More about: IDK

Maryland rapper IDK comes through with his newest album USEE4YOURSELF. A hot 43-minute, fun-infused album that seems to span all corners of the emotional spectrum, it still maintains the bounce that IDK is renowned for. 

Every song comes packed with some tight lyricism that rolls off IDK’s tongue so easily that every line would make Rakim smile. It is also jam-packed with amazing features including the likes of Slick Rick (yes, the Slick Rick), Rico Nasty, T-Pain and the late MF DOOM. 

There are a lot of songs that are really enjoyable such as 'Red', which has a chorus that ignites feelings of D12. Not to mention the single 'PradadaBang' that was released in anticipation of the album and encapsulates what you can expect throughout. There’s also the passion infused “my business” that’s repeated on 'Dogs Don’t Lie' before leading into a great-sounding outro. Needless to say, it’s a lot of fun. 

This album is perfect for fans of bass-heavy, flow-orientated, and exciting rap music although those fans, when going into this record, aren’t going to come across anything that they haven’t already heard. This album, though enjoyable, feels as though it will be swallowed up by the plethora of albums out recently that do very similar things. The whole project remains somewhat uninspired, even when the songs get much more emotional such as in 'Hey Auntie'. 

I have to say, I respect IDK for not being afraid to include more emotional songs. It’s almost as if he acknowledges the past but that it only makes up a small percentage of him and as such it will only make up a small percentage of the album. He touches on struggles with paying rent, growing up and sexual assault, whilst still including bangers such as 'PradadaBang'. It feels like a real insight into the rapper’s head: very personal but with no holds barred, like he has made a passing comment at a bar rather than opening up to you as a last resort. The result is one of believable genuineness. 

I think you will struggle to find someone who doesn’t like this album. Regardless of your music taste, IDK has a very obvious talent when it comes to writing and delivering bars, plus, the production throughout is airtight, fun and easy to get on board with. It seems like it’s the kind of album you’re going to have a good time with but that isn’t going to change your life, as whilst it’s difficult to pick a huge fault with, it also remains somewhat lacking. 

USEE4YOURSELF is out now.

More about: IDK