About this episodeIDK discusses his multifaceted career, drawing parallels between his experiences in the criminal justice syste…AI summary
IDK discusses his multifaceted career, drawing parallels between his experiences in the criminal justice system and the music industry, while emphasizing the importance of artistic integrity and spiritual awareness. He details the creation of his album F65, explaining its title's significance regarding Malcolm X and Formula 1 racing, and shares insights on his songwriting process which relies on stream-of-consciousness rather than pre-written lyrics. The conversation also covers his educational initiative at Harvard, No Label Academy, aimed at teaching independent artists how to monetize music and build sustainable careers.
Key takeaways 6
IDK's music is described as 'genreless' because it reflects his diverse upbringing: born in London, raised in a Sierra Leonean household in Maryland, and having attended college while incarcerated.
The album title F65 stands for Formula 1 racing and the year 1965, when Malcolm X was assassinated; IDK believes Malcolm X's message was shifting towards love and inclusion before his death, which aligns with the album's theme of inviting people to conversations about race.
IDK teaches that music is the easiest intellectual property to monetize and provides residual income, advising artists to focus on ownership and economics after the creative process is complete.
His songwriting process is organic and stream-of-consciousness; he does not write lyrics down but pieces them together in the moment based on feeling, memorizing songs by listening to them repeatedly because he loves them.
IDK views himself as the 'Robin Hood of brand partnerships,' using his platform to bring opportunities to artists who might not otherwise get them, rather than focusing solely on personal financial gain.
He distinguishes between jail (short-term, pre-trial) and prison (long-term sentences), noting he was 17 when first jailed and 19-20 when imprisoned, while simultaneously attending college.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“He doesn't make quick fast music like fast food that goes through your body and you [ __ ] it out and you don't realize you even ate it. He makes the kind of music that sticks to your ribs that sticks to your soul.”
▶ 1:16Host Tracy describing IDK's musical impact and longevity compared to disposable pop culture.
“I believe that the religion to an extent Israel but I think that it all used to probably be one thing... over time it's like a big gigantic game of telephone and I think that it branched off into different things.”
▶ 11:39IDK explaining his spiritual beliefs about the origins of religion and his personal faith.
“Music is the easiest intellectual property to monetize off of... knowing that the other thing about that is it provides residual income and a more residual income you have the better your future will be when it comes to wealth.”
IDK advising independent artists on the business side of music during his Harvard seminar discussion.
“I look at myself as like the Robin Hood of brand Partnerships I like kind of work with like Brands and then I bring people that I believe deserve the opportunity but may not ever get it to those Brands.”
▶ 12:31IDK explaining his intention behind collaborations and business deals.
“Equality is not sameness... not like equal pay and things like that but just more like there is a lot of differences between the Dynamics of people... the answer is us working together is one yeah strengths and weaknesses coming together like a puzzle piece.”
▶ 23:10IDK discussing his philosophy on relationships and equality, referencing the dynamic between Barack and Michelle Obama.
Chapters & Sections (29)▼
0:00Tyler the Creator's Musical Talent and Influencechapter4
0:00Artist Discussion and Music Appreciation
1:59Welcoming IDK to the Show
3:14Music Career and Personal Background Discussion
4:46Overcoming Adversity through Education and Music
6:13Artist's Childhood and Family Backgroundchapter2
6:13Artist Discusses Family Background and Career
8:26Gentrification and Identity Crisis
11:02Spirituality and Personal Valueschapter3
11:02Artist's Spiritual Beliefs and Philanthropic Intentions
12:56Memorizing Songs through Repetition and Love
14:11Influences on Rapper's Style Development
15:24Rapper's Early Life and Career Reflectionschapter2
15:24Rapper's Early Life and Career Reflections
18:00Artist Appreciation and Authenticity in Music
19:43Jay Electronica and IDK Discuss Album F65chapter2
19:43Jay Electronica's album F65 explained
21:18Relationship Dynamics and Equality
24:26DJ King Tackle Discusses Music Creation Processchapter2
24:26Music Creation Process and Inspiration
26:50IDK Discusses Songwriting and Collaboration
29:11Songwriting Inspiration in the Studiochapter1
29:11Songwriting Inspiration from Studio Session
33:41Independent Artists and Music Publishingchapter5
33:41Music Industry Business and Royalties Discussion
35:29Music Career Advice and Entrepreneurship
37:18Artist's Perspective on Making a Living
38:32Celebrity Interview and Music Career Discussion
40:05Fan Appreciation for Music and Cultural Significance
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