Reynand Wu
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, slated to drop on May 1 via Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Warner Records, marks a significant moment for fans as it serves as the long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 effort, The House is Burning. Comprising 16 tracks, the album includes the recently released single "Same Sh!t" and boasts a carefully curated, albeit select, roster of guest features, notably featuring frequent collaborator SZA, alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and rising talent Julian Sintonia.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist and Collaborations
The reveal of It’s Been Awful’s tracklist offers fans a glimpse into the sonic journey Rashad intends to embark upon. The album opens with "The New Sublime," hinting at a potential artistic evolution or a fresh perspective. The lead single, "Same Sh!t," positioned as the third track, has already provided a taste of the album’s mood, characterized by Rashad’s signature laid-back yet intricate flow over soulful production.
One of the most anticipated collaborations is "Boy in Red," featuring fellow TDE powerhouse SZA. This track extends their prolific partnership, marking their sixth official collaboration. Their previous joint efforts have consistently been fan favorites, showcasing a unique chemistry that blends Rashad’s introspective lyricism with SZA’s ethereal vocals and candid storytelling. Their shared discography includes notable tracks such as "West Savannah" from Cilvia Demo, "Ronnie Drake" from The Sun’s Tirade, "Stuck in the Mud" from The Sun’s Tirade, "Pretty Little Birds" from SZA’s Ctrl, and "Score" from The House is Burning. Each collaboration has been a testament to their artistic synergy, often exploring themes of love, struggle, and vulnerability with raw authenticity. The inclusion of "Boy in Red" suggests a continuation of this compelling dynamic, promising another layer to their collaborative legacy.
Another intriguing feature comes from Dominic Fike on the track "Cameras." Fike, known for his genre-bending sound that fuses indie-pop, hip-hop, and rock influences, has rapidly ascended in the music scene, further bolstered by his acting role in HBO’s Euphoria. His presence on It’s Been Awful signals Rashad’s willingness to experiment with diverse sounds and expand his artistic palette beyond traditional hip-hop confines. The collaboration could introduce Rashad to Fike’s extensive fanbase while offering Fike an opportunity to delve into Rashad’s distinct, often melancholic, sonic world.
The album also spotlights emerging talent Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?". Rashad has a history of collaborating with lesser-known artists, often providing a platform for new voices. Sintonia’s involvement suggests a fresh dynamic and could potentially introduce listeners to an exciting new artist within Rashad’s carefully crafted soundscape.
The solo tracks also present intriguing titles that could hint at the album’s thematic depth. Tracks like "M.O.M," "Supaficial," "Scared 2 Look Down," "Happy Hour," "Ain’t Givin’ Up," "GTKY," "Act Normal," "10 States Away," "Nuthin 2 Hide," "Superpwrs," and "719 Freestyle" collectively suggest a narrative arc that could traverse personal reflection, introspection, and potentially a journey through challenging experiences, aligning with the album’s evocative title. The "719 Freestyle" typically implies a raw, unfiltered expression, often referencing an area code, possibly Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rashad’s hometown.
Isaiah Rashad’s Artistic Journey and the Road to It’s Been Awful
Isaiah Rashad’s career has been characterized by profound artistic integrity and a deliberate, unhurried approach to music creation. Signed to TDE in 2013, a label renowned for fostering unique and impactful artists like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and SZA, Rashad quickly carved out his niche with his distinctive blend of Southern rap, soulful introspection, and often melancholic lyricism.
His debut EP, Cilvia Demo (2014), was met with widespread critical acclaim, establishing him as a compelling new voice. Tracks like "Heavenly Father" and "Ronnie Drake" showcased his ability to weave intricate narratives about personal struggles, societal observations, and the complexities of growing up in the South. This was followed by his debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade (2016), an expansive and deeply personal project that delved further into themes of anxiety, addiction, and self-discovery. The album was lauded for its lyrical depth, diverse production, and Rashad’s raw vulnerability, solidifying his reputation as a thoughtful and important artist within contemporary hip-hop.
Following The Sun’s Tirade, Rashad entered a period of relative quiet, punctuated by occasional features and live performances. This five-year hiatus built immense anticipation for his next full-length project. The eventual release of The House is Burning in 2021 was a triumphant return. The album explored his ongoing battles with substance abuse and mental health with unflinching honesty, offering a powerful narrative of resilience and healing. It debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200, a testament to his dedicated fanbase and the continued relevance of his unique artistic voice. The album’s success underscored the depth of connection Rashad had forged with his audience, many of whom resonated with his candid explorations of vulnerability and growth.
The title It’s Been Awful directly confronts the challenges Rashad has openly discussed throughout his career. His willingness to speak candidly about his struggles with addiction and mental health has made him an important figure in destigmatizing these issues within the hip-hop community and beyond. This album title suggests a continuation of this introspective journey, possibly reflecting on past difficulties while also hinting at a transformative process. The gap of three years since The House is Burning, though shorter than his previous hiatus, has still been a period of artistic development and personal evolution, setting the stage for an album that promises significant emotional weight and musical exploration.
