Ranking “The Forever Story” One Year Later
Look, it’s no secret that JID dropped one of the best albums of 2022 (AOTY in the eyes of many), and a year later that project still holds up. The Forever Story is a true representation of loyalty, both to himself and to his Routes. While some may lose themselves in the glitz and glam of celebrity, JID’s only goal is to make it to the other side of forever knowing he did everything he could to keep his soul in tact. But which songs on the project hit that goal and which fall a little flat?
16. Better Days
It’s not that “Better Days” is bad, I’m convinced JID doesn’t know the definition of the word, it’s just that the track lacks anything that makes it truly memorable in comparison to those that come before it. This is the only song that explicitly features a member of JID’s family outside of commentary (Johnta Austin is his cousin) and the overall thematic content stays true to the album as he urges loved ones to wade through dark times to a brighter forever. However, in context of the project as a whole, it feels a bit misplaced and slows down the momentum the album had been gaining. If it had been dropped as a loosie some time before or after The Forever Story’s release, I think I would have appreciated it more as it’s still high quality, it just doesn’t seem to fit right where it is.
15. Money
When I first listened to “Money” and saw how much JID himself loved the song, I assumed it’d be one of those tracks that would grow on me. After all, the beat was gifted to him on an off trip to Dr. Dre’s house practically cementing its greatness. The thing is, it’s the beat that lands this track so low in the lineup. The switch up from the overall pace and vibe of “Just In Time” beforehand into the laid back children’s chorus of “Money” is jarring. JID flows over the beat with impressive control, however it’s hard to focus on his words as the mixing has me thinking only of the snare in the back. This song loosens the mental hold the album has had up until this moment enough for “Better Days” to finish the job. The message is good as is JID’s delivery, I just find that revisiting it on its own feels more fitting than listening to it in the context of the rest of the album
14. Galaxy
“Galaxy” is a beautifully organized track that does about as good of a job as an intro can without being fully realized. Although short (the actual song is only about 30 seconds), the purpose of the album is laid out for the audience right off the bat: as forever becomes a real possibility for JID in this industry, his authenticity and character are called into question.
13. Can’t Punk Me
JID and EARTHGANG collaborating is something that needs to continue until their vocal cords no longer work. The energy they exchange is something artists can only hope to find in a musical partner and “Can’t Punk Me” is no exception. The production by KAYTRANADA is the perfect combination of wacky and upbeat, the speed of the drums urging the rappers into a frantic chorus. It feels less organized than some of the tracks before and after it, however, this adds to the pent up emotions they’re expelling and recreates the loud energy seen on many of the tracks featured on JID’s 2018 project, Dicaprio 2. It stands apart from the general feeling of The Forever Story yet bridges his older energy with the new.
12. 2007
When JID first dropped “2007” on YouTube, it had the “HiiiPower” drop running through my head for days, and its absence on the album version is very much felt. However, even without it the story here is something truly special, especially as an outro to such a personal album. In several interviews JID discusses the difference between The Never Story and The Forever Story being the realization that his existence in the world of rap has become a very real thing and not just a funny little possibility. In this final track we watch him come to this realization as he walks us step by step through every event leading up to where he is today. The song is long, and there are points where you can definitely feel it, but his pen is still hot and the pieces from his father, Ib, and Cole allow us a little glimpse into the life that is JID’s. There’s no better way to end an album about sticking to your roots than by laying your roots bare for the world to see.
11. Just In Time
“Just In Time” is the first example of JID staying true to himself by proxy, through Lil Wayne’s presence on the song. The Atlanta rapper and one of his long time idols exchange bars and mimic each other’s flows, and there’s no question as to what influences JID had in his life growing up. The song is pretentious in the best way. Neither of the rappers have anything to prove to anyone at this point in their respective careers, rather this is simply an effortless throwaway meant to show how easy the words come to them. It’s not necessarily a stand out song for either discography, however, it would be for a lot of other artists.
10. Can’t Make U Change
Possibly the most underrated song on the entire album, JID and Ari Lennox navigate a relationship stuck in a rut. One half of the couple has outgrown the other, but they’re still desperate to make it work despite the lack of maturity in their partner. In part one, Ari’s voice is smooth yet irritated over a contradictorily chill and funky beat. JID’s is almost tired as he switches up flows and explains that changing isn’t something than he can just do. Though as the beat gets brighter in part two, energy is pumped back through his veins and he urges that he’s at least trying. Placed after “Sistanem” on the tracklist, the disappointment he feels at not being given a chance to show his maturity and growth seems to carry double the weight towards both a significant other as well as family.
9. Lauder Too
When JID dropped “LAUDER” as the outro to The Never Story, he was hungry for acknowledgement that he knew he deserved. In his eyes, his flow and lyricism were being overlooked even though he’d put in more work than any up and comer you could name in 2017. When he put “Lauder Too” as the outro track (before “2007”) to The Forever Story, he was still looking for that acknowledgement just a little differently. He’s gotten the success and plays he worked so hard for, but the success isn’t all it was cracked up to be and now there are new demons to fight. JID is angry on this track, but he’s still pushing towards that love and light at the end of the tunnel. Anyone looking for the speedy flows he built his name on should be delighted with this outro, as it proves he’s still as hungry as he was when he first broke onto the scene.
