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LEGACY! LEGACY! Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Chicago R&B artist features guest appearances from Jasminfire, Nitty Scott, Saba, Nico Segal, and theMIND.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. May 13, 2019
    100
    Woods embodies the cultural makeup of Chicago, tackles the multiplicity of identity, and balances her dominance with flawlessly selected features that build her up. ... This record could be the basis for a college course or used as an actually accurate history book.
  2. Uncut
    May 9, 2019
    90
    Serves as both a potent primer on the traumas and triumphs of life in a not-so-racial America and an enthralling demonstration of her playful musical sensibility. [Jun 2019, p.37]
  3. May 10, 2019
    90
    Woods, herself, a poet, singer, activist, and teacher, casts Legacy! Legacy! as a beacon for a type of self-empowerment informed by the predecessors who built and shaped culture.
  4. May 13, 2019
    80
    Each song on this engaged but accessible record memorialises a figure from the African diaspora--often lesser-known poets, or figures like Miles and Basquiat.
  5. Jun 19, 2019
    80
    Woods uses the strength of her vibrant band to mask her reedy vocals, a minor drawback in an otherwise enlightening offering that positions her as one of neo-soul's essential new voices.
  6. The Wire
    May 20, 2019
    80
    LEGACY! LEGACY! is just as much a celebration of Chicago musical talent. ... It also demonstrates Woods’s vast talent as singer and songwriter. [Apr 2019, p.69]
  7. May 16, 2019
    60
    Afflicted in the end with a touch of offputting sameyness, LEGACY! LEGACY! nonetheless has remarkable staying power and a gracious ambition to in some small way materially improve the world of which it is an image. Aesthetic or not, that's worth something.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. May 29, 2019
    10
    I created a Metacritic account just to be able to praise this album. From start to finish, it's the most immediately captivating,I created a Metacritic account just to be able to praise this album. From start to finish, it's the most immediately captivating, note-for-note perfect album since Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly. Each listen brings new depth and unveils new treasures. It's an instant classic, the kind of record that comes along only every few years, reminds listeners of the true power of music, and should be studied for years to come. Expand
  2. Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Incredible unic album A MUST for any music lover! Her voice, vibe, instrumentation, lyrics... wrapped in perfection!
  3. May 17, 2019
    10
    I wasn't too familiar with Jamila Woods, but I decided to listen to it, since I'm a fan of R&B, and the only thing I have to say is that theI wasn't too familiar with Jamila Woods, but I decided to listen to it, since I'm a fan of R&B, and the only thing I have to say is that the production in this is just great, her voice is beautiful and it is a great project overall.
    Also, that Saba verse was one of my favorite parts on the album. I highly recommend it.
    Expand
  4. Feb 11, 2022
    9
    Exceptional ! Exceptional ! Exceptional !
    This is an artist at their peak. Unfiltered and unrestrained. On her second release she tackles the
    Exceptional ! Exceptional ! Exceptional !
    This is an artist at their peak. Unfiltered and unrestrained. On her second release she tackles the legends of black icons. She encompasses their stories without sounding didactic, stiff or losing the musicality. The concept is fulfilled from start to finish as if written by each icon. The confidence and praise of the black and female experience is more in depth than her debut. She confronts cultural appropriations, antagonizing racial questions, black isolation,love,education-this is a fnk.ng thesis! The zen opener BETTY(as in Davis) burst with confidence onto the scene. Introducing the new sonic pallet of "legacy!legacy!". She takes society's attempt to reduce Betty Davis to one thing:miles davis's wife,sexy sapphire but never the innovator she was. She destroys the entire basis of toxic masculinity with one verse. The fleeting "Zora" tells us how nothing is certain and that she has dimensions not apparent to the eye. The bridge for "Giovanni " is as wordy as it is catchy with the slow conversational "Sonia" which discusses treatment of women by the partners in their lives ,the reality of slavery's brutalitay and impact with a emotional verse from Nitty Scott. "Frieda " longs for distance from a romantic partner. The penultimate track and what might be Jamila Woods best track is "Baldwin " it perfectly summarises police brutality against the micro agressions that incite them but ultimately admits how despite herself she still tries to love those who hate her. The production is adventurous in this album from the manipulation of vocal distance and bubbling energy of the track in "BASQUAIT". This album is definitely a grower but it grows onto you like ivy. Worth the attention. Favourites:BALDWIN, EARTHA,BETTY,MUDDY
    Expand
  5. May 15, 2019
    9
    An amazing album from start to finish with a unique sound. This is one of the best neo-soul albums that I've heard in a long time.
  6. May 10, 2019
    8
    Despite keeping us waiting for six long months since dropping the first single, Jamila Woods' "LEGACY! LEGACY!" is a lush, exquisitelyDespite keeping us waiting for six long months since dropping the first single, Jamila Woods' "LEGACY! LEGACY!" is a lush, exquisitely produced Pop record. At it's heart is Woods' unwavering attitude, harmonious vocals, and cutting-edge production all condensed into one effective, cohesive sound. To accompany this sound is a large list of important poets, artists, and activists from the Civil Rights Movement to which this album was inspired by. Undoubtedly a highlight of 2019. Expand
  7. May 16, 2019
    4
    Tons of respect for Woods' lyricism and ambition on this project. However, I'm afraid I didn't find the majority of her melodies or backingTons of respect for Woods' lyricism and ambition on this project. However, I'm afraid I didn't find the majority of her melodies or backing tracks very interesting. I also feel like she kept at the same volume and energy level in her delivery throughout the whole album. Perhaps this was on purpose, but I fear that this choice drained a lot of the potential emotion and impact from the final product.
    With some more interesting tracks, catchier melodies, and bolder vocal takes, this could have been a superb album. As it is, it feels to me like a mediocre album dressed up in truly excellent lyrics.
    Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

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