It is perhaps surprising that Eric Andre, the architect of modern chaos-comedy, has only recently begun to apply his unique vision to the music video medium. Having already redefined the boundaries of television with his Adult Swim series and pushed the limits of the prank film with 2021’s Bad Trip, Andre is now translating his hectic cinematic sensibilities into the world of hip-hop. His latest directorial effort finds him collaborating with Maryland rapper .idk. on the high-energy track “C.O.P.,” a standout from the January release e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk.
A Meeting of Creative Minds
The partnership between the two artists was born out of mutual admiration. For .idk., the connection was sparked by a deep appreciation for Andre’s cinematic work. After watching Bad Trip multiple times, the rapper sought to understand the mind behind what he considers one of the greatest films ever made. What began as a simple request to meet evolved into a full-scale collaboration when Andre’s team expressed his interest in directing more music videos.
Andre, for his part, views the music video as a premier medium for directorial expression. Unlike the rigid structures of feature-length films, he believes music videos allow for a “Champagne Supernova” of creativity—a space where a director can be truly uninhibited. Upon hearing “C.O.P.,” Andre was immediately drawn to its “moshpit-ready” energy, recognizing .idk. as an artist on a meteoric trajectory.
The Grand Theft Auto Aesthetic
The visual identity of the “C.O.P.” video is heavily indebted to the violent absurdism of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Andre and .idk. initially bonded over shared references, including the masterfully choreographed chase scenes of director Kathryn Bigelow. The resulting video is a relentless sequence of explosions, zombie soldiers, and animal-themed law enforcement, all rendered in a style that evokes the high-stakes thrill of a video game heist.
For .idk., the choice of animation was intentional. Having been incarcerated at the age of 17, the rapper wanted to reflect the intensity of his youth while adding a layer of levity. “This is a great depiction of the mindset of a teenage boy that is out doing things, committing crimes, running from the police,” he explains. The animated format allows the video to articulate a grim reality without becoming overwhelmingly dark, capturing the irony of a young man who didn’t fully grasp the severity of his actions until years later.
Authenticity and the Future
The collaboration has left a lasting impression on Andre, who is currently preparing his own musical project under the moniker Blarf. Observing .idk.’s stage presence—which recently included a magician as an opening act—Andre noted the rapper’s profound confidence and authenticity. “I asked myself, ‘What makes a star?’ It’s just authenticity and confidence,” Andre says, praising .idk.’s ability to present creative material with total conviction.
As .idk. continues to rise, the “C.O.P.” video stands as a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration, blending the worlds of experimental comedy, high-octane hip-hop, and digital nostalgia into a singular, explosive experience.
Thumbnail credit:
.idk. by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Dior Homme
Eric Andre by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for iHeartPodcasts
