Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Interview with IDK

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: IDK Talks New Album 'BRAVADO INTiMO,' Getting Into Music, Virgil Abloh, DMX, Billie Eilish + More
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Charlamagne tha God
Guest: IDK
Duration: Approximately 35 minutes
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

1. Introduction and Background

The episode kicks off with DJ Envy and Charlamagne tha God introducing the guest, IDK, a rising artist from PG County, Maryland. They humorously navigate through the confusion about his origins, with IDK clarifying, “IDK stands for Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge” (03:33)—an acronym he coined while serving time in state prison. This moment sets the tone for an honest and introspective conversation.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “IDK stands for Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge because I wanted people to be like, what does IDK stand for? Does that mean I don't know?” (04:16)

2. Journey into Rap and Overcoming Adversity

IDK shares his tumultuous path into the rap industry, marked by multiple incarcerations due to technical violations rather than repeated offenses. He reflects on his time in prison, where he began writing music and tutoring others, stating, “If I can make people that's pissed off in prison make music, maybe it'll work for me when I get out” (07:10). This period was pivotal in shaping his dedication to music as a means of personal transformation.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “When I first got locked up, I realized it wasn't for me, like, right away. Like, right away, I was like, no, no, no, I can't do this.” (05:03)

3. Evolution of IDK's Music and 'Bravado INTiMO'

Discussing his musical evolution, IDK explains that his latest album, 'Bravado INTiMO,' represents a maturation in his sound. He emphasizes the integration of consistent melodic elements with diverse drum patterns to maintain a cohesive emotional experience across genres. “This now is more like I'm creating a sound, like a feeling,” he notes (10:02), highlighting his growth from dabbling in various styles to cultivating a distinct musical identity.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “It's like taking a certain melodic element and then trying to put different drums around it, maybe to switch the genre up. But the feeling is constant, consistent.” (10:02)

4. Collaborations with Industry Giants

IDK discusses his collaborations with iconic figures like DMX and Kanye West. He recounts the experience of securing DMX’s sample for his album: “He know who I was at that time. ... That was a crazy one... and he got it done” (11:07). His interaction with Kanye West is equally candid, sharing how Kanye reached out after hearing his work, leading to multiple collaborations and personal interactions.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “Ye has reached out to me, and I've hung out with him multiple times. So, you know, it's not that.” (13:28)

5. The No Label Academy and Emphasis on Mental Health

A significant portion of the discussion centers around IDK’s initiative, the No Label Academy at Harvard, where he conducts lectures on branding, financial literacy, team building, and mental health. He articulates the necessity of mental health education in the music industry: “Fame is something we created, that's not something we were built for... a lot of people deal with fame in a way that could be detrimental” (16:09). This initiative aims to equip emerging artists with the tools to navigate the pressures of fame sustainably.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “Mental health is really important because I always say this, like as human beings we've evolved socially a lot... a lot of times people deal with fame in a way that could be detrimental.” (16:09)

6. Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Fame

The conversation delves into the pervasive influence of social media, where even mundane activities like choosing an ice cream flavor become scrutinized. IDK remarks, “Everybody has some form of fame if you have social media” (21:14), addressing the amplified pressures artists face in the digital age. He relates this to his personal resilience, having endured significant hardships, which buffers him against the negative aspects of online fame.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “Because you have social media, when you post something, even if it's just a local before you, they had to see you do it.” (21:14)

7. Challenges and Opportunities in the DMV Music Scene

IDK reflects on the unique challenges of emerging from the DMV area, which lacks the established media infrastructure of cities like New York or Atlanta. He appreciates the region's rich cultural tapestry, particularly its Go Go music roots, stating, “There's a lot of culture I come from Go Go” (27:48). Despite the obstacles, he believes the DMV's originality offers a fertile ground for distinctive sounds, anticipating a breakthrough as local teams like the Commanders gain national attention.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “When Art meets Commerce, that's what happens. You make that decision once you decide to do art.” (23:01)

8. Future Aspirations and Personal Life

Towards the episode's conclusion, IDK touches on his personal aspirations, including contemplating retirement at 40 to focus on family. While humorously addressing rumors about dating Billie Eilish, he emphasizes his priority on establishing a stable future: “I'm constantly competing with myself to do better every time... ensuring everything is structured and laid out for me” (31:55). This introspection underscores his commitment to balancing career ambitions with personal fulfillment.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “I'm not even in the mental space with how I view success.” (31:56)

9. Collaborative Project: "Supernova"

In a lighter segment, IDK discusses his collaboration on the track "Supernova" with a budding artist. He praises the artist's talent and the seamless integration of their styles, expressing enthusiasm about the project's creative process: “She sent me the verse, like, probably in three days. And then I was just like, wow, she really killed this” (36:18). This collaboration highlights IDK's dedication to nurturing new talent within the industry.

Notable Quote:
IDK: “I'm going all the way.” (37:24)

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive look into IDK's personal and professional journey, shedding light on his resilience, artistic evolution, and commitment to mental health advocacy. Through candid discussions and insightful reflections, IDK provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities of fame, the importance of mental well-being, and the unique dynamics of the DMV music scene. His interactions with industry mentors and peers illustrate a network of support and collaboration, positioning him as a thoughtful and dedicated artist poised for continued growth.

Timestamp Reference:

• 03:33: Clarification of IDK’s name acronym.
• 04:16: Origin of "Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge."
• 05:03: Realization of his path while incarcerated.
• 07:10: Inspiration to pursue music while in prison.
• 10:02: Evolution of his musical style in 'Bravado INTiMO.'
• 11:07: Securing DMX's sample.
• 13:28: Collaboration with Kanye West.
• 16:09: Importance of mental health in the No Label Academy.
• 21:14: The ubiquity of fame through social media.
• 27:48: Challenges in the DMV music scene.
• 31:55: Personal aspirations regarding retirement and family.
• 36:18: Collaboration on the song "Supernova."
• 37:24: Commitment to personal and professional growth.