God Does Like Ugly: JID’s Boldest Chapter Yet

JID is an Atlanta rapper known for his sharp flow and clever wordplay, signed to J. Cole’s Dreamville Records.

First and foremost, God Does Like Ugly is one of the dopest albums I’ve heard this year. I’d heard JID’s name before through friends, but I didn’t truly tap in until he dropped this gem; right after my birthday. The title immediately stands out— a flip on the saying “God doesn’t like ugly.” In interviews, JID recalled how his late grandmother used to say, “God does like ugly, if He’s allowing stuff like this to happen.” She even told him he should name his album that— and he did. Beyond that, the title can carry other layers too. Like a reminder that none of us are flawless, that we all carry a little “ugly” inside, and yet God’s love still holds strong through it all. That meaning alone makes this project feel powerful and timely, especially in today’s world.

The album is polished from start to finish. JID’s song choices, production, and features all hit— with legends like Clipse, Westside Gunn, Vince Staples, Ty Dolla $ign, Ciara, and more, sliding in seamlessly. The collaborations feel natural and add to the project’s strength. His delivery is unmatched: switching voices, flipping cadences, and repping ATL in his own raw way. You can tell he put thought into every detail throughout this album. I’ve been playing this album damn near every day because of how beautifully made it is. To me, it’s a masterpiece.

Every song brings something unique to the table; for example, Glory is special. It connects back to the meaning of Glory in the Bible— “God’s visible radiance.” There’s no cursing, a real church choir, even a pastor woven in. It’s artistic and intentional. 

“Early in the mornin', got sun in my eyes

Givin' glory to God, I'm alert and alive

I ain't even sleep, I been workin', I'm tired

But it's not gon' deter my assignment…

Pray for the boy, bow head, then lock arms

And lock your car doors, he could trigger the alarm

Got caught one time and they left him WITH JUST a warnin’

Got baptized in cold water, it turned warm…”

Lyrics like this instantly caught my attention, JID made the track feel so visual. What really stood out to me is how he kicks the song off strong, showing that life’s challenges won’t pull him away from his purpose, and that same energy runs through the whole song. The metaphors are powerful too, like comparing cold water turning warm after a man is baptized. To me, it shows the rough life he was living and how he’s being washed clean from it, revealing a real transformation. I’ve never heard lyrics like that before, and it proves exactly why JID is such a powerful lyricist in our time.

Community featuring Pusha T and Malice of Clipse stands out for sure. JID comes in with a raw emotion:

“I don’t give a f*ck about no industry beef.

Ain’t nobody give a f*ck when Tay was dead in the street.

I don’t do the shit you see on the screens,

I been tapped in with true things,

I peep your rap cap and I UNSCREW things.

I don’t give a f*ck about them n*ggas at the top,

THE BIGGEST n*gga on the block still get shot.

pop, you thinkin’ Pac, I’m thinkin’ —

Can’t talk about that sh*t from— you seen FOX?”

A lot of people thought he was addressing the Kendrick vs. Drake beef, but he’s really pointing out how rap beef distracts from the real issues in the world. That raw honesty is what sets him apart. Having Clipse on the track was perfect— Pusha T and Malice came in with pure energy, raw lyrics, and that signature Clipse sound we all know and love. The way each of their voices blended with the beat and how their flows transitioned seamlessly from one to the next, proved this was a collaboration we didn’t just want, but needed.

Then you have Sk8, which brings pure Atlanta vibes with Ciara and EARTHGANG. The beat has that bounce you’d expect from the city, and he matches it with a playful yet sharp flow that shows off his versatility. Bringing in Ciara was genius, her vocals add that nostalgic ATL feel and remind us how much of an icon she is in shaping the city’s sound. Featuring EARTHGANG ties it all back to JID’s Spillage Village family, giving the track a true sense of community and collaboration.

“You ain't never been to Skatetowne

On Old National, you know it go down

You ain't never been to Cascade

On the west side of MLK…”

For Keeps is a personal track where JID opens up about his come-up in the rap game— proving people wrong, pushing through low likes and producers not sending him beats, finding the courage to put himself out there, and yet constantly persevering. He takes a moment to thank the fans who’ve supported him along the way, and at the end, he introduces his son— giving fans a rare glimpse into his personal life while still protecting his privacy.

“And every time I think the mojo gone

Here come the feelin' I've been tryna find for oh so long

‘You can't hang it up now, bro, hold on

People all around the world knowin' your songs’

So this is for the die-hards and casuals alike

That press play soon as the clock strikes midnight…

At Domino's writtin' rhymes on the back of a time sheet

Bosses would grind teeth at me fallin' behind

Tryin' scroll through my mind to find beats…

This back when producers wasn't sendin' me packs

I dropped some shit on SoundCloud and people didn't react

I'd be happy just to get ten clicks on the track…”

What I love most about this song is how relatable it feels—not just for artists trying to make it in the game, but for me personally as I carve out my own path as an aspiring young-female hip-hop journalist. It reminded me that even the people we look up to had to start somewhere. They were once in the same position I’m in now, and if they made it, so can I. This track is a real source of encouragement, pushing me to keep persevering toward the career I want for myself.

And he didn’t stop there. JID even gave fans a Preluxe and Alternative Edition with extra songs:

Behold

Knew Better (w/ Lil Yachty)

Lisa (w/ 6LACK)

Animals Pt. 1 (w/ Eminem)

Sun (w/ Anycia)

The dedication shows.

All in all, JID is one of the hottest rappers out right now. He’s already gearing up for the God Does Like Paradise Tour with Baby Kia, Swavay, Marco Plus, DC The Don, Niko Brim, and Kai Cash starting in October. Best believe I’m grabbing my tickets and I can’t wait to see where JID takes us next!

check out JID and his new album God Does Like Ugly — trust me, it’s worth the listen!

© 2025 Lauryn C. Powell