Creative Influences and Sonic Direction
In an interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered valuable insights into the creative process and the diverse inspirations behind It’s Been Awful. His revelations painted a picture of an artist drawing from a rich tapestry of musical influences, both classic and contemporary, to forge a sound that is distinctly his own.
Rashad cited legendary duo OutKast as a major inspiration, specifically referencing their groundbreaking albums Stankonia and The Love Below. This influence is particularly telling. Stankonia (2000) is celebrated for its avant-garde production, genre-bending sound, and lyrical dexterity, pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. The Love Below (2003), André 3000’s half of the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album, famously ventured into funk, jazz, and pop, showcasing a remarkable willingness to experiment beyond traditional rap structures. Rashad’s embrace of these albums suggests a project that will likely explore diverse sonic textures, intricate arrangements, and a departure from conventional hip-hop norms, while maintaining a strong narrative core. His statement, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," underscores a significant artistic shift or expansion.
Another iconic figure mentioned by Rashad was Prince, with the track "If I Was Your Girlfriend" being on repeat for months. Prince’s influence points towards a deep appreciation for sensuality, intimacy, and a fearless approach to genre fusion. "If I Was Your Girlfriend," from the album Sign o’ the Times (1987), is known for its intricate narrative and exploration of gender dynamics and desire, all wrapped in Prince’s signature eclectic musicality. This indicates that It’s Been Awful might delve into themes of relationships and personal connection with a sophisticated, emotionally nuanced touch, potentially incorporating elements of funk, R&B, and pop, reminiscent of Prince’s expansive discography.
Beyond these titans, Rashad also highlighted the impact of contemporary artists like Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB. Fousheé, known for her alternative R&B sound and unique vocal delivery, suggests an influence on modern sonic aesthetics and vocal experimentation. His appreciation for PLUTO and BunnaB, described as Atlanta artists, further reinforces his connection to emerging talents and the vibrant musical landscape of the South. This blend of classic innovators and contemporary artists indicates a desire to create a sound that is both timeless and current, rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking.
Rashad’s detailed description of the album’s sound further solidifies this eclectic vision: "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 portrayal suggests an album that will be rich in sonic diversity, seamlessly blending the raw energy of Southern hip-hop with the introspective qualities of rock and psychedelic music, all underpinned by a profound emotional core. The "trunk-rattling" implies heavy bass and impactful production, while "twangy rock and psychedelia" point to guitar-driven elements and atmospheric soundscapes, creating a unique hybrid sound that could truly set It’s Been Awful apart.
Significantly, Rashad also acknowledged the support from his label, stating, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement highlights the artistic freedom afforded to him by TDE, suggesting that the label has embraced his experimental vision, allowing him to fully realize his creative ambitions without undue commercial pressure. This level of trust between artist and label is crucial for producing authentic and innovative work, and it bodes well for the artistic integrity of It’s Been Awful.
Anticipation and Broader Implications
The release of It’s Been Awful is not just another album drop; it’s a significant cultural event for fans of Isaiah Rashad and a moment that could have broader implications for the hip-hop landscape. His loyal fanbase, known for its patience and dedication, has been eagerly awaiting this project, a testament to the profound impact his previous works have had. The single "Same Sh!t" has already generated considerable buzz, setting an optimistic tone for the album’s reception.
Within TDE, Rashad occupies a unique space, especially following the departure of marquee artist Kendrick Lamar. His continued output and artistic evolution are vital for the label’s ongoing narrative and its reputation for nurturing distinct voices. It’s Been Awful could further solidify his position as a cornerstone artist for TDE, showcasing the label’s commitment to diverse sonic expressions beyond mainstream trends.
Moreover, the album’s themes, hinted at by its title and Rashad’s past candidness, could contribute significantly to ongoing discussions about mental health and personal well-being within the music industry. By continuing to share his journey with vulnerability, Rashad serves as an important figure in breaking down stigmas and encouraging open dialogue, resonating deeply with an audience that increasingly values authenticity and emotional honesty.
The blend of Southern hip-hop roots with influences from alt-pop, rock, and psychedelic music could also push the boundaries of contemporary rap, inspiring other artists to explore cross-genre collaborations and sonic experimentation. If It’s Been Awful lives up to its ambitious creative vision, it could be a landmark album that not only defines a new chapter for Isaiah Rashad but also influences the broader musical discourse.
As May 1 approaches, the anticipation for It’s Been Awful continues to build. With its compelling tracklist, star-studded features, and the promise of a deeply intimate and sonically expansive experience, Isaiah Rashad’s latest offering is poised to be one of the most significant releases of the year, further cementing his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most compelling and introspective artists.
