JID, born Destin Choice Route on October 31, 1990, is a dynamic American rapper and singer whose influence and innovation have marked him as a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop. Raised in Atlanta, JID’s musical journey began with his involvement in the local scene, where he initially gained attention through a series of independent projects and collaborations. His unique style and fluid rapping technique have garnered widespread acclaim, setting him apart in the competitive world of hip-hop.
JID’s early career was defined by his mixtapes, starting with Cakewalk in May 2010, followed by Cakewalk 2 in June 2011, and Route of All Evil in June 2012. These projects showcased his burgeoning talent and laid the groundwork for his future success. His mixtape Para Tu, released in October 2013, was later re-released in December 2017, further establishing his presence in the music industry.
In 2014, JID, alongside EarthGang, Hollywood JB, and Jordxn Bryant, formed the musical collective Spillage Village. Their collaborative projects, such as Bears Like This (2015) and Bears Like This Too Much (2016), highlighted JID’s versatility and lyrical prowess. These projects set the stage for his solo career and earned him a significant following. JID’s participation in Ab-Soul’s These Days Tour and his performances with Omen and Bas on various tours helped cement his reputation as a rising star.
JID’s breakthrough came in February 2017 when he signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records. His debut studio album, The Never Story, released on March 10, 2017, was met with critical acclaim. The album, which included notable tracks like “Never,” featured guest appearances from EarthGang, 6LACK, and Mereba, and showcased production from J. Cole, Christo, and Childish Major. JID’s skillful wordplay and distinctive style were evident throughout the album, earning him a solid foothold in the industry.
His second album, DiCaprio 2, was released on November 26, 2018. The album, supported by singles such as “151 Rum” and “Off Deez” featuring J. Cole, was well-received by critics and fans alike. DiCaprio 2 featured collaborations with A$AP Ferg, 6LACK, Ella Mai, and others, with production primarily handled by JID’s in-house team. The album’s success led to the Catch Me If You Can tour, which saw JID performing across North America and Europe.
In 2019, JID was featured on Dreamville’s compilation album Revenge of the Dreamers III, with singles “Down Bad” and “Costa Rica” earning gold certifications. The following year, he was part of Spillage Village’s album Spilligion and collaborated with Doja Cat on “Options” from her Grammy-nominated album Planet Her. JID’s collaboration with Imagine Dragons on the single “Enemy” became a major hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and marking his highest-charting song to date.
JID’s third album, The Forever Story, was released on August 26, 2022. The album, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200, featured a diverse range of guest artists including Kenny Mason, EarthGang, 21 Savage, Baby Tate, Lil Durk, and others. The lead single, “Surround Sound,” featuring 21 Savage and Baby Tate, further established JID’s reputation as a leading voice in hip-hop.
JID’s artistry is influenced by a diverse array of musicians, including Lil Wayne, Sly and the Family Stone, D’Angelo, Wu-Tang Clan, and fellow Atlanta natives OutKast and Goodie Mob. His ability to blend intricate wordplay with a unique flow has positioned him as a standout artist in the genre.
In recent developments, JID has been working on new music with producer Metro Boomin and released his EP Blakkboyz present Half Doin Dope/Van Gogh in September 2023. His contributions to Westside Gunn’s album and Eminem’s The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce) further demonstrate his continued influence and presence in the music industry.
