The Forever Story – JID’s Defining Masterpiece

After a four-year hiatus from solo projects, JID returns with The Forever Story — the long-awaited follow-up to his 2018 breakout DiCaprio 2, widely regarded as one of that year's most impressive rap albums.

Though he’s been relatively quiet on the solo front, JID never truly left the scene. He played a crucial role on Revenge of the Dreamers III in 2019, collaborated with Spillage Village and EARTHGANG on the genre-blending Spilligion in 2020, and reemerged in early 2022 on D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape with DJ Drama and his Dreamville crew. All signs pointed toward something major, and when he dropped “Surround Sound” with 21 Savage and Baby Tate, it became clear — The Forever Story was going to be special.

A spiritual and narrative continuation of his debut The Never Story, this new album builds on JID’s signature skills — intricate wordplay, nimble flows, and vulnerability — and elevates them to new heights. The project spans 15 tracks and features a mix of legendary and current voices, including Lil Wayne, Yasiin Bey, 21 Savage, Lil Durk, Baby Tate, Ari Lennox, Kenny Mason, EARTHGANG, Johnta Austin, and Ravyn Lenae.

From the start, The Forever Story announces its versatility. The intro “Galaxy” gently sets the stage before exploding into “Raydar” — a track that undergoes multiple beat and flow shifts without ever losing momentum. These transitions, while ambitious, feel earned, a testament to JID’s ability to ride any rhythm thrown his way.

JID’s range is on full display here. Tracks like “Kody Blu 31” stand out not just for their soulful instrumentation but for the lyrical weight JID brings:

"The pressure makes me, the journey takes me / To places where history can't stop or break me..."

It's one of the most poignant, gospel-influenced moments on the album — heartfelt, melodic, and powerful.

“Bruddanem” with Lil Durk surprises in the best way. Over a reflective, melodic beat not typically suited to Durk’s style, both artists thrive. JID escalates the tempo, setting up Durk for an emotionally charged performance, showing both adaptability and trust in collaboration.

The second half of the album arguably holds its strongest moments. Ari Lennox brings warmth and elegance with her vocals, delivering one of the album's most soulful contributions. Ravyn Lenae's feature on “Lauder Too” is equally stunning — a personal favorite — her vocals beautifully entwined with JID’s shape-shifting flows. His performance on this track is nothing short of masterful, as he effortlessly switches styles while maintaining clarity and purpose.

A standout moment comes from Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), who lends his unique energy to “Stars.” His verse is thoughtful and grounded, delivered over a creative, left-field beat that complements both artists' love for originality. Given Bey’s reserved public persona and his recent work with Talib Kweli as Black Star, his presence here adds serious weight.

Then there's “Just In Time” — easily one of the best tracks of the year. Featuring Lil Wayne, the song is an absolute showcase of elite lyricism over top-tier production. Both artists bring their A-game, with Wayne proving once again that he’s far from done.

The album closes in spectacular fashion with “Money,” “Better Days,” and “Lauder Too.” On “Better Days,” Johnta Austin adds melodic richness while JID delivers one of the most emotionally potent verses on the project. It’s a moving meditation on time, struggle, and resilience — classic storytelling from a rapper who’s never shied away from vulnerability.

The Forever Story is JID’s most complete project to date — not just a collection of tracks, but a deeply personal, artistically ambitious body of work. His ability to blend rapid-fire technical skill with soul-baring honesty sets him apart in today’s crowded landscape. From gospel and trap to boom bap and R&B, JID taps into every sound without losing the thread of his story. He doesn’t just rap — he composes, he directs, and he curates a journey.

With The Forever Story, JID doesn’t just prove his place among the greats — he claims it.