Jidenna Releases Eclectic Debut Album ‘The Chief’

Jordan Bailey

Jidenna’s debut album kicks off with the sounds of a Nigerian man speaking the truth of life to a young Jidenna. “The Chief,” as both the album and the man speaking is known, represents Jidenna’s life and the country in which his family resides. After listening to this brief message, the tone is set for an album filled with the rapper’s unique version of tribal-influenced hip-hop.

The Wisconsin-born world traveler has recently settled in Atlanta to work more closely with his newly adopted record company, Wondaland Records. Singer Janelle Monáe heads Wondaland and was instrumental in bringing Jidenna on board. Like Monáe, Jidenna has developed an aesthetic unlike any other artist, especially those in modern hip-hop where chains and flat bills reign supreme. Modeled after the artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance in the ’20s, mixed with traces of West African design, Jidenna’s style almost exclusively involves three-piece suits with pops of colors. A man with such style trap rapping over music truly represents something special.

This record is, to put it simply, eclectic. There’s the dancehall track “Little Bit More,” is reminiscent of Drake’s ever-popular, “One Dance,” or Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” with an added touch of some minimal auto-tune. “Trampoline” sees the rapper spitting over obligatory trap beats with blasts of brass. “Bambi” may be the most unique song on the record, as Jidenna serenades a woman he has named Bambi. This track provides a melding of reggae, trap and lyrically calls out to the crooners like Sinatra, Dean Martin and Harry Belafonte. The overall feel is delightful and charming. Though Jidenna’s not really in the game of making love records, he conceded, “That’s a special song to me to dig deep and show that side of myself.” “Bambi” soon caught the attention of fellow rappers Big Boi, Killer Mike and Pharrell, solidifying him as a true artist among his heroes.

“The Chief” closes out in a profound way. The second to last track, “White Niggas,” throws an important, topical, political commentary over a smooth slow jam. Jidenna switches up the racial roles that have become all too prevalent in modern society. He speaks of white on white crime all the while black folks safely walk the streets of their cul-de-sacs sipping kale smoothies. “Bully Of The Earth,” closes out this well-rounded debut with the most topical message yet. Jidenna leaves it up to the listener to decide whether the main subject is Trump, an abusive father or simply a schoolyard bully who once made your life hell. Either way, this ATL based rapper is able to superbly deliver an imperative message with great production – an elusive ability nowadays.

“The Chief” is available Feb. 17 on Apple Music