A Written Testimony
by Jay Electronica
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Consequence
    Mar 17, 2020
    91
    A Written Testimony is one hell of a promising effort that was well worth the wait. The skillset of Jay Electronica as both an MC and a producer is on full display.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 2, 2020
    90
    Bold production choices gel with this collaborative energy for an album that's inspired, driven, and sounds moved by the hand of unseen powers.
  3. Pitchfork
    Mar 17, 2020
    84
    It is a mystical, distinctive work that nearly lives up to all the lore surrounding the rapper.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 17, 2020
    83
    A Written Testimony is an accomplished album with decent rewind factor, but it feels somewhat hampered by the seismic impact of the rapper's work a decade ago. That it doesn’t have forceful songs like “Exhibit C,” “Dear Moleskine,” or “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace” could draw naysayers, even if it picks up where Jay Elec left off. It exists nonetheless, and that’s a righteous step forward.
  6. Q Magazine
    Apr 7, 2020
    80
    An album that dares to tackle life's big questions head on. [Jun 2020, p.101]
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  7. Clash Music
    Mar 31, 2020
    80
    ‘A Written Testimony’ is a biblical album for biblical times, with enough human flaws to make it imperfect.
  8. HipHopDX
    Mar 24, 2020
    80
    As an album and summation of why so many people have revered Jay Electronica for so long, A Written Testimony was absolutely worth the wait. Let’s just hope the next one arrives sometime this decade.
  9. Variety
    Mar 20, 2020
    75
    “A Written Testimony” offers ample proof that none of us ever overestimated his talent, but the man behind the curtain remains as mysterious as ever. It’s nice to see that some things haven’t changed.
  10. The Wire
    Apr 28, 2020
    70
    Filled with ghosts; confessions; jokes; an abundance of Jay-Z features and a prodigal son offering explanations for his disappearance and return. [May 2020, p.65]
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  11. Exclaim
    Mar 18, 2020
    70
    A Written Testimony is a solid effort that makes good on promises set by Electronica's earlier work: thumping, vintage beats; dense rhymes that shimmer with vivid imagery; clever references to the Nation of Islam.
  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 17, 2020
    60
    ‘A Written Testimony’ is a 39-minute, 10-track project that offers all the usual Jay Electronica tropes: complex rhyming patterns, double and triple entendre, lyrics across various languages laid over psychedelic production with minimal drums. Electronica excels on a technical level throughout. Yet, while this is the most anyone has heard from him musically in over a decade, there’s a sense of reticence throughout the LP.

Awards & Rankings

94
#94 Best Album of 2020
76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 73
  3. Negative: 4 out of 73
  1. jordyt69
    Mar 19, 2020
    10
    In a world of mumble rap and amidst a massive release from Lil Uzi Vert in the same week this album is a lyrical refresher for the hip-hopIn a world of mumble rap and amidst a massive release from Lil Uzi Vert in the same week this album is a lyrical refresher for the hip-hop genre. It allows for a new generation to learn from the patience and articulation Jay Electronica expresses here with the help of Jay Z. This is 100% a joint album between the two and an effort to spread the teachings of the Nation of Islam while also smoothly skating on incredible beats. Jay Elec himself produced most of the songs while The Alchemist, No-ID, Hit Boy and Swizz Beats lend a hand. The lyricism and production is unlike anything mainstream music has heard since Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's "Bandana". It was well worth the 10 year wait for this album and it will for sure be on repeat for the underground and dedicated listener. Jay Elec also positioned himself back into the underground by not including Jay Z on the track list which for some came as a nice surprise. For others who may only give this album a glance, without Hov's name on the track list they may skip over it whereas they may have jumped on it with his name attached.… Full Review »
  2. VestingBoot
    Mar 18, 2020
    6
    Ok so full transparency, this album would be a nine if it wasn't for a few things. First, this is a collab album no hiding it or disguisingOk so full transparency, this album would be a nine if it wasn't for a few things. First, this is a collab album no hiding it or disguising it. Thus making it a way easier and more palatable as a debut. Second, was definitely the weaker half of this album. JayZ did great and if it was his project it would be a 9. Jay electronica got a pass because of exhibit c and how great it was. But me personally, I can't give this a higher score.… Full Review »
  3. Sam95
    Mar 18, 2020
    9
    Solid rapping production isn't the norm but it's fine they tried pushing the sound sonically
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