{"id":8695,"date":"2026-05-07T06:21:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T06:21:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/07\/isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-3\/"},"modified":"2026-05-07T06:21:35","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T06:21:35","slug":"isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/2026\/05\/07\/isaiah-rashad-reveals-its-been-awful-tracklist-feat-sza-more-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Isaiah Rashad Reveals ‘It’s Been Awful’ Tracklist Feat. SZA & More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Critically acclaimed 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. This forthcoming project marks a significant moment for fans and the broader hip-hop community, serving as the long-awaited successor to his 2021 offering, The House Is Burning<\/em>. The album is set to feature 16 new tracks, including the recently issued single, "Same Sh!t," and boasts a carefully curated, star-studded roster of collaborators, notably his frequent musical partner SZA, the genre-fluid alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia.<\/p>\n

A Return from the Hiatus: The Anticipation for It’s Been Awful<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The announcement of It’s Been Awful<\/em> and the subsequent reveal of its intricate details arrives after a four-year gap since Rashad’s last full-length effort. This period of quiet from the Chattanooga, Tennessee native has only intensified the anticipation surrounding his return, building a palpable eagerness among his devoted fanbase and industry observers alike. The House Is Burning<\/em>, released in 2021, was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its introspective lyricism, laid-back yet potent Southern sound, and Rashad’s candid exploration of personal struggles, including mental health and addiction. That album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his position as a unique voice within Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and the broader hip-hop landscape. The commercial and critical success of The House Is Burning<\/em>, which featured collaborations with notable artists like Lil Uzi Vert, SZA, Jay Rock, and 6LACK, set a high bar for its follow-up.<\/p>\n

The intervening years have seen Rashad navigate personal challenges and a gradual re-emergence into the public eye, punctuated by selective live performances and the occasional cryptic social media post. This prolonged gestation period for It’s Been Awful<\/em> suggests a meticulous creative process, indicative of an artist deeply invested in the evolution of his craft and message. The title itself, "It’s Been Awful," hints at a potentially raw and unfiltered introspection, consistent with Rashad’s established lyrical honesty.<\/p>\n

Deconstructing the Tracklist and Key Collaborations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 16-song tracklist for It’s Been Awful<\/em> provides a tantalizing glimpse into the album’s scope and potential thematic breadth. The project kicks off with "The New Sublime," hinting at a fresh artistic direction, and includes titles like "M.O.M," "Happy Hour," and "Scared 2 Look Down," which could delve into familial relationships, escapism, or anxieties, respectively. The album’s structure, with its concise yet impactful number of features, suggests a primary focus on Rashad’s solo narrative while strategically enhancing specific tracks with complementary voices.<\/p>\n

SZA’s Enduring Partnership: "Boy in Red"<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most anticipated collaborations on the album is "Boy in Red," featuring fellow TDE powerhouse SZA. This track will mark the sixth collaboration between Isaiah Rashad and SZA, underscoring a remarkably prolific and creatively fruitful partnership that has spanned much of their careers. Their joint efforts began with tracks like "West Savannah" and "Ronnie Drake" from Rashad’s 2014 debut EP, Cilvia Demo<\/em>. They continued to build on this synergy with "Stuck in the Mud" from 2016’s The Sun’s Tirade<\/em> and "Pretty Little Birds" from SZA’s Grammy-nominated debut album, Ctrl<\/em>. Most recently, they reunited for "Score" on The House Is Burning<\/em>.<\/p>\n

SZA, a Grammy Award-winning artist and one of the most prominent voices in contemporary R&B, brings an undeniable star power and emotional depth to any collaboration. Her unique vocal delivery and introspective songwriting perfectly complement Rashad’s often melancholic yet hopeful lyrical style. Their previous tracks have consistently been fan favorites, celebrated for their seamless chemistry and the genuine artistic connection they share. The inclusion of "Boy in Red" not only excites their shared fanbase but also strategically elevates the album’s profile, leveraging SZA’s immense global reach and critical acclaim following the monumental success of her recent album, SOS<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Dominic Fike’s Genre-Bending Touch: "Cameras"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another intriguing feature comes from Dominic Fike on the track "Cameras." Fike, known for his eclectic blend of alt-pop, indie rock, hip-hop, and R&B, has rapidly risen to prominence through hits like "3 Nights" and his acting role in the HBO series Euphoria<\/em>. His inclusion on It’s Been Awful<\/em> signals a potential expansion of Rashad’s sonic palette, hinting at a willingness to explore sounds beyond traditional hip-hop boundaries. Fike’s distinct vocal style and penchant for unconventional melodies could introduce a fresh dynamic to Rashad’s typically Southern-influenced sound, creating an unexpected yet compelling fusion. This collaboration could attract a broader audience to Rashad’s music, particularly those who appreciate genre-bending artistry and alternative sounds.<\/p>\n

