Transcript

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Summary

New Rory & MAL - Episode 466 | .IDK. (March 12, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode welcomes DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia)-bred rapper and producer IDK to the show, fresh off the release of his highly praised mixtape Even the Devil Smiles (ETDS). The hosts, Rory and Mall, dive into IDK's creative process, life experiences, the DMV music scene, and the stories behind his impressive lineup of features, including DMX, MF DOOM, Pusha T, and Black Thought. The tone is candid, insightful, and warm—with plenty of laughter and the kind of authenticity that makes this podcast a mainstay for hip hop conversation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The DMX Feature: Divine Timing and Hustle

How IDK got a posthumous DMX feature:
- IDK worked on a song with DMX and Denzel Curry before X’s passing. Later, a beat from Kaytranada sparked the idea to revisit those unreleased vocals. He got in touch with DMX’s team, gained the estate’s blessing, and properly cleared the feature.
- “It’s an actually approved or estate-approved feature that came out since his passing.” — IDK [06:35]
On connecting with DMX at South by Southwest:
- “I chased him down at South by Southwest to clear this thing… I gotta make shit happen regardless of wherever I was at.” — IDK [06:43–06:49]
- He reflects on the importance of humility and “rolling up sleeves” even as he’s risen in the industry.

2. Building Relationships for Features: Audacity & Spiritual Energy

IDK credits sheer audacity and respect for connecting with artists—sometimes just reaching out cold.
- “The real answer is audacity. I just ask. I hit Jay Electronica on a DM and see if he responds. I’m just like that.” — IDK [08:58–09:11]
- He often feels, “a divine energy… things happen” when he approaches feature requests with genuine intentions.

3. MF DOOM Collab: Serendipity in Creation

Long-standing connection with DOOM:
- A leftover DOOM verse from an earlier project found the perfect home thematically and sonically on ETDS, uniquely resonating with IDK’s own experience of incarceration and struggle.
- On creative alignment:
  - “I had to go deep within myself and go back to places that I didn’t want to go back to… trying K2 for the first time… I wanted to put you in my shoes for that moment.” — IDK [13:36–14:28]
- Do fans spoil surprises?
  - A misprint revealed DOOM’s name on the vinyl, turning an intended secret into fan anticipation.

4. Drugs, K2, and Prison Realities

First time using K2 (synthetic weed) in jail:
- On his birthday inside, he tried K2 and saw hallucinations turning inmates into animal-like versions of themselves—a “dark” and scary experience.
  - “Everybody in prison that I saw looked like themselves, but an animal version of them. It was dark, though… it was scary.” — IDK [16:03]
- The lasting effects made him quit weed altogether after prison, due to lingering paranoia.

5. Coming Up: From UK to the DMV

IDK’s background:
- Born in London, moved to the US at 2—“I’m American more than anything” [19:42]—and rooted in the DMV, but still deeply tapped into London’s music scene.
What makes the DMV special?
- Cites the area’s unique blend of cultures and “raw artistic talent… the hub of pure creativity.”
  - “When you kind of put that together… I think it creates what I like to call a color that doesn’t exist. Something new, something unique.” — IDK [20:33]
New Balances and regional culture:
- Fun interlude on claims over New Balances’ popularity between New York and DMV. [21:32–23:18]

6. DMV Music Lineage Breakdown [28:46]

History:
- Traces from go-go music in the ‘70s with Chuck Brown, punk rock roots (“Punk rock came from D.C.”), ‘90s figures like Nonchalant and Junkyard Band, through Tabby Bonet and Wale, then to Fat Trel, Shy Glizzy, Logic, GoldLink, Rico Nasty, Shaboozy, Masego, Zanman, and others.
On the DMV “sound”:
- “It’s kind of the same way there’s a lot of subcultures… what you may get that’s consistent is a certain type of slang, a certain type of respect and flow that’s derivative of go-go music.” — IDK [35:06]
- DMV’s lack of a robust music industry structure often means pure talent but fewer breakout stars.

7. Industry and Artistry: Loners and Cosigns [61:50+]

On being a “loner” in rap:
- IDK relates his outsider mentality to 50 Cent/G-Unit, preferring not to belong to any particular scene.
Major cosign discussion:
- He recalls almost signing with GOOD Music, but decided to build his own foundation—ultimately, Adult Swim proved a pivotal platform for him.
Advice for artists:
- “When you’re given a small opportunity, how can you maximize it for yourself? Network across with everybody.” — Rory [73:31]
- IDK’s take: “Niggas be playing games out here… I do this shit… I love this shit, man.” [71:03]
On learning the business: Artists need to manage themselves and build their own relationships within labels and brands.

