Atlanta’s platinum-selling artist J.I.D has announced an ambitious global expedition, the “God Does Like World Tours,” a monumental series of nearly seventy shows spanning four continents. This extensive tour is set to deliver a raw, unfiltered hip hop energy, marking J.I.D’s most significant solo performances to date. Among the highly anticipated stops are the Australian and New Zealand legs in May 2026, where J.I.D will be joined by the acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and dancer, Jordan Ward. These tour announcements have sent ripples of excitement through the music world, promising an unforgettable experience for fans down under.
A Global Musical Odyssey
The “God Does Like World Tours” is a multi-leg journey designed to celebrate J.I.D’s recently released fourth studio album, God Does Like Ugly, which dropped on August 8, 2025. This highly anticipated album features a stellar lineup of collaborators including Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, EarthGang, Don Toliver, and Ty Dolla $ign, showcasing the depth and versatility of J.I.D’s artistry. Preceding the album, J.I.D also released GDLU (Preluxe) on July 4, 2025, an EP that built anticipation with tracks featuring Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK.
The global trek commences in October 2025 with a North American run, featuring fellow Atlanta rapper Young Nudy as a special guest, with the exception of Canadian dates. Following the North American leg, the tour will sweep through Europe and the UK in March and April 2026, supported by the talented Mick Jenkins. The grand finale of this extensive music odyssey will see J.I.D hitting Australia and New Zealand in May 2026, with the dynamic Jordan Ward taking the stage as the special guest.
Australia and New Zealand Dates Revealed
Hip-hop enthusiasts in Australia and New Zealand can mark their calendars for these landmark performances:
* Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Shed 10, Auckland, New Zealand
* Friday, May 15, 2026: Riverstage, Brisbane, Australia
* Saturday, May 16, 2026: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, Australia
* Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, Australia
* Saturday, May 23, 2026: Metro City, Perth, Australia
These dates represent a significant opportunity for fans in the region to witness J.I.D’s captivating live performance, known for its intricate lyricism and commanding stage presence.
Ticketing Information and Presale Opportunities
Fans eager to secure their spots for the Australia and New Zealand dates have multiple opportunities to purchase tickets. The artist presale began on Friday, August 22, with access available through the official J.I.D app. Mastercard cardholders also have special access, with their presale running from Friday, August 22, at 11 AM (local time) to Monday, August 25, at 11 AM (local time).
For customers of One NZ, a 48-hour presale kicked off on Friday, August 22, at 11 AM (local time). The Live Nation Presale is scheduled from Monday, August 25, at 12 PM (local time) until Tuesday, August 26, at 11 AM (local time), or until allocation is exhausted. The general public on-sale for all Australia and New Zealand shows is set for Tuesday, August 26, at 12 PM (local time). Tickets and further information are available through livenation.com.au and livenation.co.nz, as well as J.I.D’s official website, jidsv.com.
J.I.D’s Ascending Career
Destin Choice Route, professionally known as J.I.D, has steadily climbed the ranks of the hip-hop scene since signing with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records in 2017. Hailing from Atlanta, his career has been marked by a distinctive fluent rapping style and intricate wordplay, earning him widespread critical acclaim. Prior to his latest album, J.I.D captivated audiences with projects like The Never Story (2017), DiCaprio 2 (2018), and the highly praised The Forever Story (2022). His collaboration with Imagine Dragons on “Enemy,” the opening theme for Netflix’s Arcane, further solidified his mainstream appeal, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. This tour, featuring nearly 70 performances, is a testament to his growing global footprint and a response to the devoted fanbase he has cultivated through his consistent release of high-quality music.
Introducing Jordan Ward: From Dancer to Music Sensation
Joining J.I.D on the Australia and New Zealand dates is Jordan Ward, an artist with a unique trajectory. Before embarking on his music career in 2017, Ward established himself as a professional dancer, touring with industry giants such as Justin Bieber, Becky G, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé. This background in dance significantly informs his energetic live performances and dynamic musical style, which blends R&B with influences from funk, alternative rock, and hip hop. In March 2023, Ward released his debut studio album, Forward, under Interscope Records, which garnered him a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist in 2024. His presence on the “God Does Like World Tours” promises to add another layer of captivating artistry to these highly anticipated shows.
The Anticipation Builds
The “God Does Like World Tours” is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a global celebration of contemporary hip hop and diverse music talent. With J.I.D’s reputation as a notorious live performer and Jordan Ward’s electrifying stage presence, the Australia and New Zealand tour dates are poised to be unforgettable events. These announcements solidify J.I.D’s position as a powerhouse in the genre, capable of delivering blockbuster runs that resonate with fans across continents and provide a vibrant platform for rising stars like Jordan Ward.