A frequent topic in some of the more gossipy sides of the internet already, Offset is back to making waves in music. Recently announcing that his upcoming album is “turned in,” the rollout officially begins with “Bodies,” the first collab between Offset and fellow ATLien J.I.D.
While fan speculation is rampant on which of the singles dropped since Offset’s last effort might make the grade for the next go-around, this functionally serves as the first single from the yet-untitled project. Compositionally, the biggest piece of intrigue is a double sample, flipping both the emo metal standard “Bodies” by Drowning Pool and a re-recording of the gospel song “Ringing Them Bells,” performed here by the spirituals. The former comes into play with repeated use of Dave Williams’ whispered intro, an incredible starting point for what becomes a chilling trap hard-hitter, amplified with the spirited tones of the latter.
Offset And J.I.D. Equally Come For “Bodies” On Lead Single
But back to the main event. Indeed, Offset is typically sturdy and very much rises to the occasion, perhaps a bit missing a standout bar but nonetheless providing a ton of sticky flows, highlighted by the mini-hook at the start of his verse in which he ends each line with “just bein’ honest.”
As any hip-hop fan should expect by this point, J.I.D. delivers a genuine showstopper with his contributions, though. Dexterous and nimble in his vocals as always, the Dreamville signee first begins understated, matching the chilly demeanor of his counterpart, before jumping into a rapid-fire, tongue-twisting flurry as things progress. While you’re never at a loss for quotables, the one likeliest to stop you in your tracks comes towards the midpoint: “”N***** bein’ funny, we can put ’em in a red shirt / Five in your chest, now you Ant-Man Edwards.”
The song comes at an intriguing moment for JID as well, still teasing towards his own next chapter. Strategically, this is a next step in a continued breakout from underground favorite to bonafide mainstream artist. To be sure, many of the features that dotted his incredibly well-received The Forever Story indicated intent to branch into more accessible territory; Lil Wayne, Lil Durk, 21 Savage, and James Blake contributed to that sophomore effort. Yet he’s racking up A-list tracks and features at an increasing pace, indicating that despite the high expectations, maybe the best is still in store.
Catch “Bodies” and all of the Offset and JID catalogs now wherever you get your music.
