RECAP: JID'S 'GOD DOES LIKE PARADISE TOUR' AT THE PNE FORUM IN VANCOUVER

Backspin Canada
Nov 12
4 min read

JID made his return to Vancouver on November 10th, bringing his God Does Like Paradise Tour to the PNE Forum. This marked his third appearance in the city in as many years, following his co-headline show with Smino in January 2023 and his set opening for 21 Savage in May 2024. Fans who had seen him before knew what to expect, yet somehow, he still managed to raise the bar once again.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin HQ

After a short intro video played on the screens, JID calmly walked onto the stage to the sound of fans already screaming his name. The vibe in the room flipped instantly once the beat dropped. From there, it was a masterclass in control, charisma, and connection.

Unlike many artists in his lane, JID doesn’t just perform, he interacts. Between songs, he took time to speak directly to fans, cracking jokes and reflecting on his career. At one point, he climbed into the barricade, rapping shoulder to shoulder with fans in the front row without missing a syllable. It was equal parts chaos and craft, a balance few can pull off.

Destin Choice Route, known to the world as JID, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised on the east side of the city. His stage name, pronounced “jid,” came from his grandmother’s nickname for him as a jittery kid. A former Division I football player, he carried that same intensity and discipline into his music career after leaving Hampton University to focus fully on recording.

He co-founded Spillage Village in 2010 with EarthGang, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Atlanta’s most respected creative collectives. His breakout moment came in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, releasing his debut album The Never Story soon after. Since then, he’s dropped a string of acclaimed projects, DiCaprio 2 (2018), The Forever Story (2022), and his latest, God Does Like Ugly (2025).

The new album flips a saying his grandmother used to repeat, “God don’t like ugly,” transforming it into a reflection on growth, grief, and finding light in imperfection. It’s deeply personal, but live, it hits with precision. Tracks like YouUgly and Glory set the tone early, while Crack Sandwich and Kody Blu 31 gave fans a chance to catch their breath before the next songs. The set’s midpoint saw him dive into Dance Now and Surround Sound.

Every transition was seamless, from the meditative Stars to the rapid-fire delivery of 151 Rum and the Dreamville anthem Down Bad. Backed by sharp visuals, minimal staging, and flawless sound mixing, JID didn’t need distractions, his flow and timing carried the show. His verses hit like instruments, each syllable placed with surgical rhythm.

Beyond the technique, what stood out was his humility. He thanked fans multiple times for supporting him since the beginning and spoke briefly about his life. It was a good pause in an otherwise relentless set, offering a glimpse into the person behind the precision.

By the time he reached For Keeps to close the night, fans were rapping every word, jumping and moshing on through the whole floor. The connection felt mutual, JID wasn’t performing at his crowd, he was performing with them.

The God Does Like Paradise Tour continues through North America with upcoming stops in Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, Inglewood, and Phoenix, before moving east to cities like Austin, Boston, and Brooklyn.

If this Vancouver stop proved anything, it’s that JID has arrived at a rare point in his career, a technical elite who still performs like he has something to prove. The precision, the hunger, and the gratitude are all still there. And if this tour is any indication, the ceiling for JID might not exist at all.

Upcoming Tour Dates

November 12 - Sacramento, CA at Channel 24

November 15 - San Francisco, CA at The Masonic

November 16 - San Diego, CA at Gallagher Square at Petco Park

November 18 - Inglewood, CA at YouTube Theater

November 20 - Phoenix, AZ at Arizona Financial Theatre

November 23 - Irving, TX at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

November 24 - Austin, TX at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater

November 25 - Houston, TX at Bayou Music Center

November 26 - San Antonio, TX at The Aztec

November 30 - Charlotte, NC at The Fillmore

December 1 - Raleigh, NC at The Ritz