Shortly after being introduced as the newest member of J. Cole’s Dreamville squad, J.I.D unleashes his debut album, The Never Story.

The 12-track effort from the Spillage Village spitter features 6LACK (“8701”), EARTHGANG (“D/vision”), and Mereba (“All Bad”).

The Dreamville/Interscope release opens with “Doo Wop” and closes with “LAUDER,” the latter of which also appeared in his J. Cole-assisted introductory video. “Little guy with a big dream,” he raps. “I need guidance / ‘Cause if I don’t succeed, I’ll probably proceed violent.”

Of course, Jermaine had a hand in the Atlanta rapper’s debut. He even produced “D/vision” and “LAUDER.” Other cuts on the effort include “General,” “Somebody,” and “NEVER.” “I wrote [“NEVER”] at a point in my life when I had nothing and when my future seemed uncertain,” he said. “Throughout it all I had my family and great people around me who allowed me to pen my pain and take a chance on pursuing my dreams.”

One of those dreams is to be the best. Speaking with VIBE, J.I.D said he’s not looking to stay in J. Cole’s shadow. Instead, he’s coming for his boss’ “neck.”

“I’m trying to be the best, bro,” he said. “This is competition and they squad, but we all have to solidify what we’re doing so people can care more about [our] situation. I’m literally trying to be the best at everything. Like I’m going at Cole’s neck and everybody else. And I love Cole! Cozz, Bas those are my homies but we’re all going to compete, and it’s going to bring the best out in everybody.”

Listen to The Never Story below.