Chattanooga-born rapper Isaiah Rashad has officially unveiled the comprehensive tracklist and striking artwork for his highly anticipated new album, It’s Been Awful, ahead of its scheduled release next month. The project, poised to mark a significant moment in contemporary hip-hop, is set to drop on May 1 via Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Warner Records. This release comes as the long-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 effort, The House Is Burning, ending a three-year gap that has only intensified fan anticipation.
Comprising a substantial 16 tracks, It’s Been Awful features the recently released single "Same Sh!t," which offered an early glimpse into Rashad’s evolving sound and thematic depth. The album also boasts a carefully curated, star-studded roster of guest appearances, highlighting both established collaborators and promising new voices. Among the most prominent features are TDE labelmate and R&B superstar SZA, genre-bending alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia. The reveal of the tracklist and artwork marks a pivotal moment in the album’s rollout, providing fans with concrete details about the musical journey Rashad intends to embark upon.
A Deep Dive into the Tracklist and Collaborative Synergy
The 16-song collection promises a rich tapestry of sounds and narratives, with each track title hinting at potential thematic exploration. 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
A standout collaboration, "Boy in Red," sees Isaiah Rashad reunite with SZA, extending their prolific partnership which has become a beloved staple for fans of both artists. This marks their sixth official collaboration, building on a strong history that includes fan favorites like "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds" (from SZA’s Ctrl), and "Score" (from The House Is Burning). Their chemistry, often characterized by a seamless blend of Rashad’s laid-back yet intricate flows and SZA’s ethereal vocals and poignant lyricism, has consistently produced compelling tracks. "Boy in Red" is expected to further showcase their artistic synchronicity, potentially exploring themes of vulnerability and emotional complexity that both artists frequently navigate in their individual works.
The inclusion of Dominic Fike on "Cameras" introduces an intriguing dynamic. Fike, known for his eclectic blend of indie rock, hip-hop, and pop, has garnered a significant following for his genre-fluid approach and introspective songwriting. This collaboration signifies Rashad’s willingness to push sonic boundaries and engage with artists outside traditional hip-hop circles, potentially bringing new textures and broader appeal to It’s Been Awful. Fike’s melodic sensibilities combined with Rashad’s distinct vocal delivery could yield a track that surprises and captivates listeners across different musical preferences.
Furthermore, "Do I Look High?" features Julian Sintonia, an emerging artist whose presence on the album underscores Rashad’s history of championing fresh talent. This aligns with TDE’s ethos of nurturing artists and providing platforms for new voices. Sintonia’s contribution offers an opportunity for listeners to discover a new artist through the lens of Rashad’s established soundscape.
The Road to It’s Been Awful: A Chronology of Rashad’s Career
Isaiah Rashad’s journey in the music industry has been marked by periods of intense creative output interspersed with significant personal challenges and hiatuses, making each new release a highly anticipated event.
- 2013: Signing with TDE: Rashad first garnered widespread attention after signing with Top Dawg Entertainment, a label renowned for its roster of critically acclaimed artists like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and SZA. His signing solidified his position within a burgeoning West Coast hip-hop powerhouse, despite his Southern roots.
- 2014: Cilvia Demo: His debut EP, Cilvia Demo, was met with critical acclaim, establishing Rashad’s unique blend of Southern charm, introspective lyricism, and a distinct, often melancholic, sonic palette. Tracks like "Heavenly Father" and "Ronnie Drake" quickly became fan favorites, showcasing his storytelling ability and laid-back flow. The EP was praised for its raw honesty and mature themes, setting a high bar for his subsequent work.
- 2016: The Sun’s Tirade: Rashad’s debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, further cemented his status as a lyrical and stylistic innovator. The album delved deeper into themes of mental health, addiction, and personal struggles, offering a candid look into his life. Featuring collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Zacari, among others, the project was lauded for its cohesive sound and profound introspection. Despite its success, the period following The Sun’s Tirade saw Rashad grapple with significant personal battles, including substance abuse and depression, leading to a prolonged hiatus from music releases.
- 2021: The House Is Burning: After a five-year gap, Rashad made a triumphant return with The House Is Burning. This album was a testament to his resilience and growth, addressing his past struggles with newfound clarity and an evolved sound. It featured a diverse array of collaborators, including Lil Uzi Vert, SZA, Jay Rock, and 6LACK, and was celebrated for its vibrant production and Rashad’s refreshed lyrical approach. The album debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, marking his highest-charting project to date and solidifying his successful comeback.
- 2023-2024: Teasing It’s Been Awful: In the years following The House Is Burning, Rashad began to hint at new music. The title It’s Been Awful itself, initially teased through cryptic social media posts and early interviews, resonated with fans who understood the personal narrative often woven into his work. The release of "Same Sh!t" as the lead single provided the first concrete musical offering from this new era, signaling a continuation of his introspective yet sonically diverse style.
