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The Never Story
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
| The Never Story | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 10, 2017 | |||
| Recorded | 2014−2017 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 39:51 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| JID chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from The Never Story | ||||
| ||||
The Never Story is the debut studio album by American rapper JID. It was released on March 10, 2017, by Dreamville Records, Spillage Village and Interscope Records.[1] The Never Story was supported by four official singles; "Never", "D/vision", "Hereditary", and "EdEddnEddy". The album received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number 197 on the US Billboard 200. J.I.D's lyrics details a narrative on his upbringing in East Atlanta.
Background
[edit]On February 24, the first single "Never" was released.[2] On March 6, the second single, "D/vision" was released, and the tracklist for the album was revealed. The album features guest appearances from EarthGang, 6lack, and Mereba, with production coming from J. Cole, Hollywood JB, Frank Dukes, Childish Major, Christo, Sean McVerry, Latrell James, OZ the Additive, Tha Officialz, SMKA, and The Imaginary Kids. [3]
Singles and promotion
[edit]On February 20, 2017, the same day of announcing the signing to Dreamville, the music video of the album's first single "Never" was released. On March 6, after revealing the tracklist, he also released "D/vision" as the second single, with the music video released on August 17.[3][4] On September 27, the music video for "Hereditary" was released as the third single.[5] On February 7, 2018, the album's fourth single, "EdEddnEddy", accompanied by an animated music video was released.[6] J.I.D also toured the album on his "Never Had Shit" tour with EarthGang, Chaz French, and Lute.
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [7] |
| HipHopDX | [8] |
| XXL | 4/5[9] |
The Never Story received very positive reviews. Scott Glaysher of HipHopDX said "If there is one hypothesis that J.I.D wants you to walk away with after bumping The Never Story, it's the notion that he can rap well. We all know southern lyricists do in fact exist, but in today's mumble game, it's refreshing to have him remind us with 12 tracks of crafty lyrics and crisp beats."[8] XXL said "J.I.D possesses the lyrical capability and knack for songwriting that could one day put him in a similar space as the 4 Your Eyez Only creator (J. Cole). Announcing his signing with Dreamville in February, the Spillage Village member wasted no time finding his footing, unleashing his The Never Story project just a month later, a collection of songs that validates the hype and makes for a glowing first impression of all that J.I.D has to offer."[9] Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Paul Simpson claimed that "It's obvious that J.I.D isn't trying to emulate anyone else in the Atlanta rap scene. Instead of bass-heavy trap beats, his backing tracks are more organic-sounding and veer closer to smoky neo-soul, as he switches between swift rapping and romantic crooning."[7]
Accolades
[edit]| Publication | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Complex | 46
|
|
| HipHopDX | 18
|
|
| Rolling Stone | 9
|
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Doo Wop" |
| Sean McVerry | 1:15 |
| 2. | "General" |
|
| 3:18 |
| 3. | "Never" |
|
| 4:01 |
| 4. | "EdEddnEddy" |
| Hollywood JB | 2:20 |
| 5. | "D/vision" (featuring EarthGang) | 4:25 | ||
| 6. | "Hereditary" |
|
| 4:03 |
| 7. | "All Bad" (featuring Mereba) |
|
| 4:51 |
| 8. | "Underwear" |
| Christo | 3:34 |
| 9. | "8701" (featuring 6lack) |
| Childish Major | 1:51 |
| 10. | "Hoodbooger" |
| SMKA | 2:36 |
| 11. | "Somebody" |
|
| 3:35 |
| 12. | "Lauder" |
|
| 4:02 |
| Total length: | 39:51 | |||
Notes
- ^[a] signifies an additional producer.
- ^[b] signifies an uncredited producer.
- "Never" and "Lauder" are stylized in capital letters.
- "EdEddnEddy" pays tribute to the Cartoon Network show of the same name, by drawing parallels between the show's trio and his adolescent friends.
- "8701" is a reference to fellow Atlanta artist Usher's third studio album, 8701.
Sample credits
- "Doo Wop" contains interpolations of "Every Nigger is a Star", written and performed by Boris Gardiner.
- "EdEddnEddy" contains a sample from "Oblighetto", as performed by Jack McDuff.
- "D/vision” contains a sample from “Mean Mistreater” performed by The Bar Kays.
