JID Sets Release Date for Highly Anticipated Album "God Does Like Ugly"
JID fans, mark your calendars! The Dreamville rapper has officially announced the release date for his upcoming album, "God Does Like Ugly." The album is slated to drop on August 8, 2025, via Dreamville/Interscope. In addition to the release date, JID has also shared details about a surprise mixtape, confirmed features, and the album's thematic direction.
Surprise Mixtape "GDLU (Preluxe)" Drops as Album Teaser
In a surprise move, JID released a four-track mixtape titled "GDLU (Preluxe)" on July 4, 2025. This project serves as a precursor to the main album and features tracks that ultimately didn't make the final cut. The mixtape offers a taste of what's to come and is available on all major streaming platforms.
"GDLU (Preluxe)" Features Star-Studded Collaborations
The "GDLU (Preluxe)" mixtape boasts impressive collaborations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Confirmed features include Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK. The tracklist for the mixtape is as follows:
- "Behold" (solo)
- "Knew Better" (with Lil Yachty)
- "Lisa" (with 6LACK)
- "Animals (Pt. 1)" (with Eminem)
"WRK" – The Lead Single Sets the Tone for "God Does Like Ugly"
The official lead single from the album, titled "WRK," was released on April 18, 2025. JID had previously previewed the track at the Dreamville Festival on April 6, giving fans a sneak peek of what was to come. He further teased the track with a snippet shared on April 15. "WRK" is produced by Pluss and Christo, adding another layer of anticipation for the full album.
Album Details: 15 Tracks Confirmed, Tracklist Still Under Wraps
"God Does Like Ugly" is confirmed to feature a total of 15 tracks. While "WRK" has already been released, the full tracklist for the album is yet to be officially revealed. Fans are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the complete tracklist, hoping to discover more about the featured artists and the overall sonic landscape of the album.
Placeholder Album Artwork: The Final Cover is Yet to Come
JID has addressed the placeholder artwork currently displayed on streaming services for "God Does Like Ugly." He confirmed that this is not the final album cover, leaving fans to speculate about the eventual visual representation of the project. The official album cover is expected to be revealed closer to the release date.
Thematic Shift: Embracing a "Darker," "Antihero" Persona
JID has provided insight into the thematic direction of "God Does Like Ugly," indicating a shift towards a "darker," "antihero" era compared to his previous work. In his own words, "Starting this new journey coming off The Forever Story has been a very strange, productive yet tedious process, but I live my life by the saying 'You can only control what you can control.' So this is the first step into a new world that I control. And. It's. F*******. UGLY." This suggests a more aggressive and competitive lyrical approach, signaling a new chapter in JID's artistic evolution.
Fan Expectations and Initial Reactions
Following the success of "The Forever Story," anticipation for "God Does Like Ugly" is exceptionally high. Fans are eager to hear what JID has in store, with many hoping that this album will surpass his previous work. Early reactions to the "GDLU (Preluxe)" mixtape have been mixed, with some fans expressing reservations about its quality compared to what they expect from the full-length album. This has only intensified the anticipation and speculation surrounding "God Does Like Ugly."
Stakeholders in JID's New Album
The key stakeholders involved in the release and success of "God Does Like Ugly" include JID himself, Dreamville Records, and Interscope Records. Additionally, fans, hip-hop critics, and the broader music community all play a significant role in shaping the reception and impact of the album.
Title Meaning and Initial Confusion
The album's title, "God Does Like Ugly," is a play on the common saying "God Doesn't Like Ugly," which led to discussion and speculation about the themes of the album. There was initial confusion among fans as to whether "God Does Like Ugly" was a deluxe version of "The Forever Story" or a brand new album, but this was clarified with the official announcement.
