Awesome Totally Awesome - J.I.D.

J.I.D. – Don’t Underestimate What This Young Rapper Brings to the Table

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Without pressing play, you may assume that J.I.D. is another one of the mumble rappers we don’t need more of. While he may still be fairly young, he is signed on Dreamville Records, J. Cole’s label, which should lend some credit to the quality of his music, or at least incline you to give him a chance. His eclectic first project with the label, The Never Story was released early last year and presents a full-bodied collection of tracks that perfectly capture his self-identified influences including funk, Wu-Tang Clan, and the Arctic Monkeys. With his highly anticipated album DiCaprio 2 on the cusp of release, J.I.D. is an artist to watch for those who want to be ahead of the curve.

In some instances, like on “Working Out”, his flow reminds me of some of Lil Wayne’s softer, mellower tracks of the early 2000’s. However, on “151”, his first single from DiCaprio 2, he is much more reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar. Overall, I’d say he has this darker side of Pharrell vibe to him. Despite these comparisons to some of the greatest rappers of our time, J.I.D. is truly an individual as an artist. While he hails from Atlanta, his style could not be farther from the region’s signature trap style. Instead, he plays with styles and rhythms, establishing his own unique style.

Recently featured on Spotify playlists and garnering attention with industry magazines such as XXL, it seems like 2018 may spark a new chapter of recognition for J.I.D. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll be shedding his signature flare or will soon forget his roots as part of the Spillage Village collective. He remains focused on preserving the meaningfulness of not only his lyrics but the beats that, together, create an unforgettable depth and substance to his music that has become a rare breed. In the hands of Dreamville, and label leader J. Cole, I am hopeful that he will maintain this dedication to quality music that is rich with life experiences and soul that cannot be fabricated for the sake of a hit. For me, J.I.D. serves as part of my go-to shower and homework playlists, but for some, I can see this being a daily dose of music that matters whether you’re coasting down the highway or drinking with friends on the weekend.

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