- "Hoodbooger" contains elements from "Slightly All The Time", as performed by Soft Machine.
- "Somebody" contains elements from "Time", as performed by Ju-Par Universal Orchestra.
- "All Bad" contains elements from "Parts on Parts" performed by Frank Dukes.
Personnel
[edit]|
Vocalists
Technical
|
Production
|
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[13] | 197 |
| US Heatseeker Albums[14] | 14 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Stream J.I.D's Debut Album 'The Never Story'". rap-up.com. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^ "J. Cole's New Artist J.I.D Ducks the Cops in 'Never' Video - XXL". xxlmag.com. February 24, 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
- ^ a b "J.I.D Reveals 'The Never Story' Tracklist, Drops "D/Vision" With EarthGang". March 6, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ^ Findlay, Mitch. "J.I.D Feat. EarthGang "D/Vision " Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- ^ "J.I.D EXAMINES INFIDELITY IN "HEREDITARY" VIDEO". September 27, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- ^ Mojica, Nick (February 7, 2018). "J.I.D GETS ANIMATED WITH J. COLE, EARTHGANG AND MORE IN "EDEDDNEDDY" VIDEO". Retrieved March 4, 2018.
- ^ a b Simpson, Paul (March 10, 2017). "JID - The Never Story Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic.
- ^ a b Glaysher, Scott (March 20, 2017). "Review: Dreamville Rookie J.I.D Tells His Truth On "The Never Story"". HipHopDX.
- ^ a b Preezy (April 6, 2017). "J.I.D Sets a Solid Foundation With 'The Never Story' Album". XXL.
- ^ "The Best Albums of 2017". Complex. December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
- ^ DX Staff (December 29, 2017). "The Best Rap Albums Of 2017". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
- ^ "40 Best Rap Albums of 2017". Rolling Stone. December 22, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2018.
- ^ "Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
- ^ "JID – Chart History: Heatseekers Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
The Never Story
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Never Story is the debut studio album by American rapper J.I.D. (born Destin Choice Route), released on March 10, 2017, through Dreamville Records, Interscope Records, and Spillage Village.[1] The project, comprising 12 tracks, chronicles J.I.D.'s personal experiences growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, blending introspective lyricism with rapid-fire flows and versatile production.[2] It marked his major-label introduction following a 2015 performance that led to his signing with J. Cole's Dreamville imprint in early 2017.[1]
The album features guest appearances from artists such as 6LACK, EARTHGANG, and Mereba, with production credits including J. Cole on tracks like "D/vision" and "LAUDER."[3] Key singles include "Never" (released February 10, 2016, as an underground hit), "Hereditary," and "D/vision" (featuring EARTHGANG).[1] Commercially, The Never Story debuted and peaked at number 197 on the US Billboard 200 chart, holding the position for one week in late March 2017.[3]
Critically, the album was praised for J.I.D.'s technical skill, narrative depth, and ability to balance aggression with vulnerability, establishing him as a promising voice in contemporary hip-hop.[4] Reviewers highlighted its replay value and J.I.D.'s charismatic delivery, with outlets like XXL noting it as a strong foundation signaling greater potential ahead.[2]
A vinyl reissue was released in 2018, contributing to increased interest through physical sales and streaming.[32]
Background and development
Signing with Dreamville
Prior to his major label breakthrough, J.I.D built a grassroots following in Atlanta's vibrant hip-hop underground through independent releases. His debut mixtape, Para Tu, arrived in 2013, showcasing his intricate lyricism and rapid-fire delivery over atmospheric beats, which helped establish him as an emerging talent in the city's diverse rap scene.[5] Subsequent projects, including the 2015 EP DiCaprio and contributions to the Spillage Village collective's Bears Like This Too Much in 2016, further amplified his buzz among local enthusiasts and critics, highlighting his ability to blend technical prowess with narrative depth beyond Atlanta's dominant trap sound.[6] J.I.D's path to Dreamville began around 2014-2015 when J. Cole first encountered his music through shared connections during a tour featuring EarthGang, Bas, and Ab-Soul. A producer played J.I.D's tracks for Cole, leading to a meeting after one of Cole's performances in Atlanta, where they connected over shared artistic vision and J.I.D's exceptional stage presence and work ethic.[6][7] The official signing to Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope, was announced on February 20, 2017, solidifying J.I.D's place alongside labelmates like Bas while maintaining his affiliation with the Atlanta-based collective Spillage Village, founded by EarthGang in 2010.[8][6] This deal, which J.I.D described as an organic fit driven by mutual artistic respect rather than industry pressure, provided immediate resources to elevate his craft.[7] With label backing starting in late 2016, J.I.D began developing The Never Story, benefiting from Dreamville's infrastructure for refinement and production, including guidance from Cole on enhancing his storytelling techniques. This support enabled the project's completion and positioned it as his debut under the imprint, released in March 2017.[7][8]Conceptual inspiration
