IDK - IDK & FRIENDS 2

IDK is back! Yes, the DMV native has come back with another project after his incredible debut album, Is He Real? A second part to his IDK & FRIENDS, which helmed mainly DMV artists on the tape, including Q Da Fool, Rico Nasty, and Wale, with heavy additions such as Denzel Curry and Maxo Kream, IDK & FRIENDS 2 takes this concept a step further.

Newcomers to the friend’s list this year include producers Ronny J, Juicy J, and JetsonMade, along wieth many others, and new DMV link-ups such as Xanman, Big Jam, Yungmanny, and Big Flock, as well as others like PNB Rock and Alex Vaughn.

The tape is actually a soundtrack for NBA star, Kevin Durant’s Showtime documentary, Basketball County: In the Water. Both Kevin Durant and IDK are from PG County, Maryland, which is how they were able to connect for the project.

Check out our review of the new IDK & FRIENDS 2 tape below!

OMERTÀ

Shut the f*ck up

Our intro track for this project, presents IDK telling an unknown individual to stop running his mouth. The word Omertà is a Southern Italian code of silence and code of honor that places importance on silence in the face of questioning by authorities or outsiders. Basically, IDK is conveying that silence is power, and opening your mouth could end up being your downfall.

RILEY (ft. Xanman)

Indian plug, hold up, that n**** got work in a taxi cab

RILEY places Xanman right in his home in terms of production, with heavy 808s, hard piano keys, and an even harder beat to pull it all together. Xanman comes on with the infectious chorus before spitting verses on internet haters, shooters, moonwalking, Scooby Snacks, and his Indian plug. He alley-oops to IDK who slides onto the beat effortlessly, with the lyricism that solidifies this track a golden starter to the tape. As IDK says, he’s doing quite well for a Largo dropout.

MAZEL TOV (ft. A$AP Ferg)

Mazel Tov to the Gang

Started with a beautiful flute melody, the 808s crash into MAZEL TOV like a wave and by the time IDK’s first verse starts, you’re guaranteed to be already nodding your head and scrunching your face. On the track, IDK speaks on topics of fake friends, his lack of support from certain people in the early stages of his artistry, and oh yeah, his Jewish taxpayers. Ferg’s verse was as creative and flow-crazy as is expected of an artist of his caliber, tying a neat and hard bow on a fire track.

SQUARE UP (ft. Juicy J)

B*tch don’t call my phone no more, I don’t got no time for you fake ass h*es

One of our favorite tracks from the tape, considering it is the first track we actually see an IDK and Juicy J-. The frantic, running melody and the heavy, yet subtle 808s underneath give more bang to the percussion and hi-hats when they blend together. IDK’s vocals can be heard in the background, crooning with silent reverb and adding a delicate layer.

The DMV native spits with confidence and pride, showing no fear in his lyrics or topic of delivery. The bridge towards the second half of the track is a nice momentum builder for smooth, whimsical, and adlib-worthy Juicy J verse that follows.

BULLETPROOF (ft. Denzel Curry & Maxo Kream)

Think you bulletproof, ‘til my shooters shoot

BULLETPROOF rushes out the gate with a wavy Denzel and IDK bridge/chorus. The hook ignites the track before the first word of a verse is even said. The murky beat and overall dusky production with eerie chimes and weird synths, create the dark atmosphere where these artists thrive, especially Maxo Kream, who slid on his verse with perfection. Themes of young shooters, dead friends, and the promise to end any beef with a bullet.

END OF DISCUSSION (ft. PNB Rock)

She ain’t suckin, she ain’t f*ckin, end of discussion

One of the more sing-songy tracks on “IDK & FRIENDS 2”, END OF DISCUSSION has PNB Rock and IDK trading verses back and forth on the topic of broke haters, spending money simply because they can, stunting on those who’re out of their league, and moving out of the way of females who don’t have the energy they both desire. Creative and hard-hitting bars are littered throughout the track from both artists.

