Nigerian-American rapper Jidenna’s second studio album 85 to Africa is an expertly-produced body of work, with each track significantly different than the next. A listen of the album is a journey – one that includes creative sounds with influences from all over the globe, including Africa and the Caribbean.
85 to Africa discusses many themes surrounding Pan-Africanism, as the title suggests. From the origins of black people around the world, to the description of his ideal woman, Jidenna’s ability to balance controversial political themes with ones of lust, love, and tenderness throughout a short 11-track album, is exactly why it’s worth a listen. Its creative musicality and lyrical content are what you look for in a body of work, regardless of the few lackluster tracks sprinkled throughout.
8/10
Trial Track: “Babouche” ft. Goldlink
Star Bar:
“Travel wide, travel wide
I and I, by and by, that my tribe
They tryna conquer all the tribe
We laugh and multiply, divide”