The title of The Never Story draws from J.I.D.'s personal narrative of perseverance amid adversity, reflecting his rejection of a conventional path in favor of an ongoing tale of ambition and self-determination. As the youngest of seven siblings raised in East Atlanta, J.I.D. (born Destin Route) experienced a childhood marked by frequent moves between low-income homes and familial challenges that shaped his worldview.[6][9] This upbringing instilled a sense of resilience, which he channeled into the album's concept as a "progressive, hopeful" story that defies ending, inspired by moments of hardship where he felt he had "nothing" yet persisted.[6][10] Autobiographical elements permeate the album, rooted in J.I.D.'s East Atlanta roots, including the poverty, complex family dynamics, and cultural vibrancy of the area that extended beyond stereotypical trap narratives to encompass diverse "flavors" of Southern life. Early exposure to his parents' old-school influences like Sly & the Family Stone and Earth, Wind & Fire blended with Atlanta's hip-hop heritage, fostering his artistic voice. J.I.D. has frequently cited local pioneers OutKast as major influences, whose innovative storytelling and fusion of soulful elements with rap resonated with his own introspective approach, while the Dungeon Family collective—including Goodie Mob—further informed his grounded, narrative-driven style.[6][11][12] J.I.D. intended The Never Story to contrast typical hip-hop bravado with vulnerable, introspective storytelling, emphasizing resilience over fleeting triumphs and creating a "never-ending" arc of personal evolution. This vision built on his pre-album mixtapes, particularly the 2015 DiCaprio EP, which served as a testing ground for his witty lyricism and thematic experimentation, previewing the raw, narrative-focused energy that defined his debut.[6][4] His signing with Dreamville provided the platform to realize this concept fully.[6]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording of The Never Story spanned from 2016 to early 2017, building on the momentum of the lead single "Never," which was initially released independently in February 2016.[3] Sessions intensified following J.I.D's signing to Dreamville Records in February 2017, allowing for final refinements ahead of the album's March release.[13] Most tracks were recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, with the exception of "Hereditary," which was created in Los Angeles during a session where SZA was also present in the studio.[3] While specific studio names like Patchwerk Recording Studios in Atlanta have been associated with various Dreamville projects, the album's sessions primarily utilized local Atlanta facilities to capture J.I.D's East Atlanta roots. Dreamville's North Carolina headquarters also played a role in oversight and mixing.[14] The process was highly iterative, with J.I.D writing and recording over 40 potential tracks before selecting and revising the final 12 for the album.[1] This involved multiple revisions to ensure authenticity while appealing to a broader audience, as J.I.D noted the need to "make sure it was me, but also something people could vibe to."[1] One notable challenge during sessions was J.I.D's health issues, including a painful wisdom tooth that caused migraines and required extraction, briefly halting recording until he healed.[15] Additionally, J.I.D balanced his solo efforts with commitments to the Spillage Village collective, which demanded coordination between individual and group projects.[16]Key producers and collaborators
