Review: JID- DiCaprio 2

JID comes through with his most fleshed out and animated release yet.

The album opens with the track "Slick Talk" and it is clear JID has something to prove as he explicitly claims, "Ya’ll know I feel activated when I came in this bitch." Making bold claims of how he is on his way to reaching the top of the rap game, JID is calling out his doubters on this opener. With production credits by Kenny Beats, he does not hold back as he comes out of the gate strong.

Following "Slick Talk," is the track "Westbrook" featuring A$AP Ferg. This cut is awesome with JID laying down great verses backed by a loud and epic chorus by Ferg. Eerie bells provide the lead melody in the verses which helps add to the grand feeling the track evokes. Next up is "Off Deez" featuring J. Cole which is an absolute banger. While I was impressed by JID’s flow, I was even more impressed that Dreamville founder J. Cole was able to follow in suit and actually match it. This is one of the best J. Cole features I have heard in years and (hot take alert) proves he is still capable of making good music.

"[Off Deez] contains one of the best J. Cole features I have heard in years and proves he is still capable of making good music."

This album continues to keep pumping out great tracks with "151 Rum," "Off Da Zoinkys," and "Workin Out" all being highlights on this project.

The first seven tracks are phenomenal, but the second half of the album is where DiCaprio 2 begins to show its flaws. "Just Da Other Day" contains an uninspired hook and incredibly bland trap beat that leads the track to becoming skip-able with repeated listens. The posse track "Hot Box" featuring Joey Bada$$ and Method Man left a lot to be desired, but it was fun to hear these three guys together nonetheless. "Tiiied" featuring 6LACK and Elia Mai is by no means a bad song, but it sounds like it belongs on a 6LACK album and feels out of place among the rest of the track list. "Skrawberries" featuring BJ The Chicago Kid has JID discussing his relationship struggles over a beat featuring co-production credits from the late Mac Miller. While I am not crazy about this cut, it is cool to see Mac's work and influence being utilized. "Mounted Up" is a late album highlight with JID switching up his flows and showing off his versatility. Just a shame the hook is lacking and the beat is fairly repetitive and not too engaging. The second half of the album still contains solid songs but it gets overshadowed by the first half being that much better.

The work on this album helps solidify JID as one of the more talented rappers out right now. While it is easy to point out the obvious influences from his contemporaries, most notably Kendrick Lamar, there is no doubt of the talent he has continued to demonstrate and expand upon with each release.

Rating: 8/10

Essential Tracks: Slick Talk, Westbrook, Off Deez, 151 Rum, Off Da Zoinkys, Workin Out, Mounted Up