Twenty88 cover

Released 10 years ago

Twenty88

Big Sean · 2016

30 min · 8 tracks · pop rap

A sultry blend of R&B-infused hip-hop, weaving together themes of love and ambition with smooth melodic flows.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Selfish — This track highlights the emotional complexity of relationships, showcasing both artists' vocal chemistry while blending rap with soulful melodies. Its candid exploration of self-interest adds depth to the album's themes.
  • →
    Déjà Vu — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and smooth production, encapsulating the project's fusion of hip-hop and R&B influences. The interplay between Big Sean and Jhene Aiko is particularly engaging here.
  • →
    Push It — With its catchy hook and upbeat production, this track exemplifies the duo's playful side while addressing themes of desire and ambition. Its infectious energy makes it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends R&B and hip-hop effectively, showcasing strong vocal interplay