TOOTH FAIRY

Like a tooth under the pillow I get money when I sleep

When we heard that “Oh my god, Ronny!” tag on an IDK track, we at Nefarious can confirm that we almost screamed. IDK utilizes Ronny J’s production beautifully, hitting the pockets in the beat he needs to strike fire with every word that lands. IDK talks about the usual haters, getting money when he sleeps, comparing his moves to those with his name in their mouth.

495 (ft. YungManny, Big Flock, Big Jam, & Rico Nasty)

I got three oppositions that might f*ck ‘round and blow

We’ve already done our review for this track. Take a look here if you wanna read. Short answer:

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

LIVE FOR IT (ft. Wale & Alex Vaughn)

You the MVP for it, and ball for it, yeah yeah

The slowest track on the tape, the keys on an organ piano leads LIVE FOR IT from start to finish, with the rest of the production swelling and building around it. Wale has a beautiful opening verse that sets the tone for the rest of the track, and Alex Vaughn’s iridescent vocals color the track a pretty color needed to blanket over IDK and Wale’s lyricism. The track fades out, taking elements from the production out subtly, as Wale ends of the project with the dimming bridge.

Valentino

Q. Tell us about yourself and what you’re trying to accomplish.

A. Hey Im Tino ! I grew up in the heart of downtown Athens, Greece and moved to the United States at the age of nine. I grew up in a family of hard working men, and my mother introduced me to all kinds of music as I got older. Being from Greece, music partakes a huge role in daily life, so I have always loved music, I always found beauty in the art.

So when I moved to the States I started to learn how to play wind and string instruments. As I grew older I started to appreciate sounds and melodies, so I decided to create some of my own. I noticed the American music industry started to flood with nonsense, no true music, just entertainment for the youth. I guess it sparks a bit of anger in my heart, so i quit making rap and I started to create a sound of my own, a sound that is unique to my own life. I don't mind not being recognized, and i'm not asking everyone to like my music, I just want to create something for people to listen to and say: “This, this is real music”.

Q. What is the music scene like in your area? What makes it special to you?

A. Although most artist from the DMV are rappers, I still appreciate the culture and energy. A lot of young artist in the DMV have a story behind their music. I do not listen to rap but when a unique artist comes to town I always love a fun night with some music, any music, because at the end of the day music brings us together, it brings joy and peace to us.

How would you describe your music to someone new to it?

My music has a very European sound to it, so it might not be for anyone. But if you’re in a club with some night lights, my music is exactly what you would play to get everybody grooving.

Q. Where do draw inspiration from?  

A. My true motivation comes from my father, we fled our home and came to the States with only $300 cash in our hands. Within a few years he had put a roof over my families head and more food on the plates then I could have imagined. I could not  be more proud. Although my musical inspirations comes from the European culture I grew up around, as well as some amazing artists from the 60’s, 80’s and 90’s. I’ve always had a sweet spot for House music and Alternative psychedelic rock. But when I explored deeper into those genres I fell deeply in love.

Q.How do these elements incorporate into your music?

A.I often get told I have a very European sound, of course that is because I have European blood. I'm the type of guy who goes to a club alone just to listen to music. There's always this voice in my head that guides me into making a European type of beat, most often it will turn out to be a house beat. My vocals are heavily inspired by psychedelic sounds, no fast verses, just mellow deep vocals, almost like the feeling you get when you feel like you’re falling while laying bed. I love mellow music, it chills up my spine and massages my ears. I don't make rap because it sounds very dry, unless im telling a story, though I would not consider that rap.

Q. Where do you listen to on a day to day basis? Top 5 list of artists/albums?

A. On a day to day basis I listen to new artist and new music. Although if I had to listen to five artists for the rest of my life I guess my playlist would consist of artists like:

-DJ Boring ( For Tahn )

-Tame Impala ( Any album they are perfection )

-The Doors ( Waiting for the Sun )

-So Inagawa ( Sputnik EP )

-The Stone Roses ( Stone Roses )

Q. Do you ever collaborate with people in your area? If so who and why?

A. I only collaborate with my team, Safe Haven. We have made this team because we are the only ones who understand each others goal with music, we all share a similar childhood. We all grew up in foreign families and some of us have European backgrounds so we know exactly what we like to make. There are many talented kids who I have worked with in the past and I have nothing against them, we just don't float in the same boat when it comes to genre of music.

