Three years after The Forever Story cemented him as one of rap’s most emphatic storytellers, JID returns with God Does Like Ugly. This project doesn’t just try to follow up his previous work; it actively tries to outdo it in every scope imaginable.
Where The Forever Story had a tight conceptual arc, God Does Like Ugly feels more like an open journal. The album serves as a snapshot of JID’s present state as an artist, son, collaborator, and, in a late-album revelation, father. It’s personal, playful, reflective, and at times overstuffed or even overdone, but it’s also the sound of an artist refusing to stagnate.
The album’s sonic offerings are incredibly varied. It moves between gospel rap, lush string arrangements, trap-heavy bangers, and melodic, R&B-infused cuts. Tracks like “Glory” channel a spiritual energy, opening with choir-like harmonies before sliding into a slow-burn verse that feels confessional. “Sk8” flips the mood entirely, bringing in a danceable energy with punchy bass that could easily soundtrack a block party. Then there’s “No Boo”, which surprises with rapid Spanish-language flows, showing off JID’s versatility and willingness to push himself into unexpected territory. And yes, that includes bi-lingual territories. The penultimate track, “K-Word”, goes cinematic with swelling strings, giving his wordplay an orchestral feel.
The title alone hints at a spiritual undertone. JID is acknowledging that flaws, struggles, and imperfections are part of what makes us human, and even special. JID tackles big questions about purpose, morality, and legacy, but he also keeps space for braggadocious wordplay. When it comes to lyrical prowess, there is no question whether JID is one of the best when it comes to putting pen to paper. JID has made that clear since 2018. However, that density occasionally becomes overwhelming, particularly on tracks like “WRK”, where the relentless pacing can blur the punchlines on first listen.
There’s a clear introspection running through the project. On “For Keeps”, JID delivers what might be the most vulnerable verse of his career, hinting at fatherhood and the weight of responsibility. It’s not framed as a big “life reveal” moment; instead, it’s almost thrown away casually, which makes it feel even more authentic.
The feature list is stacked and for the most part, it works. Clipse brings a sharp, veteran presence that plays well off JID’s restless energy. Ciara adds smooth R&B contrast on one of the album’s more melodic tracks. Vince Staples slides in with his trademark delivery. Don Toliver, 6LACK, Jessie Reyez, and EarthGang each add their own flavor without overshadowing JID. Sometimes, though, the abundance of features means the spotlight shifts too often. A few moments feel like they belong more to the guest than to JID, which slightly undercuts the personal tone he aims for elsewhere.
This is where God Does Like Ugly will divide listeners. While The Forever Story had a deliberate narrative spine, this album is looser and more like a mood board than a single framed painting. The highs are incredibly high, but there’s a sense that JID is firing in all directions at once. JID seems overambitious at times. He tries to pack too many ideas and words into certain tracks, occasionally sacrificing clarity and pacing. When it comes to the lows, they are very forgettable. The variety keeps it from being predictable, but it also means some tracks don’t hit as hard in context as they might on their own. The middle third, in particular, has songs that blend together sonically. This is where he loses momentum before the final act pulls things together.
God Does Like Ugly is JID taking risks. Some land perfectly, others less so. It’s sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also vibrant and deeply personal. He’s pushing himself in new directions, even if it means sacrificing some cohesion in the process. If The Forever Story was a focused, polished statement, God Does Like Ugly is the wild, unfiltered notebook from the same artist, full of big swings, vivid ideas, and the occasional scratch-out.
Featured Photo Credit: NASKADEMINI
