Reynand Wu
Isaiah Rashad, the critically acclaimed Tennessee rapper, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated tracklist and accompanying artwork for his forthcoming album, It’s Been Awful. The announcement, made ahead of its scheduled release next month, marks a significant moment for fans who have eagerly awaited new material from the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artist. Slated to drop on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records, the project features a concise yet impactful 16-song collection, including the previously released single "Same Sh!t," and boasts a select lineup of guest artists, most notably frequent collaborator SZA and alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, alongside emerging talent Julian Sintonia.
The revelation of It’s Been Awful comes as the long-awaited successor to Rashad’s 2021 album, The House is Burning, which itself followed a five-year hiatus since his previous studio effort, The Sun’s Tirade. This pattern of extended gaps between releases has become characteristic of Rashad’s career, amplifying the anticipation surrounding each new body of work. His methodical approach to music creation has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that values his introspective lyricism, distinctive Southern sonic palette, and candid explorations of personal struggles.
A Deep Dive into Collaborations and Features
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the It’s Been Awful tracklist is the continuation of Isaiah Rashad’s prolific partnership with TDE labelmate SZA. Their upcoming collaboration, titled "Boy in Red," marks their sixth song together, solidifying a creative synergy that has resonated deeply with listeners over the years. Their joint discography includes fan favorites such as "West Savannah" from Rashad’s debut EP Cilvia Demo (2014), "Ronnie Drake" from the same project, "Stuck in the Mud" from The Sun’s Tirade (2016), "Pretty Little Birds" from SZA’s Grammy-nominated album Ctrl (2017), and "Score" from The House is Burning. This consistent collaboration underscores a profound artistic understanding between the two artists, often resulting in tracks that blend Rashad’s gritty, introspective flow with SZA’s ethereal vocals and emotionally charged songwriting. The reunion on "Boy in Red" is particularly exciting for fans, given SZA’s meteoric rise to global superstardom with albums like SOS, ensuring a significant spotlight on the track and the album as a whole.
Beyond the established dynamic with SZA, It’s Been Awful introduces new collaborative ventures. Dominic Fike, a multifaceted artist known for blending elements of indie rock, pop, and hip-hop, joins Rashad on the track "Cameras." Fike’s unique sound and rapidly expanding fanbase, bolstered by hits like "3 Nights" and his role in the television series Euphoria, suggest an intriguing genre fusion that could expand Rashad’s sonic boundaries. This collaboration hints at Rashad’s willingness to experiment and incorporate diverse musical textures, aligning with his previously stated influences that transcend traditional hip-hop.
The album also features Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?". As an "up-and-comer," Sintonia’s inclusion reflects Rashad’s commitment to supporting new talent and potentially introducing fresh perspectives into his well-honed sound. The title of their collaboration suggests a continuation of Rashad’s characteristic introspection and raw honesty, often touching upon themes of vulnerability and self-reflection.
The Anticipation: A Timeline of Rashad’s Career
Isaiah Rashad’s career trajectory has been defined by quality over quantity, with each release being a carefully crafted artistic statement. His debut EP, Cilvia Demo, released in 2014, immediately established him as a distinctive voice in Southern hip-hop, earning critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and soulful production. This was followed by his debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, in 2016, which further solidified his reputation, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and showcasing a deeper exploration of his personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
After a five-year hiatus, The House is Burning arrived in 2021 to considerable fanfare. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 7 on the Billboard 200 and receiving widespread critical praise for its mature sound and continued lyrical honesty. Tracks like "Lay Wit Ya" and "Wat U Sed" became instant fan favorites, demonstrating Rashad’s enduring appeal. The period between The Sun’s Tirade and The House is Burning was marked by significant personal challenges for Rashad, which he openly addressed in his music and interviews, endearing him further to listeners who appreciated his authenticity.
Given this history, the announcement of It’s Been Awful just three years after his last album suggests a potentially more consistent creative output, or at least a period of intense artistic productivity. The single "Same Sh!t," released prior to the full tracklist reveal, provided an initial glimpse into the album’s mood and lyrical themes, serving as a bridge between his previous work and this new chapter. Its reception likely played a role in building momentum for the album’s full unveiling.
Creative Vision and Diverse Inspirations
Isaiah Rashad shed considerable light on the creative genesis of It’s Been Awful in a revealing interview with VICE last year. He cited an eclectic array of artists as key inspirations, highlighting his genre-agnostic approach to music-making. Among the most prominent influences were hip-hop legends OutKast, the iconic pop innovator Prince, and contemporary R&B artist Fousheé.
Rashad specifically noted, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." Fousheé, known for her alternative R&B sound that often blends soulful melodies with gritty instrumentation and introspective lyrics, aligns with Rashad’s own artistic sensibilities. Her influence suggests a continued emphasis on raw emotion and unconventional sonic textures within It’s Been Awful.
