The journey of JID, an Atlanta-based rapper, is a testament to this quote. JID has carved a niche for himself in the music industry by authentically expressing his emotions through his lyrics. His 2022 hit single, “Surround Sound“, is a brilliant example of his talent. This track, which is currently ranking at No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100, has gained viral popularity on TikTok through the ‘Ceiling Challenge’.
Born and raised in Atlanta, JID had initially set his sights on a career in sports. He was a scholarship athlete, excelling in football due to his incredible speed. However, destiny had other plans for him. Despite his athletic prowess, he realized that he wasn’t physically built for the sport. This led him to pivot and explore other avenues.
JID’s foray into the world of rap wasn’t a conscious decision. As he puts it, he became a rapper ‘ironically’. He started writing at the age of 21, honing his skills and gradually developing his unique lyrical style. His passion for writing wasn’t limited to rapping. He aspired to write movies and for other artists, showcasing his respect for the craft of writing.
JID’s single ‘Surround Sound’ was a turning point in his career. The song was initially released a few months before his album debut. The track did well, earning a gold certification even before the album’s release. The song’s popularity skyrocketed when it became the theme for the ‘Ceiling Challenge’ on TikTok, earning it a spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
“I guess it was in the cards for me, you know, you don’t always marry your first love.” — JID
JID’s songwriting prowess is a result of his dedication and respect for the craft. He has studied great writers, not just from the world of hip-hop, but from various genres. He believes in the power of language and the art of communicating a message effectively without overdoing it.
JID believes that songwriting can be inspired by different life experiences. He shared that he tries to ‘attack’ whenever an idea for a song comes to him, whether it’s from listening to a production or observing the world around him.
JID is not one to rest on his laurels. He has several exciting projects lined up, including a collaboration with Metro Boomin. He also plans to venture into the world of children’s literature with his first book, “Astrid the Ostrach”, which will explore the emotions that children experience.
“I want to write movies and write for other artists, as well. But just respecting the arts and the language and knowing how to get a message across without being too much or just not enough.” — JID
JID’s journey in the music industry is a story of resilience, hard work, and authenticity. His success is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. His unique lyrical style and authentic voice have made him a force to reckon with in the music industry. JID is an inspiring figure for aspiring artists, proving that one can achieve success by staying true to oneself and putting one’s best foot forward.
“You can build a world out of it. That’s why I try to live in building that type of world.” — JID
JID’s story is far from over. With his upcoming projects and future plans, he is set to continue making waves in the music industry. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the future.
