IDK – “Welcome” (Feat. Eminem & Prod. J Dilla)

Eminem and J Dilla both came from the same Detroit underground rap scene in the '90s, but they never worked together. Dilla did work with Proof, Em's late mentor and fellow D12 member. For a little while, Proof and Dilla had a duo called the Funky Cowboys. But Eminem himself never rapped on a Dilla beat, until today, two decades after Dilla's death. The person who finally brought them together is the the Maryland rapper IDK.IDK has picked up a great many co-signs from legends. Earlier this year, he released his concept album E.T.D.S. – Even The Devil Smiles, featuring collaborations with people like Pusha T, Black Thought, and the RZA, as well as posthumous appearances from MF DOOM and DMX. A few months later, he appeared alongside Peter Gabriel on Everything Is Recorded's "Beyond The Brilliant Haze." Today, he releases "Welcome," a new Eminem collab built on production that Dilla left behind, and it's coming out on Em's Shady label.Eminem really only does the hook on "Welcome," but it's fascinating to hear him adjust his ultra-precise meter to Dilla's signature drag. IDK comes off well on the track, too. Here's what he says about the track:When I first started working on this music, I remember looking up at my ceiling and saying "thank you." I was speaking to Dilla because it felt like everything that could have been, in a way, started to clear itself organically. I knew this was an important opportunity and a statement for hip-hop itself.The first rap album I’ve ever owned was 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. A Shady Records release. The first raps I made it a point to memorize were Eminem raps. I’ve been at it for some time now, so to be at the point in my journey seems surreal. I’m excited for this next chapter in my career.IDK, Eminem, and director Vuhlandes shot the "Welcome" video in Detroit, and there's also a short documentary clip with footage of IDK and Eminem in the studio together. Check out both below."Welcome" is out now on Shady/Interscope.