Peter Gabriel Teams Up with IDK on New Rap Collaboration

Peter Gabriel, the art‑rock veteran, has influenced countless musical styles over the years. Until recently, his contact with hip‑hop has been limited to indirect nods—such as the “Sledgehammer” sample used by 3rd Bass on “Pop Goes The Weasel.” Now, at 76, Gabriel lends his voice to the hook on a fresh track with Maryland rapper IDK.

The collaboration did not arise spontaneously; instead, “Beyond The Brilliant Haze” marks the newest offering from Everything Is Recorded, the eclectic project helmed by XL Recordings chief Richard Russell. Known for assembling diverse line‑ups, Everything Is Recorded’s previous single, 2025’s “Wear And Tear,” brought together Sampha, Florence Welch, Danielle Ponder, and Jah Wobble.

Gabriel is currently rolling out o/ithe new album, dropping a track with each full moon; the latest release is “A Hard Lesson.” He previously teamed with Russell on “Four Kinds Of Horses,” a song from his 2023 album i/o. IDK has collaborated with Pusha T, the RZA, and the late MF DOOM on e.t.d.s.an impressive mixtape that he released earlier this year. “Beyond The Brilliant Haze” was mixed by acclaimed producer Mike Elizondo, a frequent Dr. Dre collaborator, and while the track may not flow effortlessly, its unlikely pairing works.

Naturally, we turn to the main participants for their thoughts. Here’s what Gabriel has to say:

During the writing sessions I had with Richard for his Everything Is Recorded project, a few ideas were left aside even though we felt they deserved further development. Richard shared some material he had crafted, and I revised the melody I had initially written for the song. I always appreciate when artists blend contrasting elements—a hallmark of Richard’s work—and inviting IDK to join felt like an inspired move, adding distinct musical textures to the track. I’m thrilled to see this collaboration finally reach listeners.

Here’s IDK:

Working with Peter and Richard was a complete honor. I was honored to hear back from Richard, and even more surprised when the record he sent involved Peter. But I’ve been working long enough at what I do to know that, even though it was a surprise, I was prepared to bring the best parts of myself to it. The result feels like a beautiful mess of juxtaposition.

And here’s Richard Russell:

I grew up listening to Peter and was honored to work with him on i/o and my own music and after I’d immersed myself in making Temporary still had some ideas for us that I was keen to pursue. Jason brought an incredible energy to the whole thing. Everything, including Peter’s suggestion to have Mike mix it, just fell into place at the right time.

Check out “Beyond The Brilliant Haze” below.

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