85 to Africa
Jidenna · 2019
41 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B
A vibrant fusion of alternative hip-hop and contemporary R&B, interwoven with African rhythms and cultural themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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85 to Africa — This title track encapsulates the album's core theme of journeying back to one's roots, blending rhythmic beats with poignant lyrics about identity and belonging.
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Tribe — In 'Tribe', Jidenna celebrates community and togetherness through infectious grooves and a compelling message about unity among diverse backgrounds.
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Pretty & Afraid — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that juxtapose vulnerability with resilience, showcasing Jidenna’s lyrical depth alongside catchy melodies.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends contemporary R&B with African rhythms, showcasing Jidenna's artistic growth and cultural representation.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong rhythmic pulse in 'Worth the Weight', establishing an upbeat tempo that persists through several tracks.
- Tracks like 'Sufi Woman' and 'Vaporiza' incorporate traditional African instruments, creating a distinct cultural soundscape.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant cultural exploration
- short bursts of energy
- head-nodding groove moments
- reflective yet upbeat vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, cohesive albums
- seek slow, introspective tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2019, '85 to Africa' is Jidenna's sophomore album following his debut 'The Chief' from 2017. At this point in his career, he was expanding his musical horizons and exploring deeper cultural influences, particularly reflecting on his African heritage while aiming for a more diverse sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anderson .Paak· Khalid· Saba
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Pretty & Afraid
The verses shift from personal fears to broader societal challenges faced by many.
This structural choice amplifies the contrast between individual experience and collective struggle, deepening the emotional impact of the narrative.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Worth the Weight 4:22
- 2 85 to Africa 2:23
- 3 Babouche 2:46
- 4 Tribe 3:33
- 5 Sou Sou 3:48
- 6 Zodi 3:20
- 7 Sufi Woman 3:28
- 8 Vaporiza 2:59
- 9 Pretty & Afraid 4:06
- 10 Jungle Fever 3:30
- 11 The Other Half 6:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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