IDK: E.T.D.S.

e.t.d.s. is a mixtape that opens about as hard as you can possibly get with the track Halo. It features deep lyrics and an instantly catchy chorus that lets you know IDK is here to make a statement.

The most impressive part of the project is how seamlessly IDK jumps across genres and styles. He moves effortlessly from straight rap to reggae to club anthems, even accompanied by the likes of Joey V on some tracks. Its fast, catchy, and fresh. He spits with the confidence of a genre veteran who has something to prove. We even get a DMX feature on the speedy Start to Finish, which sounds exactly like a classic 2000s rager and further solidifies this uncanny ability to style hop with ease. There are so many potential standout tracks here, with Life 4 a Life being one of the most accessible. There's almost no fat on these bones. Every single track feels deliberate and placed with purpose.

At its core, this is a semi-concept album rooted in harsh reality. IDK was sentenced to fifteen years in prison as a minor, he got put in three. What we get is a raw reflection on that lost time. He is actively coming to terms with what he did and the crushing realization that he will never really be able to pay it back. His descent into a life of theft was a slow burn, but his reintegration into society is proving to be even slower. It is a highly personal, deep cut of an album. It offers fleeting glints of hope interspersed with the horrible realization that recidivism is not only possible but statistically likely. It is going to take strength, courage, and faith to stay on the straight and narrow.

Critical reception for the album seems to be divisive. Some critics bash it for a lack of sincerity, while others inexplicably claim it lacks skill. I suppose I can see the argument for the former if you are being highly cynical, but the latter makes absolutely no sense. This feels right up there with Haas in terms of song style and structure, and Haas is currently getting rave reviews. Some people are calling this project overproduced, others say it is underproduced, and some call it one note. I don't get it. This is a highly competent release with several bangers and a deeply thoughtful message. If this specific style is not for you, fine, but on a technical level, the man is incredibly sound.

The emotional cover finally comes off during the final track, where IDK lyrically tries to make amends. He is no longer simply stating facts or bragging. He genuinely wishes he could rectify the damage he caused to those he harmed. There are a lot of solid tracks on here, and a few teeter on the edge of being genuinely great. Halo in particular feels like it was engineered for the masses. With just a little more polish and some proper industry mentoring, IDK is going to break through sooner rather than later.