JID has made a name for himself in the world of music in recent years. He’s released several mixtapes, he’s done numerous features, and has released three studio albums through Dreamville Records, a record label founded by J. Cole. JID has proven time and time again that he’s earned J. Cole’s cosignature, and his most recent album The Forever Story is his most compelling proof. With talks of two new albums from JID coming in the next few months, it seems like today is the perfect opportunity to review The Forever Story, and understand it’s impact, and why it should be recognized as one of the greatest Rap albums of this century so far. Every aspect of The Forever Story is brilliant. The beats, the features, the flows, and the story telling especially justify critics’ and fans’ beliefs that this is JID’s best work to date.
Starting off with the beats, producers Christo, DJ Scheme, Hollywood Cole, and James Blake contributed to some of the most well-known tracks on the album. They provided a variety of different beats of different tones and tempos, which provide a dynamic listening experience. There are songs that are fast and upbeat, and songs that are gritty and slow. The beats contribute to the ride the album takes you through, bringing you up and down through the ups and downs of JID’s life. The samples add to the album as well, combining the past and the present and recognizing the excellence of music from different generations and genres.
The Forever Story also has a star studded supporting cast. JID is the standout on every track, but none of the features feel out of place, and they all contribute positively to the experience. 21 Savage, Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, and Yasiin Bey lend fun and witty verses to the project, and they all use their own signature style as well. 21 Savage has his dry yet captivating delivery on “Surround Sound,” Lil Wayne gives his clever and comedic punchlines on “Just In Time,” and Yasiin Bey gives a classic boom-bap verse at the end of “Stars.” I would be remiss to not mention JID’s lablemates, rap duo EarthGang, who feature on the track “Can’t Punk Me” which is just another excellent example of EarthGang’s and JID’s chemistry. They match each others’ tempos and flows, and show why Dreamville Records has become one of the top hip-hop labels in the industry.
JID has been called a master lyricist, and amazing technical rapper by many, and for good reason. The Zone 6 Atlanta native shows his versatility throughout the album. He boasts on the track “Raydar” of the versatility of the album’s tracks, and it’s true. There are soft tracks that even the most old fashioned mothers could enjoy and find meaning in like “Stars,” “Better Days,” “Kody Blu 31.” The album also features the more promiscuous, funny, and raunchy tracks like “Surround Sound,” “Just In Time,” and “Dance Now.” JID shows his ability to ride the beat and match every beat he’s given, and his melodic soothing voice provides amazing choruses as well.
On “Can’t Punk Me” JID is quick and uses multi-syllable rhyming schemes. On “Better Days” he is slow and soulful. He sings on the chorus in his smooth beautiful voice, and adds to the song’s sense of “it’ll be alright.” He also shows his amazing ability to ride a beat on several tracks including the end track “Lauder Too.”
Lastly, the most important aspect of The Forever Story, is by name, the story. The album is heavily themed. It is a telling of JID’s life and career up to the point of release. “Better Days.” tells the story of a friend of his who went to prison, and the emotions that come with having someone close to you incarcerated. On “Kody Blu 31,” JID expresses problems he has with American society, and the need to “keep swanging on” even when times are tough and things are looking dark. But there is one song that stands out the most in this category, and those of you have heard the album will agree. “Crack Sandwich” is one of the most well written songs in recent memory. The song tells us about JID’s relationship with his family, and how they lived in poverty and were surrounded by violence. The song really shines in its third verse. JID takes the listeners back to a night he spent in New Orleans with his family, and without spoiling anything, it is action packed and captivating. The way JID can accurately portray what happened, and do it so clearly while making it all rhyme is why some have dubbed him this generation’s Eminem or Kendrick Lamar. It’s hard enough to rap about random things and rhyme; to tell a whole story is a true sign of greatness.
The Forever Story is truly an amazing journey for everyone who takes the time to listen to it. Even if you’re not into rap you will appreciate the story, and how well JID does what he does. Everyone can find something they can relate to in this album. It may be the themes of family and friendship above all, it may be the themes of having faith and religion, or it may be the themes of struggling and stress due to circumstances beyond your control. No matter what you’re going through The Forever Story has something you can pull from, and it let’s you know that you’ll get through it, you “just [have to] keep swanging on.”