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The  Chief Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the R&B/hip-hop artist features guest appearances from Roman GianArthur, Nana Kwabena, Janelle Monáe, and St. Beauty.
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Top Track

Bambi
Oh Mmm Mmm Mmm Bambi, Bambi My dear, my dear, my dear My dear I want you here Don't get too near for there's lions beware Oh Bambi I won't lie If I... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The Wire
    Jun 2, 2017
    80
    A fascinatingly fractured yet whole album, it is the sound of a man not only investigating but celebrating the full cultural spectrum of his existence. [Apr 2017, p.51]
  2. Feb 22, 2017
    80
    Surprisingly, Jidenna makes it work, commanding the listener's attention from start to finish.
  3. Feb 27, 2017
    80
    The rapper, producer and crooner pulls all the stops on The Chief, resulting in a first impression that is a memorable one.
  4. Feb 21, 2017
    70
    The grim truths and fantastical tales are almost equally vivid.
  5. Oct 6, 2017
    70
    Jidenna is good enough as a singer that if he did it full time I'd respect his hustle, but I like his wordplay, breath control, punchlines and swagger as a rapper enough that he'd be just fine only rapping. That he chooses to do both and do them both well shows he won't be defined by you, me, or anyone else.
  6. Feb 21, 2017
    70
    A csometimes fascinating collection of alternate-universe hip-hop and pop from a sui generis character.
  7. Feb 22, 2017
    58
    In his efforts to break out of one-hit-wonder-dom and demonstrate a wide range on his debut album The Chief, Jidenna sometimes comes off as shapeless.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Mar 3, 2017
    10
    This is the frontier of hip hop, so get with it: Stupid haters stay in your lane. If there is an antidote to Donald Trump this is it: TheThis is the frontier of hip hop, so get with it: Stupid haters stay in your lane. If there is an antidote to Donald Trump this is it: The topic of Jidenna's experience as the bi-cultural son of an immigrant from Nigeria is melded with a musical heritage ranging from West African High Life to Calypso to the most current Hip Hop to 60's pop. This album is comparable to appearance of Bob Marley's Natty Dread in 1975 or. even better, the genre-encompassing, society-shaking anthems of Brazil's Milton Nascimento and the Clube de Esquina of the early 70s. Raise your consciousness!!!!!! Expand
  2. Feb 22, 2017
    10
    This album is very unique to other albums, the way Jidenna raps is different from the way Kendrick, Kanye or even Jay-Z would rap. JidennaThis album is very unique to other albums, the way Jidenna raps is different from the way Kendrick, Kanye or even Jay-Z would rap. Jidenna always dresses classy and he raps classy as well. Well done Jidenna. Expand
  3. Mar 2, 2017
    7
    This album was much more than I expected. It's so deep and real all at the same time. It's EVERYTHING!!! The composition of the album is so inspiring.