A Journey Through Sound: Inspirations and Artistic Direction
In an interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad provided invaluable insights into the creative wellspring for It’s Been Awful, revealing a diverse array of influences that span genres and eras. He cited legendary acts like OutKast and Prince, alongside contemporary artists such as Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB, as key inspirations shaping the album’s sound.
Rashad specifically highlighted OutKast’s iconic albums Stankonia and The Love Below as major touchstones for the project. "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else," he stated. This reference is particularly telling, as Stankonia is celebrated for its experimental sound, genre-bending fusions of funk, psychedelic rock, and hip-hop, and its politically charged, introspective lyrics. The Love Below, on the other hand, showcases André 3000’s foray into neo-soul, jazz, and pop, emphasizing romantic and often whimsical themes. Drawing from these two distinct yet equally innovative OutKast masterpieces suggests It’s Been Awful will be an album rich in musical exploration, pushing the boundaries of traditional hip-hop while retaining Rashad’s signature narrative depth.
Prince’s influence, particularly the track "If I Was Your Girlfriend," indicates a deep dive into themes of intimacy, emotional complexity, and perhaps a gender-fluid perspective on relationships. Prince’s ability to blend funk, R&B, pop, and rock with provocative and emotionally resonant lyrics aligns with Rashad’s own penchant for introspection and challenging conventional norms. "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months," Rashad noted, underscoring the profound impact of the track on his creative process.
Beyond these legends, Rashad also spotlighted contemporary artists Fousheé, PLUTO, and BunnaB. "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé," he revealed. Fousheé, known for her alternative R&B and rock-infused sound, brings a fresh, modern sensibility to the mix. Her unique vocal delivery and genre-fluid approach likely inspired Rashad to explore new vocal textures and melodic structures. Similarly, PLUTO and BunnaB, both artists from Atlanta, suggest a connection to the vibrant, evolving Southern music scene, hinting at regional sonic influences that could ground the album in a contemporary yet classic Southern hip-hop aesthetic.
Describing the album’s sonic landscape, Rashad characterized 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 is both sonically adventurous and emotionally resonant. The "sultry southern mix" implies a blend of blues, soul, and trap elements, while "twangy rock and psychedelia" suggests a departure into more experimental guitar-driven sounds, possibly reminiscent of Tame Impala or even early psych-rock. The "tender intimacy" speaks to the vulnerable, introspective core of Rashad’s lyricism, and "trunk-rattling" promises the heavy bass and rhythmic drive characteristic of Southern hip-hop.
Rashad also acknowledged the creative freedom afforded to him by TDE for this project. "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it," he said. This statement is significant, as it suggests that the label, known for its strong artistic vision, allowed Rashad greater latitude to experiment and pursue his unique artistic direction, indicating a potentially more unconstrained and personal body of work.
Anticipation and Industry Significance
The release of It’s Been Awful is not just another album drop; it represents a significant cultural moment for Isaiah Rashad’s dedicated fanbase and the broader hip-hop landscape. His unique position within TDE, coupled with his distinct narrative voice and genre-bending tendencies, ensures that his projects are always met with keen interest.
Fans have long admired Rashad for his ability to articulate complex emotions and personal struggles with raw honesty. His music often serves as a soundtrack for introspection, mental health awareness, and the journey of overcoming adversity. The title It’s Been Awful itself resonates deeply with this aspect of his artistry, hinting at a project that will delve into the challenges and triumphs of his recent experiences. This vulnerability has fostered a strong, loyal following who connect deeply with his authentic storytelling.
In an era where rapid-fire music releases are common, Rashad’s more deliberate pace between albums only amplifies the anticipation. Each project feels meticulously crafted, offering a comprehensive snapshot of his growth as an artist and as an individual. It’s Been Awful is expected to solidify his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most compelling and introspective voices, further distinguishing him within a crowded field.
Furthermore, the album’s diverse feature list is likely to attract a wider audience, introducing Rashad’s music to fans of SZA and Dominic Fike who may not be intimately familiar with his previous work. This cross-pollination of fanbases can significantly expand his reach and influence. The collaborative synergy with SZA, in particular, carries weight, as both artists have cultivated a reputation for delivering profound and emotionally resonant music.
As May 1 approaches, the unveiling of the tracklist and artwork serves as the final prelude to what promises to be a deeply personal, sonically adventurous, and critically engaging addition to Isaiah Rashad’s impressive discography. It’s Been Awful is poised to not only meet but potentially exceed the high expectations set by his previous works, cementing his place as an indispensable artist in contemporary music.
