended break fueled immense anticipation for his next project. In 2021, he triumphantly returned with The House Is Burning<\/em>. This album was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and featuring collaborations with artists like SZA, Lil Uzi Vert, Jay Rock, and 6LACK. The House Is Burning<\/em> was celebrated for its polished production, mature lyrical content, and Rashad’s continued ability to weave compelling narratives. It served as a powerful testament to his resilience and artistic evolution, particularly in the wake of personal challenges he had publicly discussed, including struggles with mental health and substance abuse. The album’s title itself hinted at a period of turmoil and eventual recovery, providing a deeply personal context for its creation.<\/p>\n

    The interview with VICE<\/em> in 2025 provided the first substantial details about the follow-up project, confirming its existence and offering early insights into its creative direction and influences. The subsequent release of "Same Sh!t" earlier in 2026 served as the official lead single, signaling that the album cycle was in full swing. The unveiling of the tracklist and artwork in April 2026, just weeks before the album’s May 1 release, represents the culmination of this carefully orchestrated rollout, building excitement to a fever pitch among fans who have patiently awaited new material.<\/p>\n

    Broader Impact and Implications<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The release of It’s Been Awful<\/em> holds significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career, the landscape of TDE, and the broader hip-hop and R&B genres. For Rashad, this album represents an opportunity to build upon the momentum of The House Is Burning<\/em> and further cement his status as a singular voice in contemporary music. The album’s ambitious sonic direction, as described by Rashad, suggests a willingness to evolve beyond conventional genre boundaries, potentially attracting new listeners while satisfying his core fanbase. Should the album successfully integrate "twangy rock and psychedelia" with "southern intimacy" and "trunk-rattling" beats, it could further establish Rashad as an innovator capable of pushing the sonic envelope.<\/p>\n

    For Top Dawg Entertainment, It’s Been Awful<\/em> reinforces the label’s reputation for cultivating distinctive and artistically driven talent. TDE has consistently demonstrated a commitment to allowing its artists significant creative freedom, a principle evident in Rashad’s comments about the label’s "compromises for the creativity." This approach has fostered a diverse roster, from Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer-winning narratives to SZA’s genre-defying R&B, and Rashad’s unique blend of Southern introspection. The album’s success will contribute to TDE’s ongoing legacy as a powerhouse in the music industry.<\/p>\n

    The album’s star-studded features, particularly the highly anticipated collaboration with SZA, are poised to generate considerable buzz and cross-promotional appeal. Their established chemistry ensures that "Boy in Red" will be a focal point, likely driving streams and discussions across various music platforms. The inclusion of Dominic Fike also signals a potential expansion of Rashad’s audience, tapping into Fike’s dedicated following in the alternative and indie scenes.<\/p>\n

    Furthermore, It’s Been Awful<\/em> arrives at a time when genre lines in music are increasingly blurred. Rashad’s stated influences and described sound align perfectly with this trend, suggesting an album that could resonate beyond traditional hip-hop categories. Its exploration of personal themes, combined with a diverse sonic palette, positions it as a work that could contribute to ongoing conversations about mental health, self-discovery, and artistic authenticity within the music industry. The title itself, "It’s Been Awful," is evocative and open to interpretation, likely reflecting personal struggles and triumphs that will be explored lyrically, adding another layer of depth and relatability for listeners.<\/p>\n

    As the May 1, 2026, release date approaches, anticipation for It’s Been Awful<\/em> continues to mount. Fans and critics alike are eager to delve into Isaiah Rashad’s latest offering, to experience the "sultry southern mix" and intimate narratives he has meticulously crafted, and to witness the next chapter in the journey of one of hip-hop’s most compelling and introspective artists. The reveal of the tracklist and artwork serves as the final prelude to what promises to be a significant and impactful musical statement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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