The rapper formerly known as Jay IDK may have dropped the "Jay" from his moniker, but that's about the only thing the Maryland rapper has lost along the way. After no doubt securing the bag when his breakout "OMW" landed in Issa Rae's HBO series "Insecure," IDK celebrates the milestone with the delivery of an absolutely murderous new single called "Baby Scale." It's been widely disputed whether or not the art of lyricism is dead, and IDK has a few thoughts on the matter. In fact, his opening bars establish himself as the self-proclaimed "conscious n*igga that can teach on trap."
And teach he does. Over a silky, multi-sectioned instrumental, IDK spits a smooth flow that comes across as straight up effortless. "Nine out of ten new rappers doo-doo rappers, they say lyrics ain't cool no more I'm like geez, I guess after this shit drop I might peace," raps IDK, finding new ways to approach the first section of the beat. While the lyrical rap vs mumble rap discourse has been feeling somewhat exhausted (they're not mutually exclusive, damn it), it's always fun to see a lyricist feel compelled to snap for the sole purpose of proving a point.
By the time the instrumental's second movement commences, IDK has entered full on beast mode. He even manages to channel Drake with a well placed "free smoke, free smoke," proving that he can indeed "teach on trap." Honestly, even if you aren't a fan of IDK, you should check this out if you enjoy the humble art of lyricism and flow. This one definitely put IDK on my radar, and if this is only an Adult Swim loosie, I can't imagine what he has in store for his next big drop.
Check out the track now, and sound off. Are lyrics no longer cool?
Quotable Lyrics
I'm the best rapper where I'm from n*gga
Far as I'm concerned nobody better
Fuck your analytics, fuck a stream, fuck your team
I can walk a balance beam while I sing, juggle, spit a sixteen
And be humble, struggled 2015, now I'm leveled