The production of The Never Story was led by a core team of collaborators who shaped its eclectic sound, with J. Cole serving as a key producer on two tracks, "D/vision" and "Lauder," providing sparse, open beats that complemented J.I.D's rapid-fire delivery.[17] Childish Major contributed significantly across multiple songs, co-producing the introspective lead single "NEVER" alongside Christo and handling the atmospheric production for the "8701 Interlude."[17] Other notable producers included Hollywood JB, who crafted the upbeat grooves for "EdEddnEddy" and "All Bad," and Christo, responsible for the soulful undertones in "Underwear."[17] Featured artists played pivotal roles in enhancing the album's vocal layers and narrative depth. EarthGang delivered complementary verses and harmonies on "D/vision," adding a collective Spillage Village energy to the track's motivational themes.[17] Mereba contributed smooth, melodic vocals to "All Bad," enriching its reflective tone with her R&B-infused style, while 6LACK provided introspective ad-libs and a verse on the "8701 Interlude," fostering a sense of introspection.[17] The album's mixing was handled by Juro "Mez" Davis, a frequent Dreamville collaborator known for his clean, dynamic sound that balanced J.I.D's intricate flows with the beats' nuances.[3] J. Cole's involvement extended beyond production into mentorship, as he offered feedback on early tracks via email exchanges starting in 2014, guiding J.I.D's refinement of his sound and work ethic during the quick turnaround from signing to release.[18] This dynamic emphasized creative autonomy while leveraging Cole's experience in beat selection and arrangement.[4]Music and lyrics
Musical style
The Never Story is rooted in Southern hip-hop, incorporating infusions of jazz, soul, and trap elements throughout its 39:58 runtime.[19] The album's sound draws from Atlanta's rap tradition while diverging from its typical bombastic style, opting instead for a more introspective and layered approach that highlights J.I.D.'s technical prowess.[20] J.I.D.'s signature double-time flows and rapid delivery dominate the project, often blending into melodic hooks that add emotional depth to the tracks. His feverous, high-pitched style creates an animated, relentless energy, reminiscent of a "stream-of-consciousness spaz" that prioritizes intricate wordplay over simplicity.[4] This dynamic vocal performance is complemented by glossy, "melancholy cool" phrasing that shifts seamlessly between aggressive bars and sung melodies.[21] The instrumentation features drum patterns, piano samples, and minimalistic beats that emphasize lyricism rather than overpowering basslines. Production techniques include muted, sparse arrangements with jazzy saxophone riffs, trilling piano lines, and plucking guitar elements, creating a bluesy and funky undercurrent on several tracks.[21] These choices result in lush, cinematic soundscapes that provide ample space for J.I.D.'s delivery, as seen in the work of producers like Childish Major.[20] The album's influences span Atlanta trap aesthetics, evident in its energetic undercurrents akin to Future's style, contrasted with conscious rap's narrative depth similar to Kendrick Lamar's approach. This fusion allows The Never Story to balance raw Southern grit with sophisticated, genre-blending innovation.[4]Themes and narrative
The Never Story presents a central narrative centered on J.I.D's personal growth, tracing a journey from vulnerability and self-doubt to resilience and triumph, while intertwining elements of family dynamics, cultural identity, and relentless ambition. The album opens with introspective reflections on early struggles, such as J.I.D's transition from a promising college football career to pursuing rap amid uncertainty, evolving into affirmations of hard-won confidence and purpose.[4] This arc is woven through autobiographical vignettes drawn from his East Atlanta upbringing, emphasizing the transformative power of perseverance in overcoming personal and societal barriers.[1] Recurring motifs throughout the album highlight hereditary trauma, racial identity rooted in Atlanta's Black community, and a deliberate rejection of materialism in favor of deeper artistic integrity. J.I.D explores generational cycles of hardship, including familial incarceration and drug-related challenges, portraying them as inherited burdens that shape but do not define one's path.[1] Racial identity emerges as a subtle yet pervasive thread, addressing systemic inequities and the complexities of Black masculinity in a Southern urban context, often through raw, lived experiences rather than overt polemic.[1] The critique of materialism manifests in J.I.D's dismissal of superficial "trapper" lifestyles, prioritizing lyrical substance and authenticity over commercial excess, which underscores his ambition to redefine success on his own terms.[1] The narrative structure embodies the album's titular "never story," employing a non-linear approach to depict tales of resilience that resist tidy resolutions, mirroring the ongoing, unfinished nature of personal evolution. Rather than a chronological biography, the lyrics unfold as fragmented, introspective episodes—blending past regrets with present aspirations—that invite listeners into J.I.D's psyche without conclusive endpoints.[4] This storytelling is amplified by specific concepts like a nuanced critique of drug culture's societal toll and the emotional intricacies of relationships, delivered through J.I.D's signature introspective voice that balances vulnerability with sharp wit.[2] His musical delivery, with its agile flows, further enhances these themes by conveying emotional shifts from fragility to empowerment.[1]Release and promotion