Prince, particularly his seminal track "If I Was Your Girlfriend," was another significant touchstone. Rashad mentioned having the song "on repeat for 2-3 months," indicating a deep dive into Prince’s masterful ability to weave intimacy, vulnerability, and funk into his music. This inspiration points towards the "tender intimacy" that Rashad described as a core element of his new album’s sound. Prince’s daring experimentation and emotional depth undoubtedly shaped Rashad’s pursuit of a multifaceted sonic landscape.
Crucially, Rashad also spoke about channeling OutKast, specifically their groundbreaking albums Stankonia and The Love Below. He stated, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." This statement is particularly telling. Stankonia (2000) is celebrated for its avant-garde fusion of funk, rock, gospel, and electronic music with hip-hop, pushing the boundaries of what Southern rap could be. The Love Below (2003), André 3000’s half of the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album, is a genre-defying masterpiece that delves into jazz, pop, and R&B, showcasing unparalleled musical freedom and artistic ambition. By drawing from these two pivotal OutKast works, Rashad signals a profound commitment to experimentation, artistic liberty, and a broad sonic palette.
He further elaborated on the album’s sonic identity, describing it 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’d only hear down south." This vivid description paints a picture of an album that will honor his Southern roots with traditional hip-hop elements while fearlessly incorporating diverse genres like rock and psychedelia, all filtered through a lens of profound personal reflection. The "trunk-rattling" implies a return to powerful, bass-heavy production characteristic of Southern hip-hop, while "twangy rock and psychedelia" suggest an adventurous sonic journey.
Adding to his eclectic inspirations, Rashad also mentioned being influenced by "this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me and this other girl BunnaB." These references to lesser-known, contemporary artists highlight Rashad’s continuous engagement with emerging sounds and his dedication to drawing inspiration from a wide, organic network of creators, rather than solely established figures.
Thematic Resonance and Lyrical Implications
The album title itself, It’s Been Awful, immediately sets a contemplative and potentially somber tone. Given Rashad’s history of candidly addressing his mental health struggles, battles with addiction, and personal adversities, the title likely reflects a period of profound challenge or self-discovery. His music has always been a vehicle for processing his experiences, and this title suggests a continuation of that deeply personal narrative. It resonates with themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the difficult journey toward self-acceptance that have characterized much of his discography.
A closer look at some of the track titles further hints at the album’s lyrical content. "The New Sublime" could signify a fresh perspective or a renewed sense of purpose. "Scared 2 Look Down" might explore anxieties or fears associated with success or personal growth. "Happy Hour" and "Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)" could delve into themes of escapism, altered states, or the facade of contentment. "Ain’t Givin’ Up" and "Nuthin 2 Hide" suggest themes of perseverance, honesty, and perhaps overcoming past obstacles. "GTKY" (potentially "Get To Know You") and "Act Normal" might explore interpersonal relationships, self-perception, and societal expectations. Finally, "Superpwrs" and "719 Freestyle" promise moments of lyrical dexterity and self-assuredness, perhaps even celebrating newfound strengths. These titles, taken together, paint a picture of an album rich with introspection, emotional complexity, and an honest portrayal of the human experience.
TDE’s Endorsement and Broader Impact
Rashad’s comment that "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it," offers a valuable insight into the album’s creation process. It suggests that TDE, a label renowned for its artist-first approach and fostering unique talent, granted Rashad significant creative autonomy to pursue his vision, even if it meant venturing into less conventional sonic territories. This endorsement from Top Dawg, the label’s CEO, underscores the confidence in Rashad’s artistic direction and reinforces TDE’s reputation as a haven for artists who prioritize authenticity and innovation.
The release of It’s Been Awful holds significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career and the broader landscape of contemporary hip-hop. It is poised to further solidify his position as a singular voice, celebrated for his ability to blend traditional Southern rap elements with profound introspection and diverse musical influences. For TDE, a label that has seen some shifts in its roster in recent years, a major release from a core artist like Rashad, featuring prominent labelmates like SZA, reaffirms its strength and collaborative spirit.
Furthermore, given Rashad’s explicit references to OutKast and his detailed description of a "sultry southern mix" incorporating "twangy rock and psychedelia," this album could be a significant contribution to the evolving sound of Southern hip-hop. It has the potential to inspire a new generation of artists to push genre boundaries while staying true to their regional roots, much like OutKast did decades ago. Critics and fans alike will be keen to see how this ambitious blend of influences translates into a cohesive and impactful body of work.
Conclusion
As May 1 approaches, the anticipation for Isaiah Rashad’s It’s Been Awful continues to build. With a compelling tracklist that includes high-profile collaborations with SZA and Dominic Fike, coupled with Rashad’s detailed revelations about his diverse inspirations from Prince to OutKast, the album promises to be a deeply personal yet sonically expansive journey. It stands as a testament to Rashad’s enduring artistry, his commitment to honest storytelling, and his willingness to explore new musical frontiers. It’s Been Awful is not just another album release; it is an eagerly awaited chapter from one of hip-hop’s most compelling and authentic voices, poised to offer a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions that will resonate with listeners long after its debut.
