85 to Africa
by Jidenna
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Aug 23, 2019
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. HipHopDX
    Oct 9, 2019
    74
    He can use his voice for rapping and singing, but he’s still getting the hang of using it to truly deliver a message.
  2. AllMusic
    Oct 9, 2019
    70
    Jidenna's cosmopolitan hip-hop is deepened with his second album. 85 to Africa lacks a track with the ferocity of "Long Live the Chief," and nothing is either as charming or as instantly memorable as the multi-platinum "Classic Man," but it's more substantive.
  3. Pitchfork
    Oct 9, 2019
    67
    Things improve on the second half of the album, when, to follow his metaphor, Jidenna arrives in Africa. The melodies and breezy rhythms of songs like “Zodi” and “Vaporiza” are a welcome shift from his barrel-chested rapping.
  5. The Guardian
    Oct 9, 2019
    60
    Given the accomplished nature of the instrumentation, it is a shame that, unlike the classic records it ostensibly draws influence from, the production of 85 to Africa is clean to the point of sterility.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Whaddys
    Oct 21, 2020
    10
    This album doesn't get the respect it deserves. As a conceptual piece of art, creativity, and awareness--this album SLAPP
    S
  2. Pea_Coops
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    I am in LOVE this album! I can't stop listening to it. I love EVERY SINGLE SONG. I was expecting to at least skip one or two....not becauseI am in LOVE this album! I can't stop listening to it. I love EVERY SINGLE SONG. I was expecting to at least skip one or two....not because it's him but because you know, usually you there may be one or two songs that you're not crazy about even if it's a good album, but I LOVE ALL OF THEM. It takes me on so many different journeys mentally and it's got so much soul. It has a personal touch...he's also storytelling. I think my top songs are: Tribe, 85 to Africa, Sufi Woman, Vaporiza, Jungle Fever, Babouche, but again I could seriously just say all are great songs.… Full Review »
  3. TimW001
    Dec 20, 2019
    7
    Jidenna is back with more good music. The best way to describe this album is that it's fun and personal. And many song he's telling a personalJidenna is back with more good music. The best way to describe this album is that it's fun and personal. And many song he's telling a personal story about his home or family. And the music is upbeat and fun. The must listen to songs: Sufi Woman, Vaporiza, Jungle Fever, Babouche.
    Most of the songs just work.    … Full Review »
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