ON KEY WITH RYAN

Let’s talk about JID. His highly anticipated project, God Does Like Ugly, has the potential to be a strong contender for album of the year. As an artist, JID has evolved remarkably since his debut with The Never Story, consistently improving with every release. The prequel, GDLU (Prelude), which contained songs reportedly cut from the final album, provides a fascinating contrast. When compared to the main project, these two collections showcase the expansive and dynamic worlds within JID’s mind.

From the album’s title to its cover art, JID is telling a deeply personal story about himself and his world, a narrative he continues to build with each new project. The title, reportedly inspired by a saying from his grandmother, and the cover art, which beautifully illustrates the “ugly” that God loves, both serve a profound purpose and carry significant meaning. Every detail seems to be a deliberate stroke in the larger picture of who he is as an artist.

The album’s initial release was a thrilling experience, with every feature hidden, creating a true element of surprise. The project boasts a wide array of collaborators, pulling from all corners of the hip-hop world. It features a reunion with the legendary Clipse, who have been on an incredible run this year, along with frequent collaborator 6LACK, fellow Spillage Village members EARTHGANG, and the sharp West Coast wit of Vince Staples. Each guest seamlessly contributes to their respective track. Perhaps the most compelling collaboration is with Jessie Reyez, where JID’s bilingual proficiency shines as he sings in Spanish, a moment that beautifully illustrates his continued evolution as an artist.

Lyrically, JID solidifies his status as one of the best in his generation. He demonstrates a sharp self-awareness, directly referencing his own style in a line from “Knew Better” with Lil Yachty, stating, “Bought my mama a crib off of the lyrical, miracle, spiritual sh-.” This acknowledgment shows that while he is celebrated for his fast-paced, technical rapping, he is also deeply rooted in his Atlanta identity, a fact he explores on tracks like “On McAfee” and “Community.” The album’s themes extend beyond the personal, exploring broader subjects like Black history, capitalism, the dangers of growing up in Atlanta, the unspoken ugly of the world and intimate relationships. One of the best showcases (and my personal favorite) of his lyrical ability is on the song “VCRs” with Vince Staples, where an intricate number scheme runs throughout their verses, proving his masterful command of the craft.

In conclusion, this album comes with my highest regard and recommendation and is a heavy contender for album of the year. JID continues to shine, and he is a strong candidate to carry the torch that J. Cole will eventually pass on when he retires.

Standout Tracks

• Community (with Clipse, Pusha T & Malice)
• VCRs (with Vince Staples)
• Wholeheartedly (with Ty Dolla $ign & 6LACK)
• On McAfee (with Baby Kia)