Q. Anybody you want to collaborate with?

A. I would definitely want to work with some big names like Tame Impala, Diplo, So Inagawa, Frits Wentik, Ian Brown and many many more artists.

Q. What do you think personally sets you apart from the rest of your peers in the music industry? What do you bring to the industry that you believe no one else has the ability to bring?

A. In 2019 the music industry is filled with disrespect for “clout”. There is no appreciation for ones talent, as long as people act a fool and get retweets and likes, thats all that matters. I listen to some of the most talented kids in the music industry and they get no appreciation for what they make. As for myself, I dont make music for everyone. My music is made for a good night out with the team, I make music to lighten the mood, I make music to put a smile on one’s face, Its all about love and appreciation of sound. Ever since the early 2000’s the music industry has changed for the worse, that’s why Safe Haven is here to change that.

Q. What can we expect from the future of your content and why should we keep listening?

A, The music is only going to get better, I am an artist of music, not an artist of gerne. Alternative EP’s are on  the way. In the meantime I supply my feed with dance/house music. The people should continue listening because I guarantee a supply of music this era has not heard of, house has been around since the 70’s, but not with a psychedelic twist.

At the moment I create my sounds on FL Studio with two KRK’s and a scarlett microphone, nothing more, nothing less. I lock myself in my basement for hours on hours and I work completely on my own so the sound quality is not the greatest but time will pay it self.

Q. Walk us through the steps you take to create a track. What is your creative process? Do you happen to just walk into the studio and throw some beats on until one sticks? Or is there a more delicate process involved?

A. I am a very appreciative male, I take walks in the forest and sit on cliffs admiring every view I see. While I sit in silence I listen to my surroundings, waterfalls and birds chirping gives me inspiration for my next instrumental. I focus on my inner feelings to guide me towards the story I seek to tell. Then I go home and pour my thoughts into my speakers. My home studio is always dim lit, I cannot work in a bright environment as it forces my feelings to be bright and uplifting, causing me to get distracted from my inner self. I always start with a melody and some kicks to begin the process towards the mood of the track.

Q. Tell us about your newest projects and how it came about.

A. I recently took a trip to home, Greece. I partied through sunset to sunrise with my best friends. Many nights of nothing but laughs and stupidity. So when I came back to the States I wrote a few songs with my brother @bludreamin. We released one of them, move with it. It tells a story about partying in the streets of Europe while falling in love with a girl who ceases to exist. The soothing vocals gives that after party comforting feeling. I have an upcoming project which will contain the same feeling with different stories.

Q. What song would you recommend people start listening to that would get into your music and understand where you are coming from?

A. Move With It ft. Bludreamin. It's not very well mixed as I mixed and mastered the entire track, but it introduces the lister to what I have to offer, I add a little rap ish feeling to it so the listener gets drawn in and the blu reels the listener in by harmonizing into a mellow musical “hug”.

Q, How has your experience in the music industry been thus far?

A. It has been absolutely amazing, working with talented artists has made me appreciate all sorts of music. I have been going to a lot of shows and every time I fall deeply in love with the culture. I want to thank some artists for bringing me to some of their shows and giving me lots of fun nights. Shout out the kid ChanelChachi and The Khan for bringing me out, love the energy and the commitment to their craft.

Q. Finally is there anything you want to say to end off the interview ? Anything you want to plug or announce?

VOLUME 1 EP COMING TO ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS THIS JUNE !!!!!!!!!!!!

Big shoutout to Nefarious Supply Collective for this interview!

Tino signing out !!

Big shout out to Valentino for linking up and interviewing with Nefarious Supply, you can follow him out on Instagram here and be sure to check out his new album “Volume 1” which will be dropping June 22, 2019.

