Isaiah Rashad Returns with Third Album “It’s Been Awful.”
Isaiah Rashad has officially returned with his third studio album, “It’s Been Awful.” The album dropped on May 1, 2026, through Top Dawg Entertainment and Warner Records, marking a new chapter in his career, as a follow-up to his 2021 album “The House Is Burning.”
From the first listen, It’s Been Awful feels personal and honest. The project contains a pack of 16 tracks, with tracks like “The New Sublime,” “M.O.M.,” and “Same Sh!t” setting the tone early. The production is smooth and soulful, with a mix of mellow beats and reflective vibes that match his storytelling style.
The album also features some notable collaborations, including SZA, who appears on “Boy in Red,” bringing her unique voice and chemistry with Rashad. Dominic Fike joins on “Cameras,” adding a fresh sound, while Julian Sintonia contributes both as a feature and a producer across the album. These features don’t overpower the project but instead blend naturally into Rashad’s world.
Tracks like “Happy Hour,” “Do I Look High?” and “10 States Away” carry a similar mood, making it easy to listen from start to finish. It’s not an album made for quick hits… it feels more like something you sit with and understand over time.
“The biggest inspiration for me was Fousheé… Prince, I’ve been having ‘If I Was Your Girlfriend’ on repeat for 2-3 months,” said Rashad in a statement about the inspiration behind the project. “For this tail end part of my project, this girl PLUTO from Atlanta. She’s been inspiring me, and this other girl BunnaB.”
He continued: “I’m touching [Outkast’s] Stankonia and The Love Below more than anything else. I would say Top made compromises for the creativity on this one, so I appreciate it.”
Stream the album below.
