IDK – E.T.D.S. A Mixtape by .idk.

London-born, Maryland-raised rapper IDK first made waves just over a decade ago with a series of mixtapes showcasing his gritty tales of the streets in a style he billed as ‘suburban trap’—underground Hip Hop fused with the trap stylings that dominated the mainstream at the time. When it came to his studio debut, 2019’s Is He Real, IDK turned to a cleaner sound with mixed results.While his career to date has been characterised by ambition, a penchant for high concept, and smartly curated collaborations, it’s fair to say that none of his releases have ever truly added up to the sum of their weighty parts.

E.T.D.S., which stands for even the devil smiles, immediately lands differently. Billing the project as a mixtape proves to be a smart move. In addition to subtly lowering expectations and laying the groundwork for a little less formality, there is also a symbolic aspect at play. IDK is returning to his stylistic roots in mixtape culture while he reflects on the crimes that led to his incarceration at the age of 17.

Lyrically and thematically, E.T.D.S is a conceptual work, but unlike other IDK records, it never feels heavy-handed. And it helps that his cast of collaborators is typically stacked. Madlib (on standout “DEViL”), No ID, Conductor Williams, KAYTRANADA, and drum & bass veteran Goldie all contribute to production, while Black Thought, Pusha T, and RZA offer up solid verses. There are posthumous appearances from MF DOOM (over a Conductor Williams beat, no less, on “FLAKKA”) and DMX, on the heavy-hitting “START TO FiNISH - S.T.F”.

Of course, E.T.D.S. isn’t all compelling, but the tape’s pace is so brisk that the next banger is never too far away. IDK always seemed like he was in a rush to prove himself. Twelve years after his debut mixtape, he’s finally delivered an album worthy of his obvious talents.

E.T.D.S. A Mixtape by .idk. is out now via Rhymesayers.