IDK’s Life in Lyrics  

Emma Paff  

Music Journalist  

From serving time in prison to teaching at Harvard, IDK, short for “Ignorantly Delivering Knowledge,” is a force to be reckoned with in the rap community. Born in London, IDK moved to the States when he was 2 and grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland. At the age of 17, he was arrested and convicted of armed robbery causing him to spend a year in prison. During this time, he worked helping other inmates get their GEDs and found his passion for making music. IDK is a rapper and producer known for his soul-baring honesty and sharp lyricism.  

IDK’s artistry stands out because of his ability to combine intellect and emotion. His lyrics are insightful and thought-provoking, featuring race, religion, incarceration, and mental health themes. His production style can be characterized by his attention to detail. He backs up his story-driven tracks by blending live instrumentals with hard-hitting 808s and traditional hip hop drums. IDK’s ability to use live instruments such as horns, keys, strings, and choirs is showcased on his album Is He Real, elevating his spiritual theme with a gospel soundtrack. He provides a dynamic range in his production style, similar to that of Ye and Pharrell, by layering orchestral elements with textured and groovy baselines.  

IDK’s discography can be described as philosophical and ever-evolving. His albums hone down, focusing on specific themes, relaying important messages to his audience. In 2016, he released Empty Bank, an album that touches on class, capitalism and morality. He unpacks his flaws while examining his relationship between money and morality. IDK showcases his multifaceted psyche through a blend of humor, character voices, and sarcasm. This is further enhanced by dramatic beat switches and jazz loops, creating a dynamic listening experience. The standout tracks of this album include “Mr. Mills,” “Nudes 4 Cash,” and “La Groupie.”  

Moving over to his next release in 2017, IWASVERYBAD, IDK narrates his younger years through the pathway that led him to prison. The album feels like a coming-of-age story, relaying his years as a troubled teen who went down the wrong path. IDK grapples with the shame of his incarceration and the need for redemption and self-improvement. To better understand how IDK’s background shaped him, listen to “Mrs. Lynch, Your Son Is The Devil” and “No Shoes On The Rug, Leave Them At The Door.” 

In 2019, IDK his most polished album to date, Is He Real, where he calls out the contradictions of religious teachings and actual human experience. He unpacks the heavy topic of spiritual doubt using irony, humor and honesty. In my opinion, this is his best piece of work because it showcases his intelligence, lyricism, and technical skills. IDK manages to be philosophical while remaining vulnerable and honest to his audience. It’s layered with social commentary and gospel melodies. His precise beat switches and ambient transitions switch the mood throughout his tracks, providing breaks in the dense lyrics and allowing for introspection. For the complete experience of this masterful album, I recommend listening from beginning to end.  

In 2021, IDK partnered with No Label, a nonprofit organization founded by two Harvard graduates. Together, they created the No Label Academy, designed to empower those in the BIPOC community to learn about the music business. “The idea started when I realized how my situation had a lot to do with the odds being against me,” IDK said in an interview with Rolling Stone in 2020. “I, being a felon and having minimal education in terms of certifications, was still finding a way to create a career that’s not only lucrative, but in line with what I actually want to do in life.” IDK taught a 10-day course on monetization, story and vision, and mental health. They also brought in guest speakers such as Joey Bada$$, Benny the Butcher, and Tobe Nwigwe.  

From incarceration to innovation, IDK allows us a glimpse of his journey to redemption through his music. He consistently pushes boundaries both in and out of the studio. Empowering his audience through his lyrics and giving other creatives opportunities to learn about the music industry. His life and lyrics are a testament to change and how introspection can be empowering. IDK’s honesty and generosity have made him a compelling voice in the hip-hop industry.