Dreamville at the time of its inception served more as a creative outlet and home for the music of its boss J. Cole than as a proper label imprint. Before its joint venture deal with Interscope Records, Dreamville already had Omen on its roster, but it was Bas’ signing in 2014 that hinted at Cole’s vision to build a true collective. In the following two years, the Friday Night Lights rapper recruited Cozz and DMV singer Ari Lennox to the team, both of whom contributed to the Revenge of the Dreamers mixtapes. The growth was present, but by the end of 2016 it had become clear that in order to compete with the other rapper-helmed labels, Dreamville would have to amass more star power.
East Atlanta’s JID, born Destin Route, was the obvious choice. His early mixtapes DiCaprio and Para Tu proved there was something special (enough for Cole to sign him in 2017), but it was The Never Story from that same year which showed that JID was not only a good fit for Dreamville, but he was among the team’s best. His acclaim further grew with the following year’s DiCaprio 2 which contained songs such as “Off Deez” with Cole and the rabid “151 Rum.”
The 31-year-old MC’s latest effort The Forever Story has finally arrived after a four-year hiatus and finds JID aiming for the throne. Where The Never Story and DiCaprio 2 were more based around the energy of their bar-heavy tracks, The Forever Story leans more into the soulful side of JID’s sound. Unfortunately in the midst of this aesthetic shift, JID loses some of the magic present in his past work.
The album format has never been JID’s specialty. Both The Never Story and DiCaprio 2 paled in comparison to some of their breakout songs. The same is true on the Atlanta rapper’s latest, but aside from a few exceptions, the quality of the individual songs were sacrificed in the name of an overarching aesthetic: without those moments of excellence, the album feels untethered.
So many of The Forever Story’s failures come from JID’s lack of subtlety and his misguided vision of what good art should be. He trades the playfulness, quotable lines and singularity for a tamped-down project which feels like a Dreamville template not unique to JID. The R&B tones of “Kody Blu 31” are well executed, but the track sounds untied to JID, like it could just have easily been on a Smino, 6lack or Saba record. Others such as “Can’t Make U Change” with Ari Lennox, suffer because of their predictability; the format is always the same: the rapper handles the verses and an R&B singer takes the hook. There are plenty of ways to creatively explore the relationship between those genres, but JID plays it safe.
There are some times when JID scraps the cookie cutter mold and leans into more unexpected collaborations and nuanced vignettes such as “Bruddanem” with Lil Durk. JID skates across neo-jazz production, his off-kilter flow poking through the samples. Durk’s triumphant raps break the album’s stupor, a welcome sound so foreign to a typical JID project.
There’s a handful of tracks across The Forever Story which aim to recreate JID’s past hits, but most feel overtly artificial. Part of the brilliance of songs such as “LAUDER” is their spontaneity despite being meticulously crafted. That temporal feeling is lost on “Raydar” and “Lauder Too” with Ravyn Lenae and Eryn Allen Kane. Out of those recreations only “Dance Now” featuring Kenny Mason stands on its own two feet.
Even the album’s highest moments like breakout single “Surround Sound” feel guarded and distant; using a classic Mos Def sample with Yasiin on your album is a flex on paper, but in reality it’s off-putting and distracting when it doesn’t serve an actual purpose. Earthgang comes with a surprisingly fresh appearance on “Can’t Punk Me” but JID dulls the blade with a trite flow and cliché bars.
Everything about The Forever Story should work. It features excellent artists from legends like Lil Wayne and Yasiin Bey to the new vanguard of Kenny Mason, Baby Tate and Ari Lennox. The production is sophisticated and well intentioned. But the stakes seem low and the risks were passed over for safe, tepid options.
JID raps like a Harlem Globetrotter on The Forever Story; the skills are there, it’s littered with flashy displays of technique and it sounds better than fine most of the time. But there’s nothing on the line: at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who wins the game.
Repeat Me
What a horrible review. This is easily top 3 albums of the year. Why does something need to be “on the line” for an album to be good? He’s not an athlete. It makes no sense.
This is an embarrassing read David Aaron brake ha. Wordy and clueless.
THIS WAS AIGHT, NOT GREAT, BUT GOOD.
Shut up QUAGMIRE the album was incredible and u can go to hell
U should kys
SURE. I PROMISE YOU NO ONE WILL SPEAK ABOUT THIS ALBUM IN THE FUTURE. YOU ARE A HYPE BEAST WITH MEDIOCRE TASTE.
It was mid at best
Just like your existence btch, You should honestly kys for horrible music taste goofy!
WHY YOU STRESSIN NGZ OVER OPINIONS. YOU NEED TO BE ON SUICIDE WATCH WITH YOUR KOTEX WEARING ASS.
