IDK – e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk. (Album Review)

IDK strips it back, sharpens his pen, and lets elite production do the heavy lifting on “e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk.”

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TOP 5 SONGS

5. P.O (Ft. Black Thought)

Wow, IDK is one of the rare artists confident enough to spar with Black Thought on a track.

To me, Black Thought is the type of rapper who can take down anyone, which is why I was honestly surprised IDK chose to step into this matchup. The good news is that he comes prepared. IDK sets the tone early with a catchy, reggae-leaning hook and a flashy, confident rap style, brushing off rumors and stiff-arming haters in a way that fits the slick production perfectly.

Then Black Thought enters like a storm. We get a fully juiced-up version of him, spitting with such ferocity you can almost hear the saliva through the speakers. He paints a picture of the rugged world he comes from, filled with snakes, weasels, and sell-outs like Jason Whitlocks, delivering every line with menace, wisdom, and veteran authority.

The contrast works. IDK brings the vibe, Black Thought brings the pressure, and the production gives both room to operate.

4. START TO FINISH – S.T.F (Ft. DMX)

Could you imagine hearing DMX bark in the studio? That s**t has to be flabbergasting.

IDK gives us something good here, rapping with that slick, relentless flow he’s built his name on. He spits about wiping out enemies and flexing in luxury whips, delivering every bar with sharp precision and effortless confidence. Nothing feels wasted, and nothing sounds forced.

DMX’s presence hits like a gut punch between the verses. His gravelly voice takes control of the hook, packed with lines about chasing money and maintaining that raw intensity that made him legendary. Yes, the signature “Ohs” are here too, and they still hit just as hard.

The production seals the deal, pairing dark, high-energy sonics with a menacing edge that fits both artists perfectly. It’s an unexpected pairing, but it works seamlessly. DMX’s spirit still feels alive in the music, and IDK proves he can stand toe-to-toe with a crazy man without blinking.

3. DEViL

So, the kid from The Omen isn’t credited on this track?

My goodness, the production on “DEViL” is absolutely insane. It knocks harder than ICE agents, with that eerie collection of kids singing in the background — the kind of sound that would be terrifying in the woods but cuts perfectly here — and a tempo that just won’t quit. IDK shows up fully locked in, rapping with flair, aggression, and just the right touch of twisted energy, talking about taking every bit of pressure all the way to Game 7. There isn’t a single dull moment on this joint.

2. SCRAMBLED EGGS – TBC 🙁

It’s wild that one of the project’s hardest cuts is cursed with the name of one of humanity’s most unforgivable meals.

Scrambled eggs are terrible. That said, “SCRAMBLED EGGS” is fire! The track rides a gentle instrumental with just enough knock, plus that old-film, slightly choppy texture that makes everything feel dusty and alive. Big salute to Conductor Williams for that. There’s also a low-key, spooky yet soulful hook from an unnamed singer that really sticks, adding an eerie warmth to the whole record. IDK does the rest of the heavy lifting with an extremely steady flow and locked-in delivery, rapping about leveling up, standing on business, and keeping himself on the right path. Simple, focused, effective. I’m rocking with it.

1. LiFE 4 A LiFE (Ft. Pusha T)

It feels like Pusha T spends most of his days daring someone to step into a rap beef with him.

“LiFE 4 A LiFE” kicks off with a chaotic DJ Whoo Kid–style intro before gliding into a polished yet menacing piano-led beat from Kaytranada.

The production walks a tightrope between luxury and menace, refined enough for high-rise living but still carrying the grit of the street.

IDK attacks the track with restless energy, shifting between anxious, tightly wound flows and sharper, more confrontational bars that reflect ambition forged through pressure, confinement, and survival instincts.

Pusha T then arrives and delivers exactly what you expect: cold, calculated talk with zero wasted motion. His verse oozes ruthless confidence, brushing off clout chasers, sneering at reckless moves, and flaunting power and wealth as undeniable realities.

Of course, whispers of Drake-directed subliminals are already floating around, but even stripped of that speculation, the verse lands heavy on sheer authority alone.

SONG BY SONG RATING

1. JASON MiLLS (N/A)
2. HALO (4/5)
3. DEViL (4.5/5)
4. P.O (Ft. Black Thought) (4/5)
5. CLOVER (Ft. Joey Valence & Brae) (4/5)
6. STiGMA (N/A)
7. C.O.P (3.5/5)
8. START TO FINISH – S.T.F (4.5/5)
9. SCARY MERRI (4/5)
10. CELL BLOCK FREESTYLE / CD ON (3.5/5)
11. FLAKKA (4/5)
12. MISOGYNISTICAL (4/5)
13. LiFE 4 A LiFE (Ft. Pusha T) (4.5/5)
14. EVERYONE KNOWS 🙂 (4/5)
15. SCRAMBLED EGGS – TBC 🙁 (4.5/5)

RGM RATING

(82%)

Out of all the truly slept-on rappers in the game, IDK sits near the top when it comes to pure talent. Beyond the occasional Kanye-esque vocal texture, he can flat-out rap, usually delivers lyrics that make you think a little harder, and consistently sounds comfortable over production most artists wouldn’t dare touch.

On this mixtape, the mission is obvious: IDK is here to assert dominance. Across most of the tracklist, he’s stomping on competition, standing firm in who he is, indulging in luxury and women, and getting gritty when the moment calls for it. The energy feels like a constant reminder that he’s completely at ease in his own skin, moving with a risk-taking confidence that borders on reckless in the best way.

What really steals the show, though, is the production. It’s unbelievable. Stripped-down yet flavorful, gritty but cinematic, bouncing between old-school and new-school, hard-hitting and euphoric, sometimes all within the same track. It feels intentional, adventurous, and alive. From a rapping standpoint, IDK toys with flows and tones effortlessly, leaning on a punchy delivery, slipping into melodic pockets when needed, and even harmonizing in a way that feels oddly sermon-like.

I’ve criticized IDK in the past for doing too much, and ironically, that’s why this project works so well. He simplifies without dumbing anything down. Sure, there are moments where the perspective gets a little strange or the singing reaches too far, but those are minor blemishes. The production hits. The verses are sharp. The guest appearances fit naturally. And the sequencing flows. Bottom line: this is a really good album.