Just over two weeks after celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Sun’s Tirade with a sold-out performance at YouTube Theater, Isaiah Rashad returned to Los Angeles for a much more intimate evening at the GRAMMY Museum on Oct. 15.
Held on the museum’s Ray Charles Terrace, the evening featured a conversation moderated by music journalist and POW Magazine founder Jeff Weiss, followed by a live performance highlighting Rashad’s latest album, It’s Been Awful, alongside several fan favorites. The Chattanooga, Tennessee, native has developed one of the most loyal fan bases in hip-hop since emerging as part of Top Dawg Entertainment’s roster. His ability to blend introspective storytelling, Southern hip-hop influences and soulful production has helped him carve out a distinct sound that continues to resonate with listeners.
Released in May, It’s Been Awful marked Rashad’s first studio album in five years, following 2021’s The House Is Burning. The 16-track project explores personal struggles, growth and self-reflection while incorporating elements of jazz, neo-soul and alternative sounds. The album also features collaborations with SZA and Dominic Fike, further expanding the musical direction Rashad has developed throughout his career.
During his conversation with Weiss, the focus centered on the creative journey behind the project, his evolution as an artist and the personal experiences that have shaped his music. The intimate setting offered a different perspective from his recent anniversary concert, giving fans an opportunity to connect with the artist beyond the music itself.
Isaiah Rashad and Jeff Weiss at the Grammy Museum
Following the conversation, Rashad took the stage alongside a live band for a seven-song set that showcased both his newer material and the records that helped establish his career. Opening with “Heavenly Father” from his acclaimed Cilvia Demo project, he transitioned into “SAME SH!T” from It’s Been Awful before performing “Headshots (4r Da Locals)” and “Wat’s Wrong,” the latter originally featuring Kendrick Lamar and Zacari.
The performance also included “BOY IN RED,” his collaboration with fellow TDE artist SZA, and “M.O.M.,” another standout from the new album. The live instrumentation added another dimension to Rashad’s laid-back delivery, allowing the soulful production and intricate melodies to shine in a setting much different from a traditional hip-hop concert.
For me, one of the biggest highlights came with “4r Da Squaw,” a personal favorite alongside “Shot You Down.” Both records played a significant role in my appreciation for Rashad’s music over the years, and hearing “4r Da Squaw” performed with a live band was especially rewarding. Having recently covered his anniversary performance at YouTube Theater, it was refreshing to experience another side of his artistry in such a short span. While that show celebrated his catalog alongside fellow TDE artists ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock, the GRAMMY Museum performance placed greater emphasis on Rashad himself and the musical progression that has defined his career.
Over the years, Rashad has emerged as one of my favorite rappers, not just within the TDE camp, but across hip-hop as a whole. His music has always carried a certain authenticity, balancing vulnerability, clever lyricism and production that rarely sounds forced or overly commercial. The evening served as another reminder of what makes Rashad such a compelling artist. Whether performing in front of thousands or sharing his music in an intimate venue, his ability to connect with listeners remains one of his greatest strengths. With It’s Been Awful, Rashad continues to build on an already impressive catalog while proving that his artistic evolution is far from finished.
Isaiah Rashad and Band at The Grammy Museum
