Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Citing Prince and OutKast as touchstones, the record has a sun-damaged feel that envelopes the darker material without washing it out.
  2. May 6, 2026
    78
    The vibey, occasionally anesthetized sound can begin to feel flat and mushy at times, but Rashad’s nimble flows and sharp songwriting keep the album in focus, even when the thematic and sonic heaviness feels like walking through the desert in a weighted vest.
  3. May 5, 2026
    70
    Most of the album evokes the muddy, melancholy Southern blues of mid-’90s rap, like UGK’s Ridin’ Dirty and Scarface’s The Untouchable, as well as the work of Big K.R.I.T., another Dirty South revivalist who couldn’t quite break out of rap’s middle class.
  4. May 5, 2026
    80
    ‘IT’S BEEN AWFUL’ might be TDE’s most TDE-sounding project since ‘DAMN.’ and it’s thanks to Rashad and his team cleansing their palette to create something timeless.
  5. May 5, 2026
    80
    Rashad has delivered yet another excellent project, striking a delicate balance between exploring new sounds and remaining true to what has always made his music so appealing.
  6. May 5, 2026
    50
    The album’s palette is a little rock-leaning, a bit jazzy, and kind of reminiscent of the L.A. beat movement and artists like Flying Lotus. But it doesn’t commit to any of these things, nor synthesize them enough, to generate a compelling overarching style. This time around, Rashad hasn’t found a way to make going in circles play like anything other than running in place.

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