The rap icon JID has just released a new full-length album titled God Does Like Ugly. I’ve been an avid listener since his earliest releases, and with this project, I see no signs of him slowing down anytime soon. My favorite tracks are “No Boo,” “Gz,” and “VCRs.” With this album, JID has cemented himself as a genre leader, an influential voice, and an artist worth aspiring to.

Thematically, God Does Like Ugly explores pain, struggle, and divinity, touching on gritty, down-to-earth topics like survival and capitalism. I love the range—from soft, introspective tracks to the heavier, murkier cuts. The production gets downright nasty in places, yet the mix of sounds always feels cohesive. “VCRs” stands out for me—Vince Staples and JID deliver an incredible performance, trading verses and weaving into each other’s flows seamlessly.

JID continues to expand his vocal range. He’s long mastered multiple rap cadences, but here he leans even more into singing while still delivering his signature rapid-fire style. As someone on YouTube perfectly put it, “JID raps like he’s running out of studio time.” It’s funny—and true. On The Forever Story’s “Can’t Punk Me,” there’s a moment where he says “pull up” in perfect syncopation with the snare. He pulls the same trick on one of the tracks here, making me wonder if it’s becoming a sort of musical signature.

The album is stacked with legendary features—too many to list—but I have to give special mention to Jessie Reyez, whose performance on “No Boo” is just beautiful. God Does Like Ugly is a rich, layered record, and it deserves a full listen from start to finish.

Listen to the album below:

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!