If you enjoyed this interview be sure to leave a like and comment, and to keep up with content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, Apple News and Facebook, and be sure to check out our Youtube and SoundCloud for hot music from underground and emerging artists daily.

CBRZ

CBRZ is an up and coming artist in the DMV and has been trying to make a name for himself in the hip hop scene. Working with talents such as Chachi, CBRZ is making a positive effect on the hip hop scene by spreading his music and love for the craft. Nefarious supply stands behind all of the artists it can, and CBRZ is no exception to this.

Q.

Who is CBRZ? Tell us a bit about yourself and why you got into the industry.

A:

My name is CBRZ short for COBRAZ. I’m originally from Dakar Senegal located in West Africa But I’ve spent most of my life in the US. I’ve always had a love for music since I was young, I spent most of my schooling years in band and choir while also making songs with my friend and his older brother in their basement. When I finally met my group everything sort of clicked from the start and we’ve been working since!

 Q:

How would you describe your music to somebody who hasn’t heard of you before?

A:

It kind of varies; I’d say it’s a mixture of Alternative,Pop,Rap,and Rock music.

 Q:

Where are you representing and why is it so important to you? What makes your scene special to you.

A:

I represent Senegal my homeland,The United Sates, and The United Kingdom. All of them have had a major impacts on my life and inspire a lot of my music. The scenes in Maryland & D.C. will always have a special place in my heart because of the love I receive. So it’s only right to give credit where it’s due. 

 Q:

Who inspires you to make music? Where do you get inspiration for your sound?

A:

I’m a big fan of alternative music; I get a lot of inspiration from artists like Sampha and The Drums.Aside from them I’m just a music lover so inspiration can come from any genre; but inspiration for my lyrics primarily comes from life experiences, trips, and interactions with the people around me. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBRZ (@_cobraz) on Dec 1, 2018 at 9:29am PST

Q.

Who in the DMV do you listen to and what do you like about their music?

A:

In all honesty, the only music from the area I listen too is produced by Last Cult. I haven’t had a chance to listen to all the other up and coming artists fully yet, but I plan to catch up in the next few months.

 Q:

Do you ever collaborate with other artists in the area? Is there anybody you would love to have as a feature or collaborate with?

 A:

I’ve collaborated on a few tracks with Chachi (Such as “Okay”) as well as other members of Last Cult. For now I’m trying to keep my collaborations in house while I continue to develop my sound. 

Q.

What albums and songs do you already have out that people should listen to? Any specific song that really shows your style?

A:

So far I have four songs out: +44, Okay, From Afar,and Count It Up. I’d say Count It Up definitely showcases my versatility.

 Q:

Is there any one song that you’ve made that stands out from the rest? One that really puts what you do into perspective?

A:

+44 is my personal favorite; I think that it gives the listener a more emotional and raw version of my sound. If the listener wants to have an idea of the type of music I make I definitely recommend listening to +44.

 Q:

Can you tell us anything about future projects?

A:

All I can say is this summer I plan on dropping my first project

 Q:

On your Instagram you shared that you had been shot in both legs? If your comfortable sharing I bet people would like to hear the story .Does this change your view on life and does it affect your music?

A:

If you want to know, I recommend listening closely to my song “Okay” I talk about everything there. The entire experience has definitely given me a new perspective on life. I’m so grateful to be here, and I think that message is prominent in my newer songs.

 Q:

Do you have any last thoughts before the end of the interview? Any message you really want to get out to the people and your fans?

A:

First and Foremost I’d like to say thank you to Xavier, Wesley, and the entire Nefarious Supply team for talking to me; Thank you so much to all of my listeners, your love and support means the world to me; And thank you to my family and friends, without you guys I wouldn’t be here.

Big shout out to CBRZ for the interview most of his music can be found on Last Cult Records Soundcloud above and you can stay up to date with him via his Instagram. If you enjoyed this interview make sure to leave a big like and comment what you think of CBRZ music so far. To stay up to date with content coming out of Nefarious Supply you can follow us via Instagram and Twitter.