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So, as I try to finish the trio of albums I’ve wanted to read for the past couple of weeks, my next review comes The Forever Story by one of Dreamville’s most well-known ATLiens, JID. JID was always one whom I’ve always had an eye on and, in the eyes of the new generation of rappers is out, JID is in the top ranks. The issue is that however, as great as his music is and as controversial as it is, nothing was deemed “essential.”
It’s true that the first time I heard of JID at the time of the release The Never Story the album The Never Story, he was like the sound of a Kendrick Lamar clone, with an edgy southern accent. I believe he needs this one album that can set him apart from the field and certainly away from J. Cole’s shadow. I’ve only heard this album a couple of times and I don’t recall any of it. Therefore, I’m going to listen with a with a clear head and listen to the music without prejudices or reservations. Is it possible for JID break into the light? Let’s see!
1. Galaxy
Produced by Monte Booker
I’m not sure who this bama is that appears at the end of the intro, but I’m guessing that this has something to do with have something to do with the main theme.
2. Raydar
Produced by Christo, Pluss, Nonstop Da Hitman, Childish Major, 2one2, & Quincy Riley
Get ready to throw bows and break your necks. I was at a crossroads on this one at first and maybe it was due to my mood when I first heard this. However, it’s going to be useful. It’s more about setting the mood and set the scene for the future. I like it. A good start.
3. Dance Now
Featuring Kenny Mason; Produced by Aviad & Christo
For singles as far as they are related, this song didn’t really grab me the way “Surround Sound” did, but it’s an awesome uptempo jam. There are some horns in the second verse that reminds me of “Spottieottiedopalicious” (just thought I’d throw that in there). Also, JID is rapping his hips in this song, which means that it’s not going to be something new on the album.
4. Crack Sandwich
Produced by Nami, Cardiak, TBHits, Groove, & Christo
The song is a break in the double-time flow as JID rhymes over a traditional and boom bap Hip-Hop music that is influenced by the beat. The lyrics and the verses of the song evoke memories only children in large families in the hood could connect to. The refrains in between verses describe the conversation that a family is having sitting in a room, discussing each other. It’s that blend of humbleness and braggadocio that make JID the musician that he is. This is awesome.
5. Can’t Punk Me
Featuring EARTHGANG; Produced by KAYTRANADA & JD Beck
Part Spillage Village reunion, part Dreamville collab. This is my take. The song isn’t terrible. I wish I was more interested in EARTHGANG as opposed to what I currently am. I’ve yet to listen to their latest album. Original or deluxe. Does it sound good? Whatever the case, I really like the style of delivery. I’m just hoping the beat was more consistent.
6. Surround Sound
Featuring Baby Tate & 21 Savage; Produced by Christo, DJ Scheme, & Nuri
When the song was released at the beginning of this year it was in continuous rotation. It’s like everything fits the “Ms. Fat Booty” sample, JID flows just like water from a faucet. 21 is playing his part as he gets better as a rapper. He is able to project more vocals and creating different flows Baby Tate’s insignificant but welcomed breaks in the chorus after which beat changes, and JID returning to his pocket, rhyming word-for-word from word. Run the top of the crown.
7. Kody Blu 31
Produced by Christo, Benji., Yuli, & Tane Runo
One thing that I believe we don’t realize is JID’s capacity to carry a song throughout most of it singing. I like how, with each part of the song it grows more and the vocals of the background that he sings behind escalating increasing in volume. JID’s lyrics tug at the heartstrings, as he riffs through his struggles as an entertainer, an African-American young man as well as his family’s struggles and attempting to conquer everything.
8. Bruddanem
Featuring Lil Durk; Produced by DJ Khalil, TU!, Christo, & Yuli
The track is a strange one. The reason is that I am unable to dispel the myth about hearing Lol Durk only over trap and drill beats. However, he works here in the majority of cases and doesn’t overpower the track. The soulful music and JID’s vocal harmonies are more fitting than Durk However, you could say that this is an emo-synthesiac that is divided into two parts.