Hope u die a horrible death
Disrespect JID or this album or call this Mid, I’ll kill u bitch don’t play with me u fool
If 2007 cleared would’ve been a 25/5 y’all trippin.
Reviewer probably a white boy that wouldn’t know quality hip-hop if it bit him in the ass.
Denzel Curry, Lupe and now JID secured my top 3 AOTY spots. At least most listened to this year.
Facts!!! #4 Black thought en Danger Mouse
Very versatile album. The background singers, as well as background instruments tied perfectly with the singer JID. The flow was smooth, double entendres, lyrics, and delivery were on point, and the overall vibe was most certainly unmatched.
Very versatile album. The background singers, as well as background instruments tied perfectly with the singer JID. The flow was smooth, double entendres, lyrics, and delivery were on point, and the overall vibe was most certainly an unmatched vibe. Don’t know what the writer of the article was talking about.
This album is the most incredible album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community and the Black culture. If you didn’t like it . It wasn’t really you he was targeting. Thank you JID . For being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album. Much love from da boot ⚜️
This album is the most incredible album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community and specially since it’s common to say bruddanem sistanem? Kody blu 31 could be played at a reunion. But Thank you JID For being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album. Much love from da boot ⚜️
This album is the most incredible album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community specially since we say bruddanem and sistanem. Kody blu 31 could be played at a reunion. Thank you JID for being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album. Much love from da boot ⚜️We outchea and you really yeah
Had to rewrite didn’t do the review.?
This album showed so much growth not just with production but song writing. I feel like this was written by someone who crash coursed his discography a week ago. The Forever Story, Morale, Few Good Things, and Melt My Eyez are my tops of the year so far.
This album is the most incredible album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community specially since we say bruddanem and sistanem. Kody blu 31 could be played at a reunion. Thank you JID for being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album. Much love from da boot ⚜️We outchea and you really yeah
Had to rewrite didn’t do the review.?
This album is the most incredible album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community specially since we say bruddanem and sistanem. Kody blu 31 could be played at a reunion. Thank you JID for being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album is amazing and deserve Album of The Year .Much love from da boot ⚜️We outchea and you really yeah
Had to rewrite didn’t do the review.?
One of the best albums I’ve heard in awhile. From the beats, down to the lyrics, the transition of songs and story telling behind it all. So much growth in this artist. Wasn’t fully a JID Fan before this album. But I’m fully a fan now. JID is definitely the missing key ingredient in hip hop. He gave the energy that most haven’t been able to give in a long time. That’s Rare nowadays. JID is definitely a true artist ,that is true to his craft and evolving sound. I call that Timeless. This Album is a Classic!
This album is the most incredible/amazing album ever he hasn’t missed yet. Kody blu 31 bruddanem sistanem all songs that are amazing resonates to a lot Black folk. This spoke to the Black community specially since we say bruddanem and sistanem. Kody blu 31 could be played at a reunion. Thank you JID for being you unapologetically. I’m in love with bruddanem better days stars and kody blu 31. Honestly the whole album is amazing and deserve Album of The Year .Much love from da boot ⚜️We outchea and you really yeah
Had to rewrite didn’t do the review.?
unbelievable.
This album is incredible I don’t know what this David dude even talkin‘ about
Is this reviewer a effin moron?
This is easily one of best albums of the year.
First of all this album is quality. Secondly great car music. I might be crazy but I love how I hear some early Rza inspirations production wise, some beats has that slow clock ticking sound voice sampling,,, like crack sandwich or the 2nd part of surround sound. This album beautiful people. One two many features but does not matter dope 4,5 for me
LIKE WHO REVIEWING THIS,THIS PERSON NEEDS TO BE `FIRED… YOU ARE FUCKING NUTS..THIS ALBUM IS THE BEST THING I HAVE HEARD IN A WHILE..FUCK OFF
Worth the wait. Fire
From the perspective of someone who didn’t listen to JID before, this is an impressive album which doesn’t deserve your low rating.
From the perspective of someone who didn’t listen to JID before this is an impressive album which doesn’t deserve the low rating you gave it.
David Brake, your credibility in Hip Hop with me is 0. Please go to Pitchfork.
Cap review. AOTY and you know it Davidson
Interesting take.. I thought it was a great album but I’m not as familiar with his earlier work. It felt like a conscious attempt to be a “Kendrick album”.. it had the feel of GKMC with the substance of Mr. Morale. I enjoyed it and even shared it was several true hip-hop friends.. They all liked it a lot.
I’m looking forward to hearing his earlier stuff. To me it’s top 5 album this year that I’ve heard.. Whatever the album shortcomings are, it’s not his rhyme skills dude is a BEAST..
Terrible review
The worst thing I heard in my life? you’re going to say that the undoubtedly aoty with the most impressive flow switches bars and production of the last couple years is trying to ” re-create past hits”?
