But You Cain't Use My Phone [Mixtape]
by Erykah Badu
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Pitchfork
    Dec 3, 2015
    81
    Created alongside a young producer and fellow Dallas denizen named Zach Witness in just 12 days, the tape feels off-the-cuff, yet also steeped in history and wisdom.
  2. Exclaim
    Dec 10, 2015
    80
    But You Caint Use My Phone is a fantastic collection of songs, and while Badu has dubbed the release a mixtape, it's as strong, cohesive and consistent as any proper soul LP put out in recent memory.
  3. Clash Music
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    Despite the continuing theme the mixtape is no way disappoints, exuding a level of excitement and appreciation of a body of work that Erykah display’s both through music and her own style.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Dec 3, 2015
    80
    It's experimental and improvisational but familiar. When she puts her psychedelic soul spin on the trappy drums of today (what she calls trap&B), it's the sound of an artist embracing change and all the new possibilities and complications that go with it.
  6. Spin
    Dec 3, 2015
    80
    What’s most charming about But You Caint Use My Phone is how unpretentiously Badu comports herself, ever-mindful that one of her most special qualities as a vocalist remains her ability to entwine the resilient with the goofy.
  7. Consequence
    Dec 9, 2015
    75
    On But You Caint Use My Phone, Badu achieves an intimacy and warmth that makes you feel that it’s best to bare your emotions on your sleeve.
  8. Pretty Much Amazing
    Dec 3, 2015
    75
    It’s a funny and effortless mixtape.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Dec 10, 2015
    70
    Her new mixtape may be initially frustrating to those longing for a real album (and real, full songs), but it’s full of rewards for deep listening.
  10. AllMusic
    Dec 22, 2015
    50
    It's a trivial if fun diversion.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 45
  3. Negative: 6 out of 45
  1. thaleslucas
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    After ten years without releasing anything, Badu finally gave us the taste of her creativity in this mixtape that is highly reputable.After ten years without releasing anything, Badu finally gave us the taste of her creativity in this mixtape that is highly reputable.

    Obviously as Erykah said, the mixtape speaks 'bout mobile phone, calls and stuff where we're communicating and connected all the time. The communication of an interpersonal relationship is very important 'round internet and cellphone today, and Badu knew how to explain about it on her mixtape.

    The eleven tracks are respectively amazing, close to perfection, but as all have the same theme ends up being repetitive. But still, it doesn't become tired, 'cause it changes the rhythms of the songs, mixing Hip-Hop with Neo Soul, R&B and a little Funk. It also brings compositions and featuring with Pharrell Williams, Andre 3000 and Drake.

    Finally, we can say that Badu is really a woman over a thousand styles in both music and clothes and humor too. Amazing, that's all!!

    Favorite tracks: "Cel U Lar Device", "Phone Down", "What's Yo Phone Number" and "Hello".    … Full Review »
  2. geedup
    Dec 7, 2015
    2
    What is this AUTOTUNED sh*t? Her voice is struggling? SHe can't sing out like she did back in the day. The "mixtape" is only 10 or so songs,What is this AUTOTUNED sh*t? Her voice is struggling? SHe can't sing out like she did back in the day. The "mixtape" is only 10 or so songs, and 1/3 of them are "skits" measuring less than a minute- 1 of which is her just saying "hi." Now this hold true in true mix tape form, but if Metacritic is going to start putting up mixtapes to meaure, don't start with this one. Truely dissapointing effort in comparision to her past work. Go back to being a recluse or put out a better effort.… Full Review »
  3. jrodfilms
    Dec 5, 2015
    5
    its a mixtape where the main theme is you cant use erykahs phone. im sure it goes much deeper than that. her voice is great and the productionits a mixtape where the main theme is you cant use erykahs phone. im sure it goes much deeper than that. her voice is great and the production is okay, but lets be real she will never come close to 'Mamas Gun' again and once you accept that you can appreciate her later work for what it is.… Full Review »
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