TWENTY88 [EP]
by Twenty88
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Apr 1, 2016
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Apr 11, 2016
    80
    Sean and Aiko make for a convincing couple. But what makes Twenty88 such a compelling listen is the startling honesty and rawness it captures--even if it's just fantasy.
  2. HipHopDX
    Apr 11, 2016
    78
    Their chemistry is unquestionable and the music derived from that unique harmony is constantly improving.
  3. AllMusic
    Aug 3, 2016
    70
    This debut EP is a deeper, meatier experience than expected, going as far as to be a conceptual release focused on relationships.
  5. Pitchfork
    Apr 11, 2016
    65
    [Big Sean is] prone to rambling, will drag schemes out too long, and he isn't afraid to overcommit. But he strings together enough solid stretches to keep tracks moving. Still, Aiko is often the saving grace, holding songs together and delivering the better verses.
  6. The 405
    Apr 11, 2016
    65
    It's a toxic game they play throughout the 30-minute project, without ever garnering the introspection they need until things are too late.
  7. RapReviews.com
    Aug 9, 2016
    55
    If you can get past some of the dumb lines and the often blunt nature of Big Sean's approach to seduction, there's enough solid, modern R&B here to satisfy those craving something a bit more direct than Drake, but it could have been so much more.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. clem666
    Apr 21, 2021
    6
    Big Sean and Jhené Aiko collaborate to produce TWENTY88, a duo who made an eponymous EP. The blend is audacious and their voices do go wellBig Sean and Jhené Aiko collaborate to produce TWENTY88, a duo who made an eponymous EP. The blend is audacious and their voices do go well together. The alchemy is great between Aiko's mellow tone and Sean's sharp pronunciation. The concept is far from being crazy-original but the duo surprisingly offers more substance than expected and especially Aiko who gives this EP more substance.

    If some punchlines are definitely quotable, a lot of others are really dumb and lame, making some moments truly awkward or infinitely boring. Fortunately the prodution is clear enough to highlight the effort done in order to craft some shiny tracks with inspired structures and/or patterns. However Sean and Aiko had the excellent idea to release an EP rather than an album that would have been overly redundant.    … Full Review »
  2. SleezusChrist
    Dec 16, 2016
    10
    Easily album/EP of the year of 2016. This EP has some of the best music of all of 2016 an some of the best production of all time. If you areEasily album/EP of the year of 2016. This EP has some of the best music of all of 2016 an some of the best production of all time. If you are a Big Sean fan and A Jhene Aiko fan you will love this so much. To new comers... I recommend to listen to either these tracks first (London Bridge, Deja Vu, or Selfish). These tracks seem to attract to most music listeners... while the others I recommend to let them grow on you. If you just lost a relationship with someone you care about like A girlfriend... this will get you in your feelings and make you remember all the beautiful times you had with him/her. I recommend to give this a couple listens so you can truly appreciate this piece of art. Twenty88 easily the best album of the year.… Full Review »
  3. Evic21
    Jul 15, 2016
    7
    This is a solid body of work. Who knew that Big Sean and Aiko would have such great chemistry? I love that Aiko ditched her spiritual andThis is a solid body of work. Who knew that Big Sean and Aiko would have such great chemistry? I love that Aiko ditched her spiritual and "good" girl vocals for a more "hood" girl persona. And the best thing about this EP is Big Sean's lyrics, especially on the track "Talk Show". I really hope they have more collaborations in the future because it's only up from here.… Full Review »
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