The return of Isaiah Rashad is no longer a rumor, it’s a full-blown event for hip-hop. After a five-year hiatus since his 2021 masterpiece The House Is Burning, the Chattanooga native has officially resurfaced with his latest single, “Same SH!T,” signaling the start of a new era with his upcoming album, “It’s Been Awful,” slated for release on May 1st, 2026.
Often described as a lowkey underground legend, Rashad has maintained a cult-like following that transcends mainstream metrics. “Same SH!T” delivers exactly what his core fans have been craving: a “southern-fried trunk-rattler” that blends soulful, laid-back production with his signature introspective lyricism.
Produced by Don Oskar, Mario Luciano, and Nate Hobden, the track serves as a raw account of Rashad’s day-to-day grind.
“Conceptually, the song reflects what matters most to me—my family, taking care of myself, and the everyday grind. At its core, it’s about hustling, showing up, and putting in the work every single day,” Rashad stated in a recent press release.
Isaiah Rashad: TDE’s Next All-Star
Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) has never been a label to rush greatness, and their rollout for It’s Been Awful proves they still view Rashad as one of their most vital “all-stars.” The campaign kicked off with a cryptic social media blitz involving label heavyweights like ScHoolboy Q, Doechii, and Zacari, all echoing the album’s title. This coordinated effort confirms that TDE is fully behind Rashad, pushing his talent to the forefront of the genre once again.
The music video for “Same SH!T,” directed by Omar Jones, further establishes the album’s moody and psychologically intense world. It follows a bloodied Rashad through surreal landscapes, mirroring the internal battles and personal growth he has experienced during his time away from the spotlight.
“Rashad represents the soul of TDE. His return isn’t just a win for the label; it’s a win for the culture of lyricism.” Top
As the “next up” on TDE’s release schedule, Rashad isn’t just dropping an album; he’s reclaiming his position as one of hip-hop’s most essential storytellers. With “It’s Been Awful “arriving in just a few weeks, the excitement from his core audience is at an all-time high, proving that even after half a decade, the “underground legend” hasn’t lost his step.