Just terrible review.
Aoty
The minute you praised lLil Durks contribution was the minute I knew yall were industry clowns.
Terrible review.
Funny you say that because I thought Durk being on there was the only disappointment for me..
Album delivered! Very surprised by this album. One of the best this year!
Do not listen to this review… Album of the year contender.
This review is trash. The Forever Story is AOTY contender. Didn’t even mention that the defacto last song 2007 ties it all together with all the football references sprinkled throughout the project.
This album is getting flowers from true hip hop listeners almost unanimously.
Common David L
worst review ever!!! but what do you expect from a site now owned by the system!!!
I hate music snobs that need every album to push sonic boundaries and bend genres for it to be considered good. This is an excellent hip hop album. It’s cohesive, it sounds good, the flows, production and lyricism are top tier.
I disagree with parts of this review. His growth as a storyteller can be seen in comparison to his previous projects. Production is pretty stellar as well. The only con I would say is his reliance on using the same flow at times when he raps over certain beats.
Despite this, I would still give it a solid 4/5 after multiple listens.
Dope album. One of the best this year.
Dope album. One of the best this year.
I enjoyed and heard more each time I listened to the whole album even the song that should’ve been on it
Yeah. It sounds like the reviewer wants to try and prove he can review against the norm. “This album doesn’t have any stakes” ? He did something a little diffrent and excelled at it. This album is easily album of the year contender. Tracks stay on repeat for me.
“Durk’s triumphant raps” says all I need to know about this review.
Let this sink in, they rated “God Did” higher then “The Forever Story”. My mind is blown by that.
I stopped coming to this site a while ago because of the consistently horrible album reviews…
I see things haven’t changed…
Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. JID’s lyrical ability separates himself from a lot of the nonsense out there. The album has introspection, and bangers.
these reviewers need to finish middle school before they write anything else.
I’m out.
i mean everyone is entitled to their own opinion but this could literally be the worst review i have ever seen.
I really like the album but I dont think its the best album of the year like they’ve been saying.
Most of the reviews I have seen are bad takes. This is a fantastic album that manages to blend lyricism with catchy hooks. It has the top charting singles that you need from an album along with some deeper cuts that might not get as much attention. JID remains consistent on every track and there are no skips to be found on this project. It improves on everything DiCaprio 2 did and elevates those catchy beats to a whole new level. The standout tracks that are a must listen would be Dance Now, Kody Blu 31 with some fantastic JID vocals, Surround Sound with another great 21 Savage feature and Raydar which is the most hype song off the album. This is a great album and a serious contender for album of the year. If you don’t believe me then check out some of his triple entendres sprinkled through out the album!
People are getting tired of mindless rap music and the industry (including critics) either don’t notice or for some reason don’t want the status quo to change. It’s becoming blatantly obvious over the last year or two.
This is trash. Most annoying voice in Hip Hop History!!
u probably think CLB is a classic stfu brad
AOTY without a doubt
Y’all rating system is a fucking joke nowadays. But y’all the only hip hop sight that still does reviews so I hold out hope. Starting to think y’all just like fucking with us AIN’T NO WAY I. HELL,, THIS IS ANY LESS THAN A HIGH 3 OR A LOW 4. And I don’t even listen to JID like that.
David Brake has shown to be one of the least insightful, and overly critical reviewers for this site. The complaints he has about the album, like “JID’s lack of subtlety and his misguided vision of what good art should be. ” are just fundamentally untrue.
Its more than a matter of taste, the songs don’t feel artificial at all, they have a specific organic quality to them that is part and parcel of JID’s style, Surround Sound lives up to its sample history, and the album is overall fantastic.
If this is the state of hip-hop reviews then we must be in the endtimes.
David Brake has shown to be one of the least insightful, and overly critical reviewers for this site. The complaints he has about the album, like “JID’s lack of subtlety and his misguided vision of what good art should be. ” are just fundamentally untrue.
It’s more than a matter of taste, the songs don’t feel artificial at all, they have a specific organic quality to them that is part and parcel of JID’s style, Surround Sound lives up to its sample history, and the album is overall fantastic.
If this is the state of hip-hop reviews then we must be in the endtimes.
Common retarded ass niggas at hiphopdx putting out shitass reviews. Time to stop smoking too much crack in our off time. Btw let’s give Rod Wave a higher score! Hell nah who listens to that fatass depressed ass.
t i give it closer to a 3.8 or 3.9. It’s an extremely solid album.
I have never seen a review so awful. This album is JID’s greatest, and one of the best albums of 2022. He learned how to sing beautifully and brought opportunities to underground rappers such as Kenny Mason, bringing amazing features from Lil Wayne and 21 Savage, and we can’t forgot his amazing wordplay on unity and racial problems in the nation. Overall an amazing album.