JID returns with a bang. The long awaited 'The Forever Story' is a serious contender for Rap AOTY and is sure to take the title. Having recruited Aviad, Monte Booker, Kaytranada, Thundercat, James Blake and more - aswell as familiar face Christo - the production feels like quintessential JID yet still elevated enough to show how much he's progressed since DiCaprio 2.
JID gets a lot more personal on this record, he dubs it his origin story as we get more insight on his family and upbringing. This picture is painted clearer by the placement of moments such as his grandma's funeral on Kody Blu 31 and JID and voice recordings of his family conversing scattered throughout Crack Sandwich. Bruddanem and Sistanem touches on the close knit relationships he has with siblings.
JID has enlisted an incredible lineup of features including labelmates Ari Lennox and EARTHGANG, Yasiin Bey AKA Mos Def, Lil Wayne, Kenny Mason, Ravyn Lenae and more. Ari Lennox lends her soulful, powerhouse vocals on Can't Make U Change, meanwhile Ravyn Lenae's fairy-like tones give Lauder Too a Neo-soul yet ethereal edge. Kenny Mason makes two appearances on Dance Now and Just In Time with Lil Wayne, his choruses catchy and his vocals complement JID in perfect harmony. Lil Wayne's feature is also astonishingly above standard. Can't Punk Me with EARTHGANG is yet another JID X EARTHGANG collaboration that goes ridiculously hard, there's really no other way to describe it when they get together. The moment they push their pens on the same track, the moment you see their names together on anything, you know it's gonna be a hit.
JID never had anything to prove in terms of skill and rap ability. We always knew he was impeccable - word play, flow and storytelling ability on ten - so it was intriguing to hear all these different vulnerabilities and stories that played a part in who he is today. The Forever Story has easily solidified JID as one of the greatest rappers of our generation, but I don't need to tell you that. With JID, that's something you already know.
Written by Kat Friar