9. Sistanem
Produced by Hollywood Cole, Christo, & Yuli
James Blake has a way of showing up when you most likely wouldn’t you. The third line it is clear that he’s speaking to his wife (hence that song’s title) and is contemplating how to improve their relationship, until the moment at the end that reveals that thought.
10. Can’t Make U Change
Featuring Ari Lennox; Produced by Elite, Christo, Bass Charity, & A.J. Hall
The track started out well. The song was slow to build, Ari doing her thing on the hook. When the track progressed I was concerned that the track wasn’t going to be a success but then I heard the beat switch and JID’s verse in which the singer declares that he’s determined to make a change to be more loving with his partner but he can’t resist the urge to give in to his vices as an adult. The song was saved by the change in beat.
11. Stars
Featuring Yasiin Bey; Produced by BADBADNOTGOOD, Christo, & Eric Jones
The rise and fall and everything in between are illustrated in this book and it makes me think about my experiences in music back then and everything that goes with it. I’ve put the pursuit of fame behind me and just do what I am passionate about it however I do often think about wanting to be the same person I saw on my television as well as heard from the radio each day. Never have I ever thought of what it might be like once you reach that point. Theoretically speaking, that’s. Listening to Yasiin Bey here is a nice additional… but in the same breath, I scowl at the way she as well as Talib Kweli failed to make the right announcement of the brand new Black Star album earlier this year. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to spend 10 dollars a month, where the only way to listen is to listen to your show. Sorry. We’re not sorry.
12. Just in Time
Featuring Lil Wayne & Kenny Mason; Produced by Christo & Monte Booker
Kenny Mason’s character is not given the proper attention in this collection. It’s almost as if I’m not even aware of his presence in this album. JID as well as Wayne is like an ideal match This track is an affirmation to me that Carter number 6 is coming soon. Great braggadocio track.
13. Money
Produced by Khrysis
JID’s rapping here is fantastic; I cannot get anything wrong with him. What’s bothering me isn’t only this particular production, but the youngsters singing in a jingle. It’s just a bit humorous, too tongue-in cheek in regard to the intention of humor in this song that takes me away from it. It’s a good track, but I’m not going to revisit this one often.
14. Better Days
Featuring Johnta Austin; Produced by Christo, Benji., & Hero The Band
Another track from JID’s personal collection where JID is a bit sad about his relationship and his close friend starting from humble beginnings and eventually falling apart because of JID becoming an artist and his friend being caught by the law. He now prays for better times and hopes that he’ll reconnect with his friend without having to look at them through a glass door. It’s a stinging experience to have friends you have grown apart due to any circumstances. Great song.
15. Lauder Too
Featuring Ravyn Lenae & Eryn Allen Kane; Produced by James Blake, Monte Booker, Groove, & Thundercat
James Blake produced this one. I love the rhythmic pulsing as JID is able to fire off rapid-fire in the flow. There’s a sense of tension in the beat. It’s like Stankonia-era Outkast; the beat of Andre 3000 would rip to shreds , with Big Boi complimenting it with his signature swagger. Yes I said swagger. 2022. Shut up. A great way to close the album.
BOTTOM LINE
In the context of his entire catalog there is no doubt that it’s his finest album and the most outstanding album to this point. I wouldn’t think that fans who only know him as “that’s the guy on J. Cole’s label” or “that’s the rapper on that Imagine Dragons song” to comprehend. It’s Bad Luck Fale to these hoes. I’m a fuck!
JID has been able to build his flow, improve his story telling, and at the same time, create singles that are comparable to what’s currently on the charts but without sounding singular as some of the songs might be. They are songs that work better in an album, so don’t think that any of them can take and put in anyplace the songs flow through each other and works best that way. It’s not like that this album is a classic in any way, nor is it the best album of the year. There’s plenty of competition that has been released and will soon to be released and yet JID has created his most impressive album to date and it should serve as a warning to today’s generation of rap enthusiasts the young rappers have an opinion.