Reynand Wu
Isaiah Rashad, the critically acclaimed Tennessee rapper signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), has officially unveiled the comprehensive tracklist and accompanying artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful. Scheduled for release on May 1 via TDE/Warner Records, the project marks Rashad’s return after a three-year hiatus since his acclaimed 2021 album, The House is Burning. Comprising 16 tracks, the album features a curated selection of guest appearances from a diverse roster of artists, including frequent collaborator SZA, burgeoning alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia. The announcement follows the recent release of the album’s lead single, "Same Sh!t," which offered fans a first glimpse into the sonic direction of Rashad’s latest endeavor.
The reveal of It’s Been Awful‘s details has ignited significant anticipation within the music industry and among Rashad’s dedicated fanbase. Following the critical and commercial success of The House is Burning, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart and was widely praised for its introspective lyricism and unique blend of Southern hip-hop and soulful introspection, expectations for this follow-up have been exceptionally high. The album title itself, It’s Been Awful, hints at a period of personal and professional challenges, which Rashad has openly discussed in the past, making this release not just a musical statement but potentially a narrative one about resilience and evolution.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist and Collaborations
The 16-song collection promises a journey through Rashad’s distinctive sound, characterized by hazy beats, intricate flows, and deeply personal storytelling. The full tracklist includes:
- The New Sublime
- M.O.M
- Same Sh!t
- Boy in Red (feat. SZA)
- Supaficial
- Scared 2 Look Down
- Happy Hour
- Do I Look High? (feat. Julian Sintonia)
- Ain’t Givin’ Up
- GTKY
- Cameras (feat. Dominic Fike)
- Act Normal
- 10 States Away
- Nuthin 2 Hide
- Superpwrs
- 719 Freestyle
One of the most notable features is "Boy in Red," which extends Isaiah Rashad’s prolific partnership with TDE labelmate SZA. This track marks their sixth collaboration, building upon a strong history that includes fan favorites like "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." Their joint efforts have consistently been praised for their natural chemistry, with SZA’s ethereal vocals often providing a perfect counterpoint to Rashad’s grounded, conversational delivery. Given SZA’s meteoric rise to global superstardom, particularly following the immense success of her Grammy-winning album SOS, her presence on It’s Been Awful is expected to draw significant attention and amplify the album’s reach. The enduring creative synergy between the two artists speaks volumes about their mutual respect and shared artistic vision.
Another intriguing collaboration comes in the form of "Cameras," featuring Dominic Fike. Fike, who has garnered considerable acclaim for his genre-bending music that fuses indie-pop, alternative rock, and hip-hop elements, as well as his acting role in HBO’s Euphoria, represents a fresh voice on Rashad’s project. This collaboration suggests a willingness from Rashad to explore new sonic territories and potentially introduce his sound to a broader, more diverse audience. The fusion of Fike’s melodic sensibilities with Rashad’s Southern grit could yield one of the album’s most unexpected and compelling moments.
Rounding out the featured artists is Julian Sintonia, appearing on "Do I Look High?". As an "up-and-comer," Sintonia’s inclusion highlights Rashad’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent, a practice often seen within the TDE ecosystem. This feature could serve as a significant platform for Sintonia, while also adding a fresh perspective to the album’s sonic palette.
A Return to Form and Artistic Evolution
The release of It’s Been Awful follows a period of significant personal challenges for Isaiah Rashad, which included a widely publicized leak of private videos in 2022. Rashad addressed these events with remarkable candor and vulnerability, turning a moment of invasion into an opportunity for dialogue about sexuality, mental health, and personal growth within the hip-hop community. The album’s title, therefore, resonates deeply with the journey he has publicly navigated, suggesting a project that will delve into themes of struggle, introspection, and eventual triumph.
Rashad’s discography has consistently explored complex themes of addiction, anxiety, and self-discovery. His debut EP, Cilvia Demo (2014), and subsequent album, The Sun’s Tirade (2016), established him as a master of atmospheric production and intricate storytelling, earning him a reputation as one of TDE’s most unique and revered voices. The House is Burning continued this trajectory, offering a more refined and expansive sound. The three-year gap between albums, while not unprecedented in the music industry, has only intensified the anticipation for It’s Been Awful, as fans eagerly await to hear how Rashad’s recent experiences have shaped his artistic output.
Inspirations and Sonic Landscape
In an insightful interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad offered a glimpse into the creative wellspring behind It’s Been Awful, citing an eclectic array of influences that underscore his commitment to artistic exploration. He specifically mentioned OutKast’s seminal albums Stankonia and The Love Below, legendary artist Prince, and contemporary acts Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB as key inspirations.
Rashad elaborated on these influences, stating, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé. Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months. 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 diverse range of inspirations — from the genre-bending experimentalism of OutKast to the sensual artistry of Prince, and the modern sensibilities of Fousheé and emerging artists — suggests an album that transcends conventional genre boundaries.
Further detailing the album’s sonic character, Rashad described 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 a rich and multi-layered soundscape, promising an auditory experience that is both familiar to Rashad’s core audience and adventurous in its scope. The mention of "twangy rock and psychedelia" indicates a potential departure from purely traditional hip-hop aesthetics, hinting at a broader musical palette that incorporates elements often found outside the genre. This fusion of sounds is a hallmark of Rashad’s unique artistry, where Southern grit meets introspective vulnerability.
The rapper also acknowledged the creative freedom afforded to him by his label, TDE, noting, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement is significant, suggesting that Rashad was given considerable leeway to explore his artistic vision without stringent commercial constraints. Such an environment often leads to some of an artist’s most authentic and groundbreaking work, further building anticipation for how It’s Been Awful will push the boundaries of his established sound.
Thematic Undercurrents and Broader Implications
While explicit thematic details remain under wraps, the album title It’s Been Awful and Rashad’s publicly shared experiences strongly suggest an intensely personal and reflective project. Tracks like "Scared 2 Look Down," "Do I Look High?," "Ain’t Givin’ Up," and "Nuthin 2 Hide" hint at introspection, vulnerability, and a possible narrative arc of overcoming adversity. "Happy Hour" and "Act Normal" could explore themes of escapism or the pressures of public perception, while "Superpwrs" might touch upon themes of self-empowerment or resilience. The inclusion of a "719 Freestyle" typically indicates a raw, unfiltered expression, often referencing an artist’s roots or current state of mind.
For TDE, It’s Been Awful represents another testament to their commitment to artistic development and long-term artist relationships. Despite the extended intervals between Rashad’s projects, the label has consistently supported his creative process, allowing him the space to craft music that resonates deeply. This approach has solidified TDE’s reputation as a label that prioritizes artistic integrity alongside commercial success.
For the broader hip-hop and R&B landscape, Isaiah Rashad’s return is a welcome event. His distinct voice, often described as a bridge between the introspective narratives of artists like Kendrick Lamar and the soulful, laid-back vibes of Southern hip-hop, offers a unique contribution to the contemporary music scene. In an era where genre lines are increasingly blurred, Rashad’s ability to weave together diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive and authentic sound positions It’s Been Awful as a potentially influential release. It is poised to be more than just an album; it is a narrative of an artist’s journey through adversity, expressed through a rich tapestry of sound and emotion.
As the May 1 release date approaches, fans and critics alike are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve into Isaiah Rashad’s latest offering, to witness the evolution of an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and bravely shared his most intimate experiences through his craft. It’s Been Awful is not merely an album title; it is a declaration, a testament to resilience, and a promise of profound artistic expression.