8. Addressing Rap “Beef” and the Drake Rumors [38:45+]

On people thinking he dissed Drake:
- IDK denies any shots at Drake, explaining timing was coincidence and that rumors often originate with fans.
  - “I wasn’t thinking about no Drake when I made [that song]. It was dope to see that people dig that deep… keep digging. Sometimes I do be saying some clever shit.” — IDK [38:56]
IDK’s respect for Drake:
- “Drake, I listened to Take Care when I was locked up. That was a record that shaped how I even listen to music… I don’t think people give him the props he deserves.” [41:51–43:22]
On confrontation:
- Advocates for direct communication: “If you feel away about me, bro, I will call you. Some niggas be scared. Any nigga who don’t want to answer the phone and have a conversation but wanna talk on the Internet… that’s not you performing.” — IDK [45:03]

9. Prison Stories, Karma & Survival

On doing time in jail as a minor:
- Discusses being sentenced (15 years, suspended to 3), the reality of private home detention, and eventual prison time: “That’s where the real hyenas be at… that was where I was at with it. I hustled, I did what I had to do. Got the fuck out that joint.” — IDK [48:01]
- Navigating jail/prison gave him a different perspective on fear, confrontation, and the music industry.
The “Christmas Eve body” rumor:
- Lyrics drawn from exaggerated experiences to portray the role of karma and survival in his life.

10. The "Suburban Trap" Sound & Career Intentions [56:49]

Origin of Suburban Trap:
- IDK set out to fuse his suburban upbringing with trap influence, purposely distancing himself from glamorizing street life—and crafting characters based on real people from his journey.
Career plans before rap:
- Plan A was IT; Plan B was nursing. “Rap was in the plan… but it wasn’t the end all, be all.” — IDK [59:01]

11. ETDS: Inspiration, Creative Process & Mixtape vs. Album

Musical influences:
- Mall hears echoes of Farside and Tribe; IDK says the initial inspiration was 50 Cent/G-Unit, but the project became a sum of his own musical DNA.
- “I let production dictate what I do. I think I was just being IDK more than anything.” — IDK [61:50]
Creating new bars:
- “I love when rappers say a line that I never heard… you said ‘cutting corners like a picnic sandwich’—I’ve never heard a rapper say that.” — Mall [60:37]
On outshining high-profile features:
- Rory praises IDK for never being outshone on his own tracks—rare for projects with such a star-studded lineup.

12. On Giving Back: Free Show Tickets for Fans [78:48]

IDK shares a policy of giving tickets and meet-and-greets for free to fans who write him explaining their circumstances, often those who've fallen on hard times. He’s moved by fans’ stories and encourages this kind of community support.

13. Light Moments & Memorable Quotes

On go-go heritage:
- “People were rapping over go-go. Let’s not get that twisted.” — IDK [29:05]
On New Balances:
- “We made New Balances popular.” — IDK [21:32]
On industry games:
- “All this shit is like high school.” — IDK [63:59]
On dedication:
- “My last $10,000… was about the most money I ever got in my life at that time. For my mom, my blessing, you know what I mean?” — IDK [72:15]
On cosigns & relationships:
- “Those cosigns are more important for your solo crew.” — Rory [69:03]

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

“I chased him down at South by Southwest to clear this thing… gotta make shit happen regardless.” — IDK [06:43]
“The real answer is audacity. I just ask… I hit Jay Electronica on a DM and see if he responds.” — IDK [08:58]
“Everybody in prison … looked like themselves, but an animal version of them. It was dark, though. It was scary.” — IDK [16:03]
“We have some of the highest concentration of pure creativity.” — IDK on the DMV [20:33]
“I could see niggas when they really that, when they really not that… you learn how to sense fear.” — IDK [50:32]
“I wasn’t thinking about no Drake when I made [that song].” — IDK [38:56]
“All this shit is like high school. I know the type of nigga I was in high school.” — IDK [63:59]
“When you’re given a small opportunity, how can you maximize it for yourself? Network across with everybody.” — Rory [73:31]

Segment Highlights with Timestamps

04:52 — The story behind the DMX feature.
10:00 — On “divine energy,” spirituality, and feature serendipity.
13:36 — Crafting a song with MF DOOM vocals and personal storytelling.
15:10 — First time on K2 in jail: hallucinations and trauma.
19:32+ — IDK’s immigration, upbringing, and London roots.
28:46 — The musical history and lineage of DMV hip hop.
38:45 — Unpacking the rumors about a Drake diss.
41:51 — The importance of direct communication, coping with “rap beef.”
48:01 — The reality of being a minor in adult prison, learning survival.
56:49 — Birth of Suburban Trap music and IDK’s original career plans.
61:50 — Creating ETDS, inspirations, mixtape freedom vs. albums.
72:15 — Investing his last funds to tour; making the most of every chance.
78:48 — Giving free tickets and meet-and-greets to struggling fans.

Final Takeaways

IDK’s journey is shaped by independent hustle, a willingness to reach out (against the odds), and a real commitment to authenticity—in life and music.
ETDS is praised as a milestone for modern hip hop: honest, experimental, full of intention, and decorated with landmark features.
The episode provides wisdom for artists about co-signs, self-belief, and maximizing every door that opens.
Listeners get not only industry advice and hip-hop lore, but also a heartfelt account of survival, self-worth, and giving back.

If You Only Have Time for a Few Highlights:

[04:52–10:00] — IDK on securing the DMX feature and serendipity in music.
[15:10–19:14] — Surreal prison/K2 story and reflection on fear.
[28:46–36:46] — DMV music lineage and identity.
[61:50–69:02] — Creative process behind ETDS and the loneliness of the indie route.
[73:31–74:37] — Maximizing opportunities and business savvy in the industry.
[78:48–80:15] — IDK on giving back to fans through free tickets and genuine community.

For more:

Listen to New Rory & MAL, Episode 466 | .IDK. on all podcast platforms. ETDS by IDK is out now on all DSPs.