Album rollout
The Never Story was released on March 10, 2017, by Dreamville Records, Spillage Village, and Interscope Records, marking J.I.D's major-label debut album.[22] The project launched exclusively in digital formats, including download and streaming availability on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, with official vinyl reissues following in 2023 and no official CD editions (unofficial CDRs appeared in 2017).[23] This digital-first strategy aligned with industry trends for hip-hop releases at the time, enabling immediate global access and algorithmic promotion.[22] Pre-release buzz for the album began building in 2016 through J.I.D's live performances, notably at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, where he appeared at multiple showcases including the Impxct event and House of Vans stage, showcasing tracks that would later appear on the project.[24] Additional momentum came from freestyles, such as J.I.D's verse over Nas's "Oochie Wally" beat aired on DJ Kay Slay's Shade 45 radio show just one day before the album's drop, highlighting his rapid-fire delivery and lyrical prowess.[25] Label promotion emphasized J. Cole's involvement, as the Dreamville founder produced key tracks "D/vision" and "Lauder," providing implicit endorsement through creative collaboration rather than guest verses.[22] Social media efforts further amplified anticipation, with the album's cover art and 12-track listing revealed via Instagram on March 5, 2017, generating fan engagement in the final week leading to release.[22] These teasers, combined with earlier singles, positioned The Never Story as a highly anticipated entry in Dreamville's roster.Singles
The lead single from The Never Story, "Never", was released on December 16, 2016, ahead of the album's launch.[26] The track, produced by Christo and Childish Major, showcases J.I.D.'s rapid-fire delivery over a soulful sample, establishing his lyrical prowess early in his major-label career. An official music video followed on February 20, 2017, directed by Daps, depicting J.I.D. navigating a surreal, introspective journey through everyday struggles.[27] The single received airplay on hip-hop radio stations and was performed live during J.I.D.'s early promotional appearances, building anticipation for the project. The second single, "D/vision" featuring EarthGang, arrived on March 6, 2017, just days before the album's release. Produced by J. Cole, the song explores themes of vision and perseverance amid personal and societal divisions, with EarthGang's contributions adding layered harmonies and verses on resilience. Its promotion included streaming availability on platforms like Spotify and live renditions during J.I.D.'s initial tour dates, emphasizing the track's motivational core. An official music video was released on August 17, 2017, directed by Anthony Supreme and Scott Lazer, featuring performance footage and golf cart sequences.[28] "Hereditary" served as the third single, with its music video premiering on September 27, 2017.[29] Directed by Chad Tennies, the visual narrative highlights family legacy through vignettes of generational patterns, particularly infidelity and emotional inheritance, aligning with the song's introspective lyrics about inherited traits and relationships. The release extended the album's visibility via YouTube uploads and select radio spins, while J.I.D. incorporated it into live sets to underscore the project's storytelling depth. Following the album's debut, "EdEddnEddy" was issued as the fourth single on February 7, 2018, accompanied by an animated music video.[30] The clip, directed by Fred Lozano, featuring cartoonish depictions of Atlanta life and nods to J. Cole and EarthGang, amplified the track's playful yet sharp commentary on hustle and excess. This post-release push involved targeted YouTube promotion and performances on J.I.D.'s ongoing tours, sustaining momentum for The Never Story into the following year.Commercial performance
Chart positions
The Never Story achieved modest commercial success on music charts following its release. The album debuted and peaked at number 197 on the US Billboard 200 in late March 2017, marking J.I.D's first entry on the chart.[3] It also reached number 14 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart in 2017, highlighting its appeal among emerging artists.[31]| Chart (2017) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 197 |
| US Heatseekers Albums | 14 |
Sales figures
