Isaiah Rashad Maps His Compelling Journey in IT'S BEEN AWFUL
“Contemplative and vulnerable.”
— Pitchfork
For Isaiah Rashad, It's Been Awful (Top Dawg) might be the album title, but the music tells a much bigger story. The Chattanooga-born rapper returns with his third studio album, taking the introspective hip-hop that first earned him a devoted following and stretching it into something even more adventurous. Cosmic jazz, psychedelic guitar rock and the warm, soulful influence of the Soulquarians all find their way into the mix, creating a sound that refuses to sit comfortably in any one genre. But beneath all that musical exploration is something deeply personal. After five years away from releasing a full-length project, Rashad opens up about addiction, growth, accountability and the complicated road toward redemption. It's the kind of album that reminds us that sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones we need to hear the most.
What makes It's Been Awful particularly compelling is the way Rashad allows the music to reflect the emotional ups and downs of his journey. There's a looseness to the production, a willingness to experiment and let a song wander, that feels perfectly suited to an artist who has never been particularly interested in following trends. The jazz influences give the music room to breathe, the guitars bring an unexpected edge, and the neo-soul textures provide a warmth that balances some of the album's heavier subject matter. Through it all, Rashad's thoughtful lyricism remains the connecting thread. Rather than presenting himself as someone who has figured everything out, he lets listeners into the process of getting there. It's Been Awful may confront some difficult truths, but there's something hopeful about an artist willing to face them head-on.
Since emerging from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Isaiah Rashad has established himself as one of hip-hop's most distinctive storytellers. As a member of the Top Dawg Entertainment family, he first caught widespread attention with Cilvia Demo, followed by The Sun's Tirade and The House Is Burning, projects that showcased his gift for pairing deeply personal writing with soulful, atmospheric production. Collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Zacari on “Wat's Wrong” and SZA on “Pretty Little Birds” further demonstrated his ability to create music that resonates well beyond traditional rap boundaries. Throughout his career, Rashad has built a loyal audience by remaining true to his own voice, even when that voice has something uncomfortable to say. With It's Been Awful, he takes that honesty a step further, proving that sometimes an artist's most meaningful evolution comes from embracing everything they've been through.
For more information on Isaiah Rashad and It's Been Awful, visit ItsBeenAwful.com.
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