JID: "The Forever Story (Expanded Version)" (Album Review)

Genres: Southern Hip Hop, Conscious Hip Hop  Trap

The Forever Story proves that JID is still hungry, rapping at the top of his game. But more than hungry, JID also asserts himself as rapping from a position of the success that he has always yearned for. This album is more or less “proof” of his dominance, both as a rapper and as an artist in the music industry.

Although a lot of The Forever Story is about JID’s success, it is largely in part an origin story, featuring many details and flashbacks to his past. Even the first track of the album includes an outro from his college football coach. Many songs build up the concept of family and friends that helped push him to greatness. The culmination of all of this is in “2007”, which tells JID’s story in full. Despite only appearing on the expanded edition of the album due to clearance issues, this song is essential in tying everything together. With vocals from his father, J. Cole, and more, it’s a beautiful look at the past by JID and those who helped get him to his current position. This track is easily the album’s most compelling narrative piece and is able to accomplish this so succinctly. While this sees JID at his best, it also represents some problems I have with the album. Lyrically, JID tends to tackle the album’s concepts indirectly or subtly. While this isn’t a problem in and of itself, there’s a lot of rapping around the subject matter instead of tackling it directly. 

I’ve always considered JID to have one of the best voices in the game, with consistent melodic flows and suave singing on tracks such as “Off Da Zoinkys” and “Hereditary”. The Forever Story takes these qualities and elevates them, with JID going so far as to hire a vocal coach for the album. “Galaxy” and “Kody Blu 31” show the results of this, taking a skill JID already had and elevating it. His passion and dedication are almost tangible, as the work he put into his craft is evident. JID‘s skill tends to outweigh everything else on The Forever Story, from most features to most beats. Producer Christo has always complemented JID, working together on songs such as “151 Rum”, “Under the Sun”, and “Off da Zoinkys”, but something just feels off here. Whether JID has just outgrown Christo or if Christo just wasn’t at his A game, a lot of the beats are hit or miss. “2007” and “Kody Blu 31” are nothing short of genius, whereas tracks such as “Surround Sound” and “Dance Now” are conventional to the point of near boredom. Unfortunately, this is one of the weakest parts of the album and really holds it back from being a showcase of JID’s greatness.

JID is more than worthy of your time. This album backs up this claim with multiple pieces of evidence and citations. Both JID’s skill as a rapper and ability to make good songs are put on full display, and he shows it all off. While I think there are missing elements that could have taken this project to the next level, it’s still an incredibly solid piece of JID’s discography. 

Favorite Tracks: 2007, Stars, Money, Sistanem, Lauder Too, Kody Blu 31, Bruddanem, Better Days, Can’t Punk Me, Crack Sandwich, Can’t Make U Change

Least Favorites: n/a

Enjoyment: Mid 8

Critically: Mid 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.4/10