The Never Story (Album Review)

JID - The Never Story (2017)

A sharp, emotionally rich debut that proves JID isn't just another rapper from Atlanta, he has something to say

JID is a rapper from East Atlanta known for his incredible flow and sharp penmanship. He blends Southern rap grit with lyrical precision, pulling inspiration from jazz, soul, and trap to craft music that feels both personal and acrobatic. His songs flip between complex rhyme schemes and honest storytelling, always delivered with elastic, high-energy performances. JID is a true pioneer of modern hip-hop.

The Never Story (2017) is his debut studio album, released shortly after signing to J. Cole’s Dreamville label. The production is sharp and gritty but never overshadows the lyrical talent that JID brings to the table. Clearly pulling from the dirty South sounds he grew up on, the album also incorporates elements of New York boom bap and smooth R&B, resulting in a project that feels both fresh and familiar. It tells the story of a young man trying to find his place in the world — confronting toxic masculinity, societal pressure, and personal demons along the way.

As far as debut albums go, this is easily one of the best I’ve heard. It works beautifully as a cohesive project, but most of the tracks still stand strong on their own. The transitions are seamless, yet each song maintains its own identity. JID shows off his emotional range too — mixing fiery bars with melodic vulnerability in a way that feels completely natural.

The features on this album are smartly chosen. It’s not bloated or stuffed with fan-service, but you can tell real collaboration went into it. Voices like EARTHGANG, 6LACK, Mereba — they all add flavor without overpowering the core narrative.

Standout Tracks

EdEddnEddy

This might be my personal favorite, purely for nostalgic reasons — I remember hearing this back in middle school. It’s catchy, high energy, and absolutely explains why it became a radio success. Even if it’s not the “best” track technically, it’s unforgettable.

Hereditary

The first song that really shows off JID’s emotional depth. It hits a perfect midpoint in the album — a beautiful, introspective piece about the toxic patterns in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. A late-night, lights-off kind of listen.

Lauder

A gritty, heavy closer that echoes the energy of the opener (General), but with more polish and emotional weight. It’s the exclamation point at the end of a whirlwind journey — reminding listeners that no matter how thoughtful or vulnerable JID gets, he’s still someone you should never underestimate.

Other Favorites

• NEVER – The breakout hit. Raw, fast, and still one of his most popular songs.
• All Bad – Soulful, emotional, and beautifully produced.
• Somebody – A funkier, upbeat moment that re-energizes the second half of the album.

Final Thoughts

What can I really say that I haven’t already said? I like this album a lot. It’s damn near the perfect studio debut and firmly planted JID as one of the most exciting voices in hip-hop today. It’s tight, emotionally rich, and packed with memorable moments. There are maybe one or two songs that don’t stick as much, but it never feels overdone or bloated.

This is an album that stays in rotation — and somehow, it only gets better with time.

Final Score: 8/10

A phenomenal debut. Honest, technical, and emotionally complex — JID proves he’s not just a talented rapper, but a fully-formed artist.

JID releases his fifth studio album God Does Like Ugly on August 8, so we can only expect more greatness from him soon.

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