Julian Sintonia and Emerging Voices: "Do I Look High?"<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third featured artist, Julian Sintonia, appears on "Do I Look High?" While less widely known than SZA or Fike, the inclusion of an emerging talent like Sintonia is characteristic of artists who prioritize creative alignment over pure commercial appeal. This choice suggests Rashad’s commitment to showcasing new voices or exploring specific, perhaps more niche, sonic textures that Sintonia brings to the project. It could also signify a deeper dive into the Atlanta music scene, a fertile ground for diverse and innovative sounds that often influence Rashad’s work.<\/p>\n

Artistic Vision and Influences: A "Sultry Southern Mix"<\/strong><\/p>\n

In an illuminating interview with VICE<\/em> last year, Isaiah Rashad provided invaluable insights into the creative wellspring behind It’s Been Awful<\/em>, citing a diverse range of inspirations that underscore the album’s potentially rich and complex soundscape. His influences span across genres and generations, painting a picture of an artist deeply immersed in musical exploration.<\/p>\n

OutKast’s Enduring Legacy:<\/strong> Rashad explicitly mentioned drawing from the legendary Atlanta duo OutKast, specifically their seminal albums Stankonia<\/em> (2000) and The Love Below<\/em> (2003). Stankonia<\/em> is renowned for its experimental fusion of hip-hop, funk, rock, and electronic music, pushing the boundaries of what Southern rap could be. The Love Below<\/em>, Andr\u00e9 3000’s half of the double album Speakerboxxx\/The Love Below<\/em>, famously veered into R&B, funk, jazz, and pop, showcasing a radical departure from traditional hip-hop. Rashad’s embrace of these albums suggests a desire to infuse It’s Been Awful<\/em> with a similar spirit of genre-bending innovation, combining his Southern roots with adventurous sonic textures and thematic depth. He noted, "I\u2019m touching more [OutKast\u2019s] Stankonia<\/em> and The Love Below<\/em> more than anything else," indicating a significant departure or evolution from his previous works.<\/p>\n

Prince’s Intimate Funk:<\/strong> Prince, the iconic musical innovator, also serves as a profound influence, with Rashad highlighting "If I Was Your Girlfriend" as a track he had on "repeat for 2-3 months." This specific Prince track, from his 1987 album Sign o’ the Times<\/em>, is celebrated for its gender-bending perspective, raw emotional honesty, and exploration of desire and intimacy. Prince’s ability to blend sensuality, funk, rock, and deeply personal narratives resonates strongly with Rashad’s own introspective and often vulnerable lyrical style. This influence suggests that It’s Been Awful<\/em> might delve into themes of relationships, identity, and personal longing with a new layer of emotional complexity and perhaps a more experimental R&B\/funk sensibility.<\/p>\n

Contemporary Muses: Foushe\u00e9, PLUTO, and BunnaB:<\/strong> Rashad also acknowledged the significant inspiration drawn from contemporary artists like Foushe\u00e9, PLUTO, and BunnaB. He stated, "The biggest inspiration for me was Foushe\u00e9," an alt-R&B artist known for her distinctive vocals and genre-fluid approach. He further added, "Then, for this tail-end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She\u2019s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB." These contemporary influences suggest Rashad is not only looking to the past masters but also actively engaging with the current musical landscape, drawing fresh ideas and sounds from emerging artists who are pushing boundaries in R&B, pop, and experimental music. Their contributions likely inform the album’s modern sensibilities and innovative sound design.<\/p>\n

The "Sultry Southern Mix":<\/strong> Rashad succinctly described the album’s overarching sound 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\u2019d only hear down south." This vivid description promises an eclectic auditory experience. The "twangy rock and psychedelia" elements could introduce guitar-driven textures and expansive soundscapes, moving beyond his traditional hip-hop foundations. "Tender intimacy" points to vulnerable, emotionally resonant tracks, while "trunk-rattling" ensures that his signature Southern hip-hop roots, characterized by heavy basslines and rhythmic swagger, remain intact. This amalgamation suggests It’s Been Awful<\/em> will be a rich tapestry of sounds, reflecting Rashad’s diverse inspirations and his ambition to create something truly unique.<\/p>\n

Top Dawg Entertainment’s Endorsement<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rashad also revealed that Top Dawg Entertainment, his long-standing label, made "compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement is significant, highlighting TDE’s continued support for artistic freedom and their willingness to allow their artists to explore new territories, even if it means venturing outside commercially established norms. TDE has a rich history of fostering unique talents like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, allowing them substantial creative control. This collaborative approach between artist and label bodes well for the authenticity and artistic integrity of It’s Been Awful<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The Road to Release: A Chronology of Isaiah Rashad’s Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Isaiah Rashad’s career has been marked by impactful releases interspersed with periods of profound reflection, contributing to the "long-awaited" status of each new project.<\/p>\n