Isaiah Rashad & SZA, BOY IN RED | Dazzling Duets

In the 30^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), TDE labelmates Isaiah Rashad and SZA collaborate on “BOY IN RED.” 

Sometimes, two is better than one! That is the case when it comes to Dazzling Duets! On Dazzling Duets, we highlight striking songs performed by two artists collaborating. These duets can be from any musical style, making Dazzling Duets a flexible, versatile column. In the 30^th edition of Dazzling Duets (2026), Isaiah Rashad and SZA collaborate on “BOY IN RED”. Let the dazzle begin!

Oh, snap 🫰! Rapper Isaiah Rashad (Isaiah Rashad McClain) tapped his Grammy-winning label mate, SZA (Solana Rowe), for the assist on some “fire shit” in his single, “BOY IN RED.” “BOY IN RED” is the fourth track from his third studio album, IT’S BEEN AWFUL, released in 2026. The album debuted respectably at number 18 on the Billboard 200 but exited the charts quickly. Rashad, SZA, Keem the Cipher  (Timothy Hakeem Vance), Justus Yearous, and Julian Asuaje composed it while Keem the Cipher and Fantom Power produced it. “BOY IN RED” samples the 1966 song “Didn’t Want to Have to Do It” by The Lovin’ Spoonful.

Isaiah Rashad draws first blood on the distinct “BOY IN RED.” He sets the tone early in the first verse. He raises eyebrows as well, asserting he can be either a boyfriend or a girlfriend: “See, maybe stay the night (Stay the night) / Then I could be your boyfriend (Be your boyfriend) / And if that doesn’t work (Doesn’t) / Then I’ll just be your girlfriend.” He identifies as sexually fluid, so take those lyrics however you would like. Rashad performs the chorus and post-choruses.

“Back and forth, late nights beside you

I don’t know no pain; I’m here kissing nirvana

…Do you really want my love?”

SZA takes the reins in the second verse, complementing Rashad superbly. Not only do her radiant pipes fit perfectly, but she also responds to Rashad’s desires. “You been out with your boys / Feeling horny, annoyed,” she sings and continues, “Now you want me again / Play, coy, I’ve been driving your boat / Blowing all of your steam / Glad you let me in.” Oh, snap 🫰, again!  In the chorus that follows, SZA sings with him, selectively, while Rashad remains solo in the post-chorus.  In the final verse, the duo sings together – a repeat of the first verse.  They conclude the song singing the centerpiece, the chorus.  All told, “BOY IN RED” is a unique, dazzling duet by Isaiah Rashad and SZA.  The full magic of the track reveals itself after a couple of listens.

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Isaiah Rashad » IT’S BEEN AWFUL » Top Dawg Entertainment / Warner Records Inc. » 2026

Isaiah Rashad & SZA, BOY IN RED: Dazzling Duets No. 30 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Top Dawg Entertainment / Warner Records Inc.; ANTONI SHKRABA production from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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