History
Destin Route, born October 31, 1990, and professionally known as JID, is an American rapper hailing from Zone 6, Atlanta, Georgia. He characterizes his lyrical style as “a soft-spoken but intricate lyricist with a cocky side.” His stage name is derived from the word "jittery," a childhood nickname given to him by his grandmother due to his energetic demeanor.
JID's musical journey began with his parents' collection of funk and soul records. After attending Hampton University on a football scholarship, he connected with fellow MCs and became part of the Spillage Village collective. By 2012, he had left college to fully commit to his music career. A significant step in his development came in 2014 when he embarked on a tour with EarthGang, Bas, and Ab-Soul, which helped him refine his performance skills.
In 2015, JID released his debut EP, DiCaprio, collaborating with various producers and EarthGang. He aimed to distinguish his sound from the prevalent trap music in Atlanta, focusing instead on intricate lyricism over mere beats. The following year, JID and Spillage Village released the album Bears Like This Too Much, showcasing his developing delivery and lyrical depth.
Record Deal and Major Releases
A pivotal moment in JID's career occurred in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole's Dreamville label. This connection was facilitated through his earlier tour appearances alongside Bas, a close associate of Cole's. Dreamville subsequently released his single "Never" and his full-length debut, The Never Story, in early 2017.
In September 2018, JID previewed his sophomore album, DiCaprio 2, with the single "151 Rum." The album, a follow-up to his 2015 EP, was released later that year. His most recent album, The Forever Story, arrived on August 26, 2022. The album featured singles such as "Surround Sound (feat. 21 Savage & Baby Tate)," released on January 14, 2022, and "Dance Now," which dropped on August 9, 2022.
