A haunting teaser sets the tone for his return.

Isaiah Rashad has always been one of those artists whose absence feels loud. Since releasing The House Is Burning in 2021, fans have been sitting in a strange limbo, replaying favorites like “Headshots (4r da locals)” and “RIP Young” while wondering when he’d step back into the spotlight. That project wasn’t just solid, it was deeply personal, widely praised, and packed with standout collaborations that elevated his already unique voice.

Now, after years of near silence, Rashad is finally breaking through the fog.

He’s officially announced a new album titled IT’S BEEN AWFUL, set to drop May 1st. The rollout alone suggests this won’t be a typical return. A recently teased IG trailer paints a haunting picture: Rashad appears bruised and bloodied, wandering through a surreal garden filled with cows, looking dazed, as if he just woke up in the wrong reality. The background is layered with dreamy, almost hypnotic sounds, paired with a cryptic radio voice that adds to the unease.

Given how long he’s been away, there’s real curiosity about what version of Isaiah Rashad we’re about to hear. If the title is any indication, IT’S BEEN AWFUL could lean into raw honesty, personal battles, and reflection.

Isaiah knew what he was doing by releasing this album a few days before Cinco De Mayo (Folks are going to get f**ked up to it).

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.