JID for Beginners: A Song Menu

Born and raised in East Atlanta, Destin Route, otherwise known as JID, made a name for himself as a rapper in 2017. Though some know him exclusively for his affiliation with Dreamville Records, others know him for his incredible lyricism and singular ability to maneuver complex rhyme schemes with multiple flows. 

Starters

An introduction to JID’s commercially successful records.

“Never”

Reflecting on his upbringing as the youngest in an impoverished family of seven, JID speaks on his come-up as a rapper while also confronting the challenges of rising to fame. Released in to his debut album, The Never Story (2017), “Never” rapidly became an introductory song for new listeners, putting JID on the rap genre’s radar.

“151 Rum”

JID paints a vivid picture of his adolescence in East Atlanta while rapping over a high pitched, almost grimy beat. He creates a hyper, high energy atmosphere while  detailing the lingering pain of feeling stuck in a corrupt and violent system. As the fifth and highest streamed track on JID’s sophomore album, DiCaprio 2 (2018), “151 Rum ” clues listeners into his unique cadence and fast-paced, clever lyricism.

Main Course

A taste of JID’s expansive style range.

“Off Da Zoinkys”

JID examines his experiences with substance abuse, specifically the struggle of maintaining a clear mind without drugs. In doing so, he references Reagen’s war on drugs and the cocaine epidemic of the 80s, highlighting the ways in which the black community has suffered from addiction. On the album DiCaprio 2, “Off Da Zoinkys” characterizes JID’s earlier sound and displays his budding potential as a rapper.

“Raydar”

Radiating a hyper, manic energy, JID flaunts his mastery of countless flows over various beat switches. As the second track off of The Forever Story (2022), “Raydar” has quickly become a new fan favorite and a track that listeners heavily anticipate live. 

“Sistanem”

Using double entendres and an intricate wordplay, JID raps in a muted, sulky tone about his emotionally distant relationship with his sister. He openly admits that they have become more withdrawn from one another over the years, thinking back to when his sister cautioned him against the rap scene’s material glamor and deceitful nature. “Sistanem,” a track off of JID’s recent album, The Forever Story , shows the evolution of JID’s music, more particularly his capacity to be a great, extremely introspective storyteller.

“2007”

JID recounts how the experience of being kicked out of college football forced him to reevaluate his future, ultimately causing him to search for greater purpose through his art. In this seven minute track, he provides fans with valuable context on his career, paying homage to influential figures in his life like J Cole and his father, Carl Route Jr.

Dessert

Notes of JID’s future: exploring new sounds.  

“Workin Out”

JID realizes that he feels dissatisfied despite sacrificing the time and effort to become financially stable and successful as a musician. Placed directly at the halfway point of DiCaprio 2, “Workin Out” contrasts the rest of JID’s work by giving fans a taste of his more melodic, raw vocals. 

“Kody Blu 31”

Comforting listeners with an encouraging message to remain hopeful and resilient as life ebbs and flows, JID tries his hand at singing. “Kody Bly 31” is easily the most experimental track on The Forever Story; JID enters new territory as he exemplifies his talent and versatility beyond rapping. 

Written by Yara Choeb

Featured Photo by Erick Mercado