TUMI | McLaren Taps .idk. for an Unprecedented Last Lap of ‘The High Road’ Series
For artist, producer, and educator .idk., living life in the fast lane is the only way to do it. He’s released a new, genre-blurring project every year since 2015, accelerating his artistry to the next level with each energizing entry in his oeuvre.
His most recent album, F65, released in May 2023, features a lavish fusion of jazz, soul, and rap—and a dash of inspiration from Formula 1. The artist was compelled by the prestigious racing competition’s dizzying speed, international impact, and unmatched thrill. Weaving F1 into F65’s lyrics and imagery, he bottled the excitement of racing in a series of smooth, powerful tracks that struck a chord with rap and racing fans alike, proving the combination was kismet. And for the grand finale of The High Road series with TUMI | McLaren, .idk. slides into the driver’s seat, proving he has just as much prowess behind the wheel as he does in the studio.
Luxury travel and lifestyle brand TUMI equips the artist with just the right racing-inspired gear for his getaway. Illustrious British supercar maker McLaren provides the ride: an impeccable 2023 McLaren Artura. And the third time seems to be the charm as .idk.’s High Road excursion shows us just why the TUMI | McLaren collab is truly in a lane of its own. Never before have a supercar maker, rap artist, and lifestyle brand teamed up, making this collaboration the first of its kind.
The episode opens with the multi-hyphenate packed and ready to roll with the collection’s unmatched offerings, including the fortified Aero International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On, the sleek Sector Portfolio, and the stylish Axle Slim Brief. Each piece from the collection seamlessly fuses form and function to be both graceful and durable, refined and ready for action.
Bags securely stowed in the Artura, .idk. is off to the races—F1’s penultimate Grand Prix, to be precise. It’s impossible not to be mesmerized as he steers from the peace of the open road to the bustling Las Vegas strip, where dazzling lights and colors command attention from all angles. The ride mirrors his journey from a young up-and-comer with a mixtape and a dream to a seasoned artist performing on global stages like Coachella and nabbing features from music industry legends like Snoop Dogg.
While he appreciates moments of calm to center himself, .idk. will always be driven to where the action is. Outfitted for his Vegas joyride in a custom TUMI | McLaren racesuit and helmet, the Maryland native exudes focus and determination behind the wheel—keeping his foot firmly on the pedal, just as he’s done throughout his career. Driven by his persistent work ethic, the British-American rapper is constantly on the go, performing around the world and seeking out inspiration beyond the studio.
“When it comes to the opportunity to create, I’ve got to keep moving. I can’t slow down and let any of this pass me by,” he relates in the finale episode of The High Road series.
Of course, there’s no better place to go full throttle than Sin City itself. The entertainment mecca was the site of F1’s inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix this past November when a newly constructed circuit turned the strip into a race track. A star-studded opening ceremony celebrated the event’s debut with the expected fanfare, as musical performers like John Legend and Journey shared the stage with Vegas icons, including Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group.
The race itself was even more of a spectacle, revving up a crowd of over 350,000 fans. Drivers zoomed past iconic landmarks and casinos, leaving fans’ heads spinning as the glamor of the city added a special luster to the high-octane event. .idk. was there to take it all in, and then, TUMI | McLaren bags in tow, the “Pit Stop” lyricist left the noise behind as he rode the Artura back into the desert to clear his head.
After a whirlwind journey that began with fashion photographer Melvin Israel in Britain, followed by a link-up with actress Carrie Wong to explore Singapore, and finally tailed .idk. to Vegas, the checkered flag is finally waving for The High Road series.
Inspired to hit the road yourself? The TUMI | McLaren collection is a must-have for any constant adventurer. Inspired by McLaren’s 60 years of innovation, and mechanical beauty, the collaboration boasts an enviable array of backpacks, suitcases, duffels, and more. The elegant travel treasures are the perfect equipment to take on a cross-country excursion or a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway. For .idk., such pit stops on the road to superstardom fuel his creativity—bringing him one lap closer to the finish line.
Shop TUMI | McLaren now available at TUMI.com.
