My last encounter with Atlanta rapper JID was an obsessive phase of listening to 2017’s The Never Story, and considering Osheaga’s intensely nostalgic lineup this year, it was no surprise to see him on the lineup a decade later.
Many a rapper have performed their hearts out on Oshega’s stage, but few have filled the space with such raw power and stamina as JID. His delivery sits at a resting rate of ‘breakneck.’ Whole stanzas flow between breaths, each syllable indelibly dictated even to the back of the crowd. Physically, he commands attention as he struts the stage, somehow larger than life despite being a man alone in an empty box, save for his DJ, Christo.
At times, JID is just showing off. Christo cuts the track for 10, 20, 45 seconds at a time, and the lines flow from JID like quicksilver, with lung capacity that would put a cardio freak to shame. Seemingly intent on firing through his entire discography, JID didn’t have shit to say between raps. He was here to rap and rage, and the front third of the crowd was all too happy to witness his absurd display of endurance. Of course, the brightest flames burn the quickest, and JID was in the unenviable position of starting five minutes late whilst opening for Geese.
Midsong, with two minutes left in his set, some evil, twisted hater in the sound booth decided to fade out JID’s mix. This is presumably because the alternative was being eaten alive by Cameron Winters. Undeterred, JID continued acapella for at least another half-minute, with the crowd determined to keep it moving. Even when the cruel yellow flood of the houselights came on, he stood there, accepting roaring applause for a few moments more before being unceremoniously ushered off the stage. Despite this injustice, JID brought defiance, deadly flow, and incredible raw energy to Osheaga’s Friday night.
