Isaiah Rashad Builds Momentum Ahead of “IT’S BEEN AWFUL” With New Freestyle Release
Isaiah Rashad is stepping back into the spotlight with renewed focus and a growing wave of anticipation surrounding his upcoming album. After a long period of relative quiet, the Chattanooga, Tennessee artist is using carefully timed releases to reconnect with his audience and sharpen interest in his next chapter. His latest move comes in the form of a freestyle titled Dirty Words, which he shared directly with fans on social media. The track carries a raw and reflective tone, driven by a soulful sample layered over a boom bap-inspired beat. This approach signals a return to fundamentals while also highlighting his growth as both a lyricist and storyteller.
The freestyle does not appear to be part of the official album tracklist, yet it plays a clear role in setting the tone for what listeners can expect. Rashad uses the track to unpack personal thoughts, touching on internal struggles and broader observations about the world around him. His delivery feels intentional and unfiltered, offering insight into the themes that may shape the upcoming project. Early indications suggest a balance between introspection and commentary, with a focus on both personal challenges and external pressures. Even without confirmation, the lyrical direction in “Dirty Words” aligns closely with what fans heard on his recent lead single.
That lead single, SAME SH!T, provides a clearer glimpse into Rashad’s mindset during this phase of his career. On the track, he emphasizes discipline and clarity, rapping about maintaining focus on priorities such as family, financial stability, and personal growth. The lyrics reflect a grounded perspective, shaped by experience and time away from the spotlight. This focus on real-life responsibilities gives the music a relatable edge, which has long been a defining trait of his work. It also reinforces the idea that the upcoming album will lean into authenticity rather than chasing trends.
The new album, titled IT’S BEEN AWFUL, is set to arrive on May 1 and marks a significant return after nearly five years. His last project, The House Is Burning, left a strong impression and raised expectations for what would come next. This upcoming release will feature a more focused guest list, including appearances from Dominic Fike, SZA, and Julian Sintonia. The reduced number of features suggests a more personal and cohesive project, with Rashad taking center stage throughout. At 16 tracks, the album stands as one of his longer efforts, just one track shorter than his widely praised debut The Sun’s Tirade.
This extended break between albums has been a point of discussion among fans and critics alike. Rashad previously expressed a desire to avoid such long gaps, yet the time away may have contributed to a more refined and deliberate body of work. Artists often use these periods to evolve creatively and address personal challenges, which can lead to stronger output. Given his track record, there is reason to expect that this project will reflect both growth and consistency. The combination of introspective themes and selective collaborations positions the album as a meaningful addition to his catalog.
As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding Isaiah Rashad continues to build. The rollout strategy, including the “Dirty Words” freestyle and the lead single, has created a steady stream of engagement without revealing too much. This balance keeps listeners interested while allowing the full project to make its own impact upon release. Rashad’s ability to connect through honest storytelling remains his strongest asset, and it appears to be at the core of this new era. If the early material is any indication, “IT’S BEEN AWFUL” has the potential to meet expectations and reinforce his place as a compelling voice in modern hip hop.
