KTC Music Report: Trendsetter Sense gets all-star lineup on new single, IDK releases powerful "e.t.d.s." mixtape

The year 2026 started off strong.

While we did have to do some digging to create our "Most Anticipated Albums of 2026" list, one long-awaited project was a no-brainer and we have it already! A$AP Rocky's "Don't Be Dumb" is here and we are thrilled. It was everything we wanted and hoped for.

There were some drops in January that we weren't expecting and were pleasantly surprised by. Some songs were from industry vets that are continuing to impact the game like Trendsetter Sense's "Lord Jesus." Some are from newcomers who captured our attention like Trap Dickey's "Down South." We got some incredible storytelling and amazing production and we are thankful to start the year with some solid inspiration and motivation.

Here is the Kick The Concrete Music Report:

Trendsetter Sense ft. 1K Phew and Young Dro prod. by Zaytoven — "Lord Jesus" Single

You might know the name Trendsetter Sense, but you definitely know his work. The deejay and curator was a founding member of The Aphilliates and a pioneer of the Gangsta Grillz series.

Sense is now bridging the gap between mainstream and Christian hip-hop using the expertise he gained from helping build the foundation of Atlanta's hip-hop culture and his passion for his own faith.

His latest release is an infectious single called "Lord Jesus" bringing together 1K Phew and Young Dro. The bouncy song is produced by the one and only Zaytoven. The beatsmith shares a similar vision of Sense. He is known for crafting hits for Gucci Mane and the late great Young Dolph while playing the piano in church on Sundays.

Listen to this slapper now and get excited for Sense's second Christian hip-hop showcase at Rolling Loud in May!

Ashlen Jordan — "Not Big on Friends" EP

We first heard of Ashlen Jordan on Bryce Savoy's "Just Keep Shining" album. We were really impressed by his smooth delivery and ability as a storyteller.

Well, the Oakland artist just released his own project, the "Not Big on Friends" EP. And it's really solid! It opens with "Red Starburst," where Jordan exhibits elite wordplay right away with "I fast every day til four, I ain't eat eggs and toast/I break fast when I see the devil and I take a toast" before an attention-grabbing beat switch.

There are no skips on the seven-track "Not Big on Friends" as Jordan explores the process of his craft, navigating love, and living in purpose. But other standouts include the boom-bap "Half n Half" where Jordan reminisces on the good ole days of the '90s, "Matching Quarters" where the hook begs the question, "Nah, that's what you want?" and "Wall Flowers," which has an airy soundscape that could easily fit on a 2010s Drake project. There are motivational speeches from Kahli Wooden throughout that add intention and center everything.

We're grateful to find a thoughtful new artist to keep our eyes on.

A$AP Rocky — "Don't Be Dumb" Album

Finally!

It's been eight long years since "Testing" and lots of teasing around "Don't Be Dumb," which was originally called "All Smiles." But, after A$AP Rocky furthered his status as a fashion mogul and had three kids with Rihanna, the wait is now over.

The Harlem savant continued the experimentation of "Testing" on his latest offering, but it's a little more refined and centered. "Don't Be Dumb" is punk-tastic, rappity rap and pure goodness. The album opens with the looming "Order of Protection" before jumping into the menacing "Helicopter" and then diving into the eyebrow-raising "Stole Ya Flow" where Flacko goes AWF on someone. But then of course it flows right into "Stay Here 4 Life" with Brent Faiyaz, a smooth love song that is sure to be in rotation for a long time.

The punk moments might be head-scratching for rap purists, but longtime Rocky fans know one of his major influences is Bad Brains. He's always blended edgier sensibilities into his image and music. "STFU," a dizzying mashup of mechanical sounds and yelling ad-libs, had many confused, but some of us understood the genius. Then the single "Punk Rocky" offers a more bubble gum punk sound with a snappy drum and melodic hook.

We have to salute Flacko for the incredible features. Besides Faiyaz, he got BossMan Dlow and Sauce Walka on "Stop Snitching," the Gorillaz on "Whiskey (Release Me)" complete with gun sounds provided by Westside Gunn, and Doechii on the delightfully jazzy "Robbery." We are always obsessed with the dynamic duo of Rocky and Tyler, the Creator and we were blessed with their chemistry on "Fish N Steak (What It Is)." And Rocky got Clams Casino and Hit-Boy on production. All the goodness we know and love.

BUT the cherry on top, he really got Tim Burton to do the artwork for "Don't Be Dumb." Legend.

Trap Dickey ft. Key Glock — "Down South" Single

We heard about this bop of a song called "Down South" because it features Key Glock. It's our first time hearing about Trap Dickey and we are impressed.

The beat goes so hard. The song actually samples "Darkest Light" by The Lafayette Afro Rock Band, which is that same soulful horn that drives "Rump Shaker." But here, Trap Dickey's delivery is fierce, and, for the video and cover art, he's wearing a Diallo jersey! For those who don't know, it's Tyrod Taylor's brand.

Key Glock truly delivers in his verse. He shouts out Miami Hurricanes/Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, which made us happy. And he spits this fierce bar, "Bro they put shit to sleep, melatonin." Okay!

This one's sure to go up at the function.

idk. — "e.t.d.s." Mixtape

We love IDK. So much. The DMV-based artist, who honestly now is an international phenomenon, just released the powerful "e.t.d.s." mixtape. The title stands for "even the devil smiles" and the project reflects on the time he was sentenced to 15 years in prison when he was 17 years old. He was released early, but he would have gotten out around this time if he served the full sentence.

With the sharpest of pens, IDK offers a vulnerable insight into this chapter of his life and all the emotions that come with it. The first track is a recording of a prison call center and is titled "JASON MILLS," his given name, which reveals his desire to connect with the audience authentically. On "FLAKKA," he flexes his pen by rapping "Fuck a sentence, they gave me paragraphs."

The project also exhibits IDK's incredible ear. There is production from legends like No ID and Conductor Williams, but the racing "STiGMA," whose beat is crafted by IDK himself along with Goldie, is one that really perked our ears up.

"Devil" is fierce with a cinematic beat and plenty of bravado. IDK spits, "I'm gonna go Marshall Mathers with a little bit more 50." The growl in his voice proves he is not playing games. IDK also delivers airy melodies, which we were really impressed by. The hook on the fast-paced "C.O.P" balances the boom-bap beat and his fierce storytelling about his battles with the legal system. His crooning on "MiSOGYNISTICAL" helps express the tension of being hurt by a woman.

There are massive features from Pusha T and RZA and appearances from MF DOOM and DMX that feel very authentic, rare for a posthumous feature. IDK holds his own with lyricism and flow, proving that he is one of our generation's greats.

It's rare for an artist to grow creatively yet stay so true to their roots in a way that IDK has. We salute him for another heartfelt, thought-provoking project that will stay in rotation. And his last words on the reflective closer "SCRAMBLED EGGS - TBC: (" are "To be continued..."So hopefully there is even more on the way...