The Never Story achieved modest initial commercial success, debuting at number 197 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album's performance built gradually through digital streaming rather than traditional sales, reflecting the era's shift toward on-demand consumption in hip-hop. Streaming played a pivotal role in the album's longevity, with standout tracks like "NEVER" amassing over 132 million plays on Spotify as of November 2025.[33] The full album surpassed 714 million total streams on the platform as of November 2025, underscoring its enduring appeal amid playlist placements and viral momentum from later collaborations.[34] Similar streaming traction on Apple Music contributed to post-2018 growth, though the project has not earned any RIAA certifications as of 2025.[35]Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in March 2017, The Never Story received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised J.I.D's debut as a showcase of technical prowess and narrative ambition within Atlanta's hip-hop landscape. HipHopDX highlighted the album's lyric-driven approach as a refreshing contrast to the dominant mumble rap trends in Atlanta, commending J.I.D's ability to weave personal truths through intricate riddles and cohesive vibes across tracks like "General" and "NEVER."[36] Critics frequently lauded J.I.D's technical skill, including his dynamic flows and innovative sampling, as well as the album's cohesive storytelling that chronicled his come-up and family dynamics. XXL noted how J.I.D "shines throughout the LP's 12 tracks with ease," emphasizing his dismantling of classic samples like A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario" on "EdEddnEddy" to demonstrate true-school values and flow innovation, positioning the project as a strong foundation for his career.[2] DJBooth echoed this, describing J.I.D's "labyrinths of head-spinning wordplay" and "top-tier lyricism" on cuts like "LAUDER" and "All Bad," where he blends pop culture references with emotional depth to signal debut potential as an emerging force in rap.[4] Reviewers also celebrated its representation of Atlanta's evolving scene, with Live in Limbo praising J.I.D. as a special lyricist that stands out amid trap-heavy peers, earning a 9/10 for its versatility and replay value.[37] While the consensus was favorable, some critiques pointed to occasional overambition in pacing and production. HipHopDX observed that J.I.D's harsh vocal delivery and uneven beats on certain tracks could feel unpleasing or underdeveloped, potentially hindering memorability despite the narrative depth.[36] DJBooth similarly noted that "Hereditary" came across as overly polished and "coated in sugar," diluting the raw edge present elsewhere.[4] These minor flaws did little to overshadow the album's strengths, which established J.I.D as a promising lyricist capable of elevating Southern hip-hop storytelling.Accolades and rankings
Upon its 2017 release, The Never Story earned placements on several year-end lists from prominent music outlets. Complex ranked it #43 among the best albums of the year, praising its lyrical depth and production. HipHopDX placed it at #18 on their best rap albums list, highlighting J.I.D's technical prowess and narrative storytelling.[38][39] The album did not garner nominations for major awards such as the Grammy Awards. However, J.I.D received recognition in hip-hop award contexts, including participation in a cypher alongside Cozz, Kodie Shane, and Ali Tomineek at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards, which showcased emerging talent on the platform.[40][41] In later years, The Never Story has been featured in retrospectives as a foundational release for the Dreamville roster, solidifying J.I.D's role in the label's expansion beyond J. Cole's solo work. For instance, in a 2019 interview, J. Cole described the album as part of efforts "laying the foundation" for Dreamville's growth into a dynasty of diverse artists.[42] The lead single "Never" also received specific acclaim, appearing on personal and editorial lists of standout rap tracks from 2017 for its rapid-fire delivery and motivational themes, though it did not chart highly on mainstream metrics.[43]Track listing and personnel
Track listing
All tracks are written by Destin Route (J.I.D), with additional writing credits to featured artists on collaborative tracks.[44] The standard edition of The Never Story contains 12 tracks with a total runtime of 39:51 and no bonus tracks.[23]| No. | Title | Featured artist(s) | Duration | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doo Wop | — | 1:15 | Sean McVerry |
| 2 | General | — | 3:18 | Latrell James, OZ |
| 3 | NEVER | — | 4:02 | Christo, Childish Major |
| 4 | EdEddnEddy | — | 2:21 | Hollywood JB |
| 5 | D/vision | EARTHGANG | 4:26 | J. Cole |
| 6 | Hereditary | — | 4:03 | Tha Officialz |
| 7 | All Bad | Mereba | 4:52 | Hollywood JB, Childish Major |
| 8 | Underwear | — | 3:34 | Christo |
| 9 | 8701 Interlude | 6LACK | 1:52 | Childish Major |
| 10 | Hoodbooger | — | 2:37 | SMKA |
| 11 | Somebody | — | 3:36 | The Imaginary Kids |
| 12 | LAUDER | — | 4:03 | J. Cole |