Isaiah Rashad, the critically acclaimed Tennessee-bred rapper and a prominent artist within the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) roster, has officially unveiled the highly anticipated tracklist and accompanying artwork for his forthcoming album, It’s Been Awful. Scheduled for release next month, this project marks Rashad’s long-awaited return, serving as the follow-up to his 2021 album, The House is Burning. The announcement has generated significant buzz within the music industry and among his dedicated fanbase, who have been eagerly awaiting new material.
A Deep Dive into It’s Been Awful
The new album, It’s Been Awful, is set to feature a substantial 16 tracks, promising listeners a comprehensive sonic journey. Among the confirmed inclusions is the recently released single "Same Sh!t," which offered an initial glimpse into the album’s thematic and musical direction. The project is notable for its carefully curated, albeit select, roster of guest artists, indicating a focus on specific creative partnerships rather than an extensive list of features. These collaborations include frequent associate SZA, rising alt-pop sensation Dominic Fike, and emerging talent Julian Sintonia. The inclusion of these diverse voices suggests an eclectic blend of styles, characteristic of Rashad’s experimental approach to hip-hop and R&B.
The album’s title itself, It’s Been Awful, carries a weight that hints at personal introspection and potentially a reflection on the artist’s experiences since his last major release. Rashad has been candid in the past about his struggles, and such a title could signify a deeply personal narrative woven throughout the album’s fabric. This thematic depth, combined with his distinctive lyrical style and atmospheric production choices, positions It’s Been Awful as a potentially significant entry in his discography and the wider contemporary music landscape.
Star-Studded Collaborations and Creative Partnerships
A standout feature on It’s Been Awful is the track "Boy in Red," which reunites Isaiah Rashad with fellow TDE powerhouse, SZA. This collaboration is particularly significant, extending their prolific partnership to a sixth joint effort. Their previous acclaimed collaborations include tracks like "West Savannah," "Ronnie Drake," "Stuck in the Mud," "Pretty Little Birds," and "Score." The consistent success and critical reception of their past work underscore a strong creative synergy between the two artists, leading to high expectations for "Boy in Red." SZA, known for her genre-bending R&B and profound lyrical vulnerability, often complements Rashad’s introspective and laid-back delivery, creating a unique dynamic that resonates deeply with listeners. Her presence on the album not only adds star power but also guarantees a certain level of artistic quality and emotional resonance that has become a hallmark of their combined efforts.
Beyond SZA, the album also features Dominic Fike on the track "Cameras." Fike, an artist who has rapidly ascended to prominence with his blend of alternative pop, hip-hop, and indie rock, represents a fresh and perhaps unexpected collaboration for Rashad. His distinctive vocal style and genre-fluid approach could introduce a new dimension to Rashad’s sound, potentially broadening the album’s appeal to a wider audience. This collaboration could signify Rashad’s willingness to push sonic boundaries and integrate contemporary alternative influences into his signature style.
The inclusion of Julian Sintonia on "Do I Look High?" highlights Rashad’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent, a practice often seen within the TDE ecosystem. While less widely known than SZA or Fike, Sintonia’s appearance suggests a deliberate artistic choice, likely to introduce a fresh perspective or a specific vocal texture that aligns with Rashad’s vision for the track. This blend of established collaborators and newer voices contributes to the album’s potential for both familiar comfort and innovative surprises.
The Road to Release: A Chronology of Anticipation
It’s Been Awful is officially slated for release on May 1, under the joint banner of TDE and Warner Records. The journey to this release date has been marked by a period of significant anticipation, following the three-year gap since his last full-length project.
Isaiah Rashad first rose to prominence with his critically lauded 2014 EP, Cilvia Demo, which immediately established him as a distinctive voice in Southern hip-hop, blending soulful introspection with gritty realism. His debut studio album, The Sun’s Tirade, released in 2016, solidified his position, earning widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and atmospheric production. This album cemented his reputation as a master of mood and lyrical depth, addressing themes of mental health, addiction, and personal growth with raw honesty.
The subsequent wait for The House is Burning (2021) was protracted, with fans enduring a five-year gap between albums. This period was fraught with personal challenges for Rashad, which he later addressed publicly, including struggles with addiction and mental health. The House is Burning was thus met with immense relief and enthusiasm, serving as a powerful testament to his resilience and artistic evolution. It saw him exploring a more expansive sound while maintaining the introspective core of his artistry.
Following The House is Burning, Rashad embarked on extensive touring, further connecting with his fanbase. However, the period leading up to It’s Been Awful has been relatively quiet in terms of major releases, amplifying the demand for new music. The release of "Same Sh!t" earlier this year served as the first official single, reigniting excitement and setting the stage for the full album announcement. The reveal of the tracklist and artwork now brings the release cycle into full swing, building momentum for its arrival next month.
Artistic Vision and Influences: A Mosaic of Sound
In an insightful interview with VICE last year, Isaiah Rashad provided a window into the creative wellspring behind his upcoming album, citing a diverse array of artists who served as key inspirations. This glimpse into his artistic process revealed a thoughtful and eclectic approach to music-making, drawing from both legendary figures and contemporary talents.
