Diving headfirst into J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive follow-up, The Off-Season, was a wild ride. But the real journey? That’s Forever Story, and we're here to unpack the sonic masterpiece track by track. Are you ready to discover the best songs on Forever Story? This isn't just another ranking; it’s a deep dive into the album's emotional landscape, exploring the standout tracks that truly resonate with listeners. From the infectious beats to Cole's introspective lyricism, Forever Story offers a rich tapestry of sound and meaning. Whether you're a longtime J. Cole devotee or a newcomer captivated by his storytelling, this list will guide you through the album’s highlights, revealing the songs that have cemented their place as fan favorites and critical darlings. Get ready to rediscover your favorite tracks and maybe unearth some hidden gems along the way. Let’s begin the journey!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Surround Sound |
21 Savage JID Baby Tate | The Forever Story (Extended Version) | 88M+ |
| 2. Dance Now |
JID Kenny Mason | 24M+ | |
| 3. Raydar | JID | 3M+ | |
| 4. Kody Blu 31 | JID | 3M+ | |
| 5. Stars |
JID Yasiin Bey | 3M+ | |
| 6. Crack Sandwich | JID | 3M+ | |
| 7. Just In Time |
JID Lil Wayne Kenny Mason | 2M+ |
1. Surround Sound
Sound: "Surround Sound" boasts a layered, atmospheric soundscape, perfectly capturing the album's overall vibe of hazy, introspective trap.
Vocals: The interplay between 21 Savage's signature delivery, JID's agile flow, and Baby Tate's melodic hooks creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that elevates the track beyond a typical collab.
Emotional Impact: Its melancholic yet confident mood makes it a standout track for those moments where you need a song that reflects complex emotions without being overly sentimental.
2. Dance Now (JID ft Kenny Mason - 2025)
JID & Kenny Mason's Vocal Synergy: The track showcases a captivating blend of JID's intricate wordplay and Kenny Mason's raw energy, creating a dynamic and memorable vocal performance that elevates the *Forever Story* album.
Infectious Rhythmic Groove: "Dance Now" boasts an undeniably catchy rhythm that will have you moving from the first beat. Its irresistible groove is a perfect example of the album's ability to seamlessly blend different styles.
Unforgettable Hook: The song's hook is instantly memorable, further solidifying its place as a standout track on *Forever Story*. Its replayability is a testament to the songwriting prowess on display.
3. Raydar (JID)
JID's Flow: Raydar showcases JID's signature intricate and agile flow, a highlight of his technical prowess that elevates *Forever Story*.
Layered Production: The track's layered production, incorporating both atmospheric textures and punchy 808s, creates a captivating soundscape that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
Emotional Resonance: Despite its technical complexity, Raydar possesses a strong emotional core, making it a standout moment of vulnerability and reflection within the album's broader narrative.
4. Kody Blu 31 (JID)
JID's Vocal Delivery: Kody Blu 31 showcases JID's signature intricate and rapid-fire flow, a highlight of his technical prowess that shines throughout Forever Story.
Production: The track's atmospheric production perfectly complements JID's verses, creating a captivating soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Emotional Resonance: Its introspective lyrics and compelling beat contribute to the album's overall thematic exploration of personal growth and overcoming adversity, making it a standout moment on Forever Story.
5. Stars
JID and Yasiin Bey's Collaboration: The pairing of JID's intricate flow with Yasiin Bey's seasoned lyricism creates a captivating dynamic on "Stars"
Lyrical Depth: Both artists deliver powerful verses, exploring themes of ambition, reflection, and the complexities of life, adding depth to the *Forever Story* narrative.
Production: The atmospheric production complements the introspective lyrics, enhancing the overall emotional impact and making "Stars" a standout track on the album.
6. Crack Sandwich
JID's Vocals: JID's intricate wordplay and delivery on "Crack Sandwich" are a masterclass in technical skill, seamlessly blending his signature rapid-fire flow with moments of melodic reflection, perfectly complementing the album's overall vibe.
Production: The beat itself is a hypnotic blend of soulful samples and hard-hitting 808s, creating a dark and atmospheric soundscape that perfectly matches the song's introspective and intense lyrics.
Emotional Impact: The song's exploration of vulnerability and self-reflection amidst success makes it a standout track that resonates deeply within the context of *Forever Story*'s thematic exploration of personal growth and overcoming adversity.
7. Just In Time - 2025
JID's Vocals: JID's sharp, intricate verses on "Just In Time" provide a captivating counterpoint to Lil Wayne and Kenny Mason's contributions, adding a layer of lyrical complexity that elevates the track within the *Forever Story* album.
Dynamic Production: The beat seamlessly blends various styles, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps the energy high throughout the song. This perfectly complements the diverse rapping styles present.
Collaborative Chemistry: The interplay between JID, Lil Wayne, and Kenny Mason is exceptional; their unique styles intertwine effortlessly, making "Just In Time" a standout collaboration on the album.
8. Bruddanem
JID and Lil Durk's Collaboration: The pairing of JID's intricate wordplay and Lil Durk's melodic delivery creates a compelling dynamic on "Bruddanem" showcasing the strengths of both artists.
Production and Atmosphere: The track's atmospheric production perfectly complements the introspective yet hard-hitting lyrics, contributing to its overall impact within *Forever Story*.
Memorable Hook: Lil Durk's memorable hook adds a catchy element that balances JID's more complex verses, resulting in a well-rounded and impactful song.
9. Sistanem
Sistanem - JID: Intricate wordplay: JID's signature complex and clever lyricism shines, showcasing his masterful storytelling abilities within the *Forever Story* narrative.
Production: The beat's atmospheric soundscapes perfectly complement the introspective and emotionally resonant themes of the track.
Emotional resonance: "Sistanem" offers a potent blend of vulnerability and strength, making it a deeply affecting highlight of the album.
10. Can't Punk Me - 2025
JID's Vocals: JID's sharp, agile flow is a standout, perfectly complementing the hard-hitting beat and delivering potent lyrics with unmatched precision.
Production: EARTHGANG's production creates a dark, atmospheric soundscape that perfectly matches the song's defiant energy.
Overall Impact: "Can't Punk Me" is a high-energy track that showcases both artists' skills and leaves a lasting impression. Its inclusion on *Forever Story* elevates the album's overall intensity and solidifies its status as a standout project.
11Money
JID
2022
12Can't Make U Change
JID, Ari Lennox
2022
13Lauder Too
JID,Ravyn Lenae
2022
14Better Days
JID, Johnta Austin
2022