More clues are coming in about IDK’s studio photo with Eminem and what it might be teasing.
First of all, it looks like “Welcome” might be the name of a track, not a greeting for a new Shady artist. As we suspected, IDK is now on his own journey and unlikely to be seeking seeking any contracts outside of his own label.
Secondly, it is likely that the track is based on J Dilla’s beat. IDK promises a link to a live screening to anyone who replies “Welcome”, and the invitation features Dilla’s instrumental. At this stage of promotion, the choice of music cannot be a coincidence.
And finally, it certainly looks like a promo campaign that IDK is orchestrating, not Eminem. The initial post came from IDK. The Maryland rapper keeps dropping hints and breadcrumbs, encouraging fans to follow the rollout and join his Discord for more information. A link in IDK’s Instagram bio labelled “idk + eminem” leads to a countdown page on his website that reads “Movie time”. Could a music video be on the way, too? With IDK promising a link to a live screening, that seems plausible.
Featured artists do not usually put that much work into promoting their guest verse, especially if a lead artist ranks that much higher than them. Also, more star collaborations with IDK are happening at the moment. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers band shared a photo of himself with the rapper, captioned “Makin stuff with @idk last night”. Collaborations of this scale do not happen just in case. IDK must be very sure why he gets in touch with superstars and when the final product will be available.
So, while the theory that Eminem is about to drop an album remains unconfirmed, we can at least expect a new verse from him soon. And there will be no public outcry, as in the case with the Kid Rock collaboration. Fans seem genuinely excited about this one.