8. Dance Now
Being the most radio friendly track on the album by far, it’s admirable that JID didn’t give up any of his authenticity just to reach the mainstream. On the contrary, his wit and immaculate control over flow only add to the braggadocio of his lyrics. He’s successful and he knows that he earned it. “Dance Now” feels like the answer to the first song that ever put his name on the map, “NEVER”. Where the original sees a man going on without reward, this single represents that he’ll never have to feel the struggle he spoke of in “NEVER” ever again.
7. Surround Sound
Between “Dance Now” and “Surround Sound”, it’s clear that JID knows how to pick singles. However, while the former is a fun and consistent track all the way through, the latter’s second part is so intricate both lyrically and flow wise that it alone would rank above the songs already mentioned. If any rapper can make a song sound consistent all the way through despite a beat switch, it’s JID and “Surround Sound” is the gold standard. Not to mention how hard the transition from “Ms. Fat Booty” into the actual beat of the first part is. 21 Savage was a perfect choice as a feature here as he follows JID’s verse as though attached at the neck, though an extended version with more from Baby Tate would feel like a blessing.
6. Bruddanem
If this list were based solely on what songs I had to pause and start over on the first listen, this track would have the second slot easy. The transition from “Kody Blu 31” into the upright bass of “Bruddanem” is so effortlessly simple yet unexpected that it’s all I listened to for the better part of August 26th, 2022. From there, JID hums his way into a track full of companionship, loyalty, and brotherhood. His singing throughout adds a hint of vulnerability and earnestness to the lyrical reminiscing, and it can be documented that he doesn’t waste a breath. The East Atlanta rapper has spoken about originally wanting Young Thug on the song alongside Lil Durk, however, Durk’s contribution alone carries just the right amount of weight as his own story intertwines with JID’s in a way that perfectly emphasizes the bond between family, blood or not. While Mustafa the Poet speaks beautifully at the close, the only qualm I have with the song is that the end could have taken a bit more time to play out.
5. Raydar
The hungriest song on the project happens to be the first realized track you hear. “Raydar” shows that not only is JID aware of the rappers who don’t care about the art as much as the money, he’s aware of the people who refuse to stand beside the black men and women in this country. He’s out for blood here. This is a song created by one of the sharpest minds after watching atrocity after atrocity hit his community with no one around to make a stand. This is a man tired of people simply changing the channel. Not only do some of the cleanest lines appear on this track, but the production’s frantic bass and use of a televised football game make the dread of battle feel very real. The record is nearly impossible to ignore.
4. Stars
“Stars” sends JID back to the beginning of his career when he had nothing but his hunger for success. It’s a glittery image of wealth from the viewpoint of someone who’s never had anything more than a dollar to their name. The track is chill and dreamy, a lullaby trying to hide the darker actuality of fame. However, the glamor is cracked when Yasiin Bey (best known as rapper Mos Def), a man with years of exposure to celebrity, gets everything off his chest. It’s Banksy shredding his own painting, and for anyone who’s ever dreamed of hitting the big time from a very small place in the world, it’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking image.
3. Crack Sandwich
As a vocal advocate for bringing back the third verse, JID doesn’t waste any time making his argument. “Crack Sandwich” is a tale of family sticking together and (literally) fighting their way out of tough situations despite the already complex inner workings of their own relationships. The production here feels like a grimy shadow looming over the siblings and sets the tone for the eventual brawl at the end of verse three. Meanwhile, JID’s lyrical excellency is on full display in both complex tongue twisters and the ease of which the final verse rolls off his lips. From the first “look” to the last second of this nearly five minute track, the rapper gives a masterclass in storytelling and doesn’t lose a single ear while doing it.
2. Sistanem
While the entire album allows the audience a look into JID’s personal life, “Sistanem” provides perhaps the clearest window of all. Centered around a family relationship gone sour, the song showcases the pushes and pulls of being in the rap game. No matter how much he wishes to prove that he’s maintained his authenticity despite reaping the rewards of fame, his sister refuses to believe any good can come from the world he’s surrounded himself with. But how could someone leave a world that’s providing for not only them but everyone they care for? The minimal production features keys, violin, and drums and sets a mournful tone while JID’s approach to his verses is straightforward and simple. The words come direct from the soul. As the production transitions in the third verse, you can feel the frustration roll off his body in the booth. The only song that leaves you feeling as heartbroken as “Sistanem” is the number one pick, and for a six minute track to have you hanging on to every syllable is truly something special.
1. Kody Blu 31
The story here begins at a funeral. A clip JID took at the celebration of his own grandmother’s life captures the voices of his entire family lamenting their loss, a brief peak into the coming tales of hardships and traumas. However, despite the somber tone this is a track based in moving forward. Perseverance. Swinging on. “Kody Blu 31” embodies the entire soul and spirit of the album as it studies a man at his most vulnerable embracing and overcoming the low points thrown his way. I was lucky enough to meet JID night two of the “Love Is 4ever” tour in Boston, and as he spoke to me of his respect for and fear of singing, it was evident that what he did on this record was something he’d had locked in his soul for a long time. The gradual raise in volume as the song continues and the choral additions towards the end add to the overwhelming emotion and communion. This song is unity and reassurance, and there’s no track on The Forever Story that better describes the way to truly reach Forever. Just swang on.