Atlanta rapper JID has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Did He Read It?, delivering a collection of intricate lyricism and dynamic flows that are already generating significant buzz. The album, released May 26, 2023, via Dreamville/Interscope Records, features collaborations with a diverse range of artists and showcases JID’s growth as a storyteller.
The album’s lead single, “Surround Sound,” released in 2024, gained traction through the TikTok “Ceiling Challenge,” propelling JID to new levels of mainstream recognition.The song peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA as of November 2023.
JID, born Xavier Elysee Smith on October 31, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, demonstrates his lyrical prowess on tracks like “What We on,” featuring Don Toliver. He weaves complex rhymes and vivid imagery, exemplified by lines like, “Shawty Senegalese, a sister/And she want me to be her mister/But I don’t wanna tease or tempt her/’Cause you know that I read the scripture.”
The album also boasts standout contributions from veteran artists. The track “Community” features Virginia hip-hop duo Clipse, with Pusha T delivering a notably potent verse. His lyrics, including “What’s missing in my hood I identified/Than I brought white to my hood, sh*t I gentrified/we had military arms we were Semper Fi,” offer a sharp commentary on societal changes and personal experiences.
Did He Read It? follows JID’s 2018 debut album, the Forever Story, which received critical acclaim for its introspective themes and innovative production.The new album expands on these strengths,exploring themes of identity,ambition,and the complexities of modern life. The album was primarily produced by JID himself, alongside frequent collaborators like Christo and Jahaan sweet.
the album’s title, Did He Read It?, reflects JID’s desire for listeners to truly engage with his artistry and appreciate the depth of his lyrical content. He has emphasized in interviews the importance of intentional listening and the value of thoughtful songwriting.
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Key lyrics from JID’s Did He Read It? album showcase his unique lyrical style and storytelling ability.
