JID, the Atlanta-based rapper, dropped a highly anticipated album at midnight on August 8th. The album was first teased at a concert at the Dreamville Festival, where he debuted his new single, “WRK,” to the public for the first time. This was followed by an official release of the single on streaming services on April 18th.

This single is part of his new album, God Does Like Ugly, and marked the official rollout for his album. But first, who is JID?

“God Does Like Ugly (Official Album Trailer)” from JID on YouTube

Destin Choice Route, better known by his stage name JID, is an Atlanta rapper known for his unique voice and flow. He delivers fast-paced songs with his rapid-fire verses, such as “Surround Sound,” while having a diverse music catalogue that features melodic production, such as “Kody Blu 31.”

He is best known for his collaboration with Imagine Dragons for the song “Enemy,” which was written for the Netflix series Arcane. His collaboration with 21 Savage on the song “Surround Sound” also brought him traction, with the song having over 724 million streams on Spotify. His album, The Forever Story (Extended Version), is his most popular project with a handful of fan-favorites on it.

“Surround Sound (Live On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/2024)” from JID on YouTube

JID has been featured on a few songs in 2025 as well. He was featured on Offset’s song “Bodies,” which was released on June 20th and had a lot of success. Additionally, he dropped a 4-track “preluxe” for his upcoming album that had features from Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK, as well as a solo song named “Behold.”

His most recent album, The Forever Story (Extended Version), came out in 2022, making GDLU his first album in three years! GDLU has been long-awaited by his fans, so let's take a look at each track from his new project.

“Dollar & A Dream presents God Does Like Ugly” from JID on YouTube

1. YouUgly

The first song off the album is a solid start. The chopped-up sirens in the background make the song ill. We get an intro and outro from Westside Gunn, which separate the two parts of the song.

The drums in the first part of the song add a rawness to the instrumentals, and the bass in the second part makes the beat eerie. The beat doesn’t resemble typical hip-hop beats, which fits his purpose for the album: to set himself apart from everyone else.

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2. Glory

The choir in the background of the song adds a beautiful twist to the instrumental. It reminds me of the choir on “Kody Blu 31.” The song explores his relationship with religion, which is another theme of the album. He talks about how he worships God and the trust he puts in Him.

There was an unexpected switch in the song where the beat and flow switch: the beat now features some sinister piano keys. This time, instead of a spoken-word interlude from Westside Gunn, we hear an interlude from a Pastor.

3. WRK

Although this song has been out as a single since April, it fits perfectly with the rest of the album and sounds just as good as it did on the first listen. The fast-paced song has multiple elements that made me fall in love with the song. First, there’s the guys yelling “work” in the background during the chorus of the song.

The chant is so catchy and fits the aggressive flow of the song so well. Secondly, the woman in the background with her vocals that fit like a puzzle piece in the beat is that cherry on top. And, of course, we can’t forget JID’s signature flow while he raps about finding motivation to keep pushing through the gritty work that comes with success.

“WRK (Official Video)” from JID on YouTube

4. Community

This song has themes of escaping the cyclical nature of poverty throughout generations. JID describes how poverty and violence can shape people. The song has features from MARCO PLUS, Pusha T, and Malice.

This song is on the slower side, fit for its somber themes. The beat has slow guitar chords in the background, giving it a more classic hip-hop vibe. The verses in the song warn about the malleable environment that exists in hoods, ghettos, and projects that lead to polluting the innocence of the youth through violence, poverty, and drug abuse.

5. Gz

This song starts off strong with a sample from “Walk” by Comethazine. JID confronts everyone who questions his lifestyle. In addition, he highlights violence against African Americans. He also criticizes stereotypes of labeling people as "gangsters" instead of considering the depth of their character. The flow is much faster-paced when compared to the previous song, and it reminds me of the flow of his song, “151 Rum.”

6. VCRs

JID switches back to the slow flow for this song. The instrumental is beautiful—the string instruments really bring together the song. The first verse features some of my favorite lines off the entire album: “Hop into the ride, it's a Hellcat, but the vessel of God” and “No, I haven't ate, I'm finna eat from off of rap songs.” JID brings back that hungry-sounding rap.

In the second verse, we get a feature from Vince Staples who matches JID’s hunger. Vince’s verse includes some of my favorite lines as well, such as “They want the dreams without the nightmares, heads in the clouds” and a play on numbers at the end of his verse that lasts nine lines.

