15 Tracks, 15 Years: Analyzing IDK’s Technical Mastery on Even The Devil Smiles

Released: January 23, 2026

IDK is an artist I only came across in the last few years, so I missed some of his early material. But without a doubt, since I’ve tuned in, IDK has impressed. Now in 2026, he gives us e.t.d.s. (Even The Devil Smiles), a mixtape by .idk.—a project I’ve enjoyed watching him unroll leading up to its release. So without further ado, let’s get into Even The Devil Smiles!

There are 15 tracks here, representing the 15 years IDK was facing when he was 17 years old. There’s a wide range of styles and sounds, but IDK’s technical ability remains the core. The first song is “HALO,” and it’s a good intro; I like the beat a lot, and IDK calmly attacks it. The hook is the part I’m mixed on, but I think it’s a solid opener, although there’s potential for others to be divided on it. After “HALO,” there’s a run of top-tier songs: “DEViL,” “P.O” with Black Thought, and “Clover” with JVB. I like all these songs for different reasons and their distinct vibes. I have seen some people say these tracks feel random and that IDK himself can seem unfocused. Although I can see where they are coming from, I think IDK is more focused than he’s given credit for, especially since he titled this a mixtape. I’m not going to give him a hard time for songs having different sonic directions when it all comes together well and is labeled as a mixtape anyway—whether it actually is one or not!

“STiGMA” is the main track that felt out of place. It features an almost fully instrumental, electronic beat that I actually like, but it just felt slightly inconsistent with the flow. I actually would have liked it more with no vocals at all, or it generally could have been cut. I’m not always a fan of posthumous features, but as far as they go, the features from DMX and MF DOOM both worked well respectively. Some of my favorite tracks here are “P.O,” “DEViL,” “MiSOGYNISTICAL,” and “LiFE 4 A LiFE.”

This was a great project. Like I said, I’m behind on some of IDK’s discography, but so far, this is my favorite project from him. I knew he was a talented technician who could make great songs, but this might be the first time I thought everything strung together so well. IDK officially has me hooked.

Standout Tracks: P.O, DEViL, MiSOGYNISTICAL & LiFE 4 A LiFE

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (8.5/10)