IDK, the artist previously known as Jay IDK, has come through with his new album IWASVERYBAD, and it's definitely a diamond in the rough. With features from MF Doom, Swizz Beatz, Chief Keef, Yung Gleesh, Del The Funky Homosapien, IDK establishes himself as one of the game's more underrated rhymers, handling the bulk of the twelve song project by himself. If you haven't already heard previously released singles "Baby Scale" or "17 With A 38," you may as well dive into this one from start to finish. It's clear that Jay put a lot of thought into this project, and it's reflected by the concise and coherent sonic direction, which blends trap drums with experimental, synth-based soundscapes.
The album's second track "Maryland Ass N***a" finds IDK delivering some family history over an up-beat, percussive banger before switching it up to an anthemic, autotune-driven chorus. Super producer Swizz Beatz comes through for a verse heavy on the smoke, and a co-sign from the legendary Ruff Ryders producer is a good look for the Maryland rapper. His versatility continues to show on the following track "Pizza Shop Extended," which pairs him with some underground icons like MF Doom and Del The Funky Homosapien.
IDK's flow deserves some attention here, as it might very well be the rapper's strongest attribute. Closing track "Baby Scale" finds IDK going in over two different beats, and his double time bars as are effective as his grounded, old school inspired ones. Overall, this project seems destined to be slept on, but give it a chance. IDK put in some serious work on this album, and there are plenty of highlights over the course of its reasonable thirty-five minute run-time.
What are you waiting for? Stream IDK's IWASVERYBAD right now, and sound off below.