Isaiah Rashad Announces Highly Anticipated Album After Five Years
Isaiah Rashad, the acclaimed rapper from Tennessee, is gearing up for a major comeback with his first full-length album in half a decade. The new project, titled It’s Been Awful, is scheduled for release on May 1 through Top Dawg Entertainment in partnership with Warner Records.
A Glimpse Into the New Era: Cinematic Trailer and Lead Single
To build excitement, Rashad unveiled a dramatic trailer that portrays him limping through a field following a brutal assault, setting a somber and intense tone for the album. Alongside this visual, fans can now pre-save the lead single, “Same Sh!t”, which is expected to drop imminently.
Tour Plans and Interactive Fan Experience
In addition to the album announcement, Rashad appears to be preparing for a supporting tour. His newly launched interactive website features a poster for the It’s Been Awful Tour and offers visitors a sneak peek of an unreleased instrumental track, presumably from the upcoming album. This immersive approach is designed to engage fans ahead of the release.
Early Teasers and Support from TDE Family
Earlier this week, Isaiah Rashad sparked curiosity by sharing a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories: “Everybody wanna see you crash out, fall off, and burn out all for their entertainment. I just wanna see you smile.” The reverse side of this card revealed the phrase “it’s been awful,” now confirmed as the album’s title.
His labelmates and fellow Top Dawg Entertainment artists, including Doechii, ScHoolboy Q, and SiR, have publicly shown their enthusiasm by sharing the album title on their social media platforms, amplifying the buzz around Rashad’s return.
Musical Influences and Creative Direction
In a revealing interview with VICE last year, Rashad opened up about the inspirations behind his third studio album. He cited legendary acts such as OutKast and Prince, alongside contemporary artist Fousheé, as key influences shaping the sound and vibe of the project.
Rashad elaborated, “Fousheé has been my biggest inspiration. I’ve been playing Prince’s ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for months. Towards the end of the album, I drew inspiration from Atlanta’s PLUTO and another artist named BunnaB.”
He further explained, “This album leans heavily into the styles of OutKast’s Stankonia and The Love Below. Top Dawg Entertainment gave me more creative freedom this time, which I truly appreciate.”
Sound and Style: A Southern Fusion with Intimate Undertones
Describing the sonic landscape of It’s Been Awful, Rashad characterized it as a “sensual southern blend infused with profound intimacy.” The album promises a diverse range of sounds, from twangy rock and psychedelic elements to deeply personal moments and the signature bass-heavy beats synonymous with southern hip-hop culture.
Continuing a Legacy: From The House is Burning to Now
This upcoming release follows Rashad’s 2021 album The House is Burning, which marked his return after a lengthy hiatus since his critically acclaimed 2016 project The Sun’s Tirade. With It’s Been Awful, fans can expect a matured artist who has evolved both personally and musically, ready to deliver a compelling new chapter in his discography.