Rashad specifically highlighted OutKast, Prince, and Fousheé as foundational influences for It’s Been Awful. Delving deeper, he stated, "The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé." Fousheé, an artist known for her distinctive blend of alternative R&B, rock, and soul, represents a contemporary influence that speaks to Rashad’s openness to evolving sounds. Her experimental nature and unique vocal delivery likely offered a fresh perspective for Rashad as he crafted his new material.
The mention of Prince, particularly the track "If I Was Your Girlfriend," indicates a deep dive into the iconic artist’s exploration of intimacy, gender dynamics, and complex emotional landscapes. Prince’s ability to blend genres seamlessly and infuse his music with profound sensuality and vulnerability aligns with Rashad’s own reputation for creating atmospheric and emotionally resonant tracks. Rashad noted, "Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months," suggesting a profound absorption of the song’s intricate themes and musicality.
Furthermore, Rashad acknowledged the influence of OutKast, specifically referencing their landmark albums Stankonia and The Love Below. He elaborated, "I’m touching more [OutKast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else." Stankonia is celebrated for its genre-bending experimentalism, pushing the boundaries of hip-hop with psychedelic, funk, and electronic elements. The Love Below, André 3000’s half of the Speakerboxxx/The Love Below double album, is a bold exploration of R&B, pop, and jazz, showcasing a remarkable artistic freedom. Rashad’s gravitation towards these particular OutKast projects suggests an ambition to create an album that is both sonically adventurous and deeply personal, moving beyond conventional hip-hop structures.
In addition to these established icons, Rashad also credited contemporary Atlanta artists PLUTO and BunnaB for their inspiration during the latter stages of his project. This highlights his continuous engagement with the vibrant and evolving music scene, particularly within the South, which remains a significant source of creative energy for him.
The Sonic Landscape: A "Sultry Southern Mix"
Expanding on the album’s auditory character, Rashad provided a vivid description of its sound: 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," as reported by VICE. This multifaceted description paints a picture of an album that defies easy categorization, promising a rich tapestry of sounds.
The "sultry southern mix" is a hallmark of Rashad’s sound, often incorporating languid beats, soulful samples, and his signature laid-back, yet emotionally charged, delivery. This element connects It’s Been Awful to his previous work and the broader tradition of Southern hip-hop and R&B, known for its distinct warmth and groove.
The inclusion of "twangy rock and psychedelia" suggests a significant expansion of his sonic palette. "Twangy rock" could imply the incorporation of guitar-driven elements, perhaps with a blues or country inflection, which would be a novel addition to his established sound. "Psychedelia" points towards experimental soundscapes, altered vocal effects, and a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit of Stankonia. This blending of genres indicates a deliberate effort to push creative boundaries and offer a fresh sonic experience to his listeners.
Finally, the promise of "tender intimacy" speaks to the emotional core of the album, ensuring that despite its sonic explorations, the project remains grounded in personal storytelling and vulnerability. Coupled with "trunk-rattling," a phrase synonymous with powerful bass and heavy beats characteristic of Southern hip-hop, the album promises a dynamic range from introspective whispers to impactful sonic assaults. This diverse sonic profile reflects Rashad’s ability to seamlessly weave together disparate musical threads into a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Top Dawg Entertainment’s Enduring Influence
Isaiah Rashad’s position within Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is crucial to understanding the context of It’s Been Awful. TDE, founded by Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, has been one of the most influential independent record labels of the 21st century, renowned for its artist-centric approach and its impressive roster, which has included Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul. The label is celebrated for fostering artistic integrity and allowing its artists significant creative control, often resulting in projects that push genre boundaries and offer profound personal insights.
Rashad himself acknowledged TDE’s support for his artistic vision, stating, "Top [Dawg] made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it." This statement underscores the label’s commitment to artistic freedom, even when it might lead to unconventional sonic directions. For Rashad, this support is invaluable, allowing him to explore experimental sounds like "twangy rock and psychedelia" without undue commercial pressure. TDE’s backing provides the infrastructure and platform for Rashad’s work to reach a wide audience while retaining its authentic artistic core. The label’s reputation for cultivating distinctive voices ensures that It’s Been Awful will be presented as a significant artistic statement, further solidifying TDE’s legacy in contemporary music.
Implications and Anticipation
The release of It’s Been Awful holds significant implications for Isaiah Rashad’s career trajectory. After navigating a period of personal and professional challenges, this album represents an opportunity to reaffirm his unique position in hip-hop and R&B. The three-year gap since The House is Burning, while shorter than his previous hiatus, has still built considerable anticipation, and the album’s diverse influences and promised sonic experimentation suggest an artist confidently evolving.
For TDE, It’s Been Awful continues the label’s tradition of releasing critically acclaimed and artistically daring projects. As the music industry continues to shift, TDE’s ability to nurture artists like Rashad, who prioritize depth and innovation, remains a key factor in its enduring relevance. The album also contributes to the ongoing narrative of Southern hip-hop’s diverse expressions, showcasing how artists from the region continue to innovate and blend traditional sounds with modern influences.
Furthermore, in an era dominated by rapid-fire single releases and viral trends, an album of 16 tracks with carefully chosen collaborations speaks to a more holistic artistic vision. The detailed description of its sound, drawing from legendary and contemporary inspirations, suggests an immersive listening experience that aims for longevity rather than fleeting popularity. As May 1 approaches, the music world awaits to see how It’s Been Awful will contribute to Isaiah Rashad’s evolving legacy and the broader tapestry of contemporary music.
