J.I.D Proves Why He’s Elite with God Does Like Ugly | Full Album Review

J.I.D is back with God Does Like Ugly, and this might be his most complete album to date. The Atlanta lyricist showcases why he’s one of the most technically gifted rappers in hip-hop, delivering a project that dives deep into hood stories, personal perseverance, and community struggles—all while maintaining elite-level lyricism.

If you’ve been wondering whether hip-hop is in good hands, God Does Like Ugly is your reassurance.

From Zone 6 to the World

This album is deeply rooted in Atlanta culture. J.I.D raps about his neighborhood, upbringing, and everything he’s seen on his way to success. Each track feels like a piece of his story, painting vivid pictures of street life, survival, and triumph.

From the very first track, “You Ugly” featuring Westside Gunn, the tone is set. Westside Gunn doesn’t rap, but serves as a mixtape-style host—something that honestly could have been sprinkled throughout the album for extra cohesion.

And then, J.I.D gets straight to business: rapping at an elite level from start to finish. Influences from OutKast, Eminem, and J. Cole are noticeable, but J.I.D never sounds like anyone but himself. His versatility in flows and delivery is unmatched.

Standout Tracks on God Does Like Ugly

The album runs deep with heavy bars, storytelling, and memorable features. Here are some of the highlights:

“Glory” – A heartfelt track where J.I.D reflects on trials and tribulations, giving all the glory to God for his journey. This could have been an intro or outro because of its powerful message.
“WRK” – The lead single. While lyrically sharp, the fast-paced delivery may lose some listeners. Still a solid track.
“Community” (feat. The Clipse) – The first feature by Pusha T and Malice together for the first time in over 20 years. Pusha raps about life in the trenches while Malice dives into the consequences of those choices. This is THE standout track—pure art.
“Gz” – A raw street anthem reflecting on struggles, survival, and the codes of the hood.
“VCRs” (feat. Vince Staples) – A creative concept where both rappers use a number scheme from one to ten while reminiscing about their lives. Vince brings his Long Beach perspective, while J.I.D brings Zone 6 grit.
“SK8” (feat. EarthGang & Ciara) – A fun tribute to Atlanta’s skate culture. Ciara’s presence adds a nostalgic feel, while EarthGang provides standout verses.
“What We On” (feat. Don Toliver) – Starts chopped and screwed, then transitions into a smooth Don Toliver hook before J.I.D spazzes on the beat. A definite playlist track.
“Wholeheartedly” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & 6LACK) – One of J.I.D’s most melodic moments. This track proves he could thrive in a melodic/rap hybrid lane without sacrificing lyrical depth.
“Four Keeps” – The closing track where J.I.D reflects on posting music to SoundCloud with zero plays and how perseverance led to his current success.

Features That Hit (and Miss)

Most features on this album elevate the experience, especially The Clipse, Vince Staples, EarthGang, Ty Dolla $ign, and 6LACK. Don Toliver’s chopped-and-screwed intro on What We On is brilliant.

However, “No Boo” (feat. Jessie Reyez) didn’t land as well. The concept was fine—a relationship track—but J.I.D rapping in Spanish felt forced and broke the flow.

Production & Sound

The production is polished and tailored for J.I.D’s style. While no single producer’s fingerprint dominates, every beat feels intentional. The instrumentation complements his complex flows, proving that J.I.D knows how to pick beats that allow him to shine.

What Works & What Doesn’t

What works:
✔ Elite lyricism & storytelling
✔ Strong features (especially The Clipse & Vince Staples)
✔ Cohesive theme rooted in Atlanta culture
✔ High replay value for tracks like Community, VCRs, and Wholeheartedly

What doesn’t:
✘ Some songs feel repetitive in theme
✘ A few creative risks (like the Spanish rap) didn’t stick

**Final Thoughts: Where Does God Does Like Ugly Rank in 2025?**

This is J.I.D at his best—hungry, thoughtful, and unapologetically lyrical. While a few songs miss the mark, the highs outweigh the lows by a mile. J.I.D proves he’s not just next up—he’s already one of the top 10 rappers alive.

Rating: 8.8/10
With albums like this, hip-hop is safe. Summer 2025 belongs to lyricists.