“Vince Staples speaking at the 2021 San Diego Comic Con”

Image Credit: Gage Skidmore from Wikimedia

7. Sk8

This song has a different vibe from the other songs off the album. It seems much more like a radio pop song mixed with hip-hop. It features Ciara, Doctur Dot, and Johnny Venus.

Ciara’s vocals give that pop vibe over the upbeat instrumentals, and the sung chorus ties it together. Despite having more musical vocals, JID doesn’t sacrifice his staple rapid-fire flow. The features match his fast-paced rapping while singing along to the addictive tune of the song.

8. What We On

This song starts off with a surprising feature from Don Toliver. Recently, Pusha T and Malice (known as the duo Clipse) had some beef with Travis Scott. Don Toliver is signed to Travis Scott’s label, Cactus Jack Records.

That’s why hearing Don Toliver was a surprise because JID got both Clipse and Don Toliver to be featured on the same album. Already, this song is having split reactions from the fans. Some love Don Toliver’s verse; others think it sounds a little “sleepy.” Personally, I don’t think it’s the best Don has put out, but it doesn’t completely ruin the song. JID abandoned his usual sound for a heavy autotuned version of his voice that matches Don Toliver’s in the first half of the song. This is definitely not like most of JID’s discography, but I think it’s still a solid song.

9. Wholeheartedly

I absolutely love this song. I have always been a fan of when JID sings, as you can tell since I love his song “Kody Blu 31,” which features him singing. On top of JID’s singing, we get a verse from 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign on the chorus.

We can also hear layered vocals in the background of the verses. This song has a softer theme of love and loyalty. 6LACK’s verse keeps the smooth flow of the song, and his voice goes great with the melodic track. “Wholeheartedly” is definitely going to be one of the fan favorites off the album.

“6LACK in January 2017”

Image Credit: The Come Up Show from Wikimedia

10. No Boo

JID continues with the slower, melodic songs with “No Boo.” We get a feature from Jessie Reyez, and her voice is beautiful. Her vibe fits JID’s, and her background vocals complete the instrumentals so well. We even get a Spanish verse from JID!

I’m glad JID isn’t shying away from his slower tracks in the album. We are getting a pretty even amount of fast-paced and slow-paced music, which ensures everyone has something to enjoy from this album.

11. And We Vibing - Interlude

This is just a short interlude on the album that features some more JID vocals. I honestly enjoy the instrumental on this track a lot, even though it’s just an interlude.

12. On McAfee

JID taps back into his drill side with this song. After a few melodic songs, he makes sure to remind us of what he can do: deliver aggressive flows. To pair the sinister beat with his confrontational rapping, JID brings in Baby Kia.

With Baby Kia’s unhinged intro, which sets up the vibe of the song, adlibs, and chorus, JID solidifies the aggressiveness of the track. You can feel the energy of the duo through your speakers.

13. Of Blue

The switch between “On McAfee” to this track is almost comical. You hear Mereba’s angelic voice while Baby Kia’s is still echoing in your head. Mereba has a very soft voice, and it matches the gentleness of the lyrics.

In Part I of this song, she sings about being able to start again despite some connections fading, as well as whimsical miracles. Part II illustrates someone struggling with various religious vices. The third and final part of the song describes repentance and trusting in God. This song is already becoming a fan-favorite!

14. K-Word

The song depicts JID’s experience with karma. The beat is on the unique side, and I enjoy the harmonization in the background that plays during both the slow first verse as well as the faster-paced second and third verses. JID describes his faith in God to bring justice to everyone. He credits karma for both the good and the bad in his life. JID also slips in a reference to Kendrick Lamar’s song, “Kush and Corinthians.”

15. For Keeps

The album ends strongly with a homage to his fans as well as a nostalgic recollection of his early rap career. He thanks his true fans who support his music—who stay up late to listen to his music when it drops at midnight and who buy his merch as soon as it drops. He reminisces about his early days, in which he didn’t get much attention and was still trying to prove himself. He reflects on how much he’s grown since then and makes sure to thank his fans for his success.

“JID performing at the Mod Club on December 29th, 2017”

Image Credit: The Come Up Show from Wikimedia

God Does Like Ugly is a great JID project with songs for all types of listeners. Fast rap, melodic harmonies, and slow-paced conscious flows. My favorites off the album are “Glory,” “VCRs,” and “Wholeheartedly.” JID delivered great verses and made sure to sprinkle a few features from impressive rappers as well.

He weaved his personal beliefs into every song on the album, making this one of his most intimate projects yet. So, give GDLU a listen, I’m sure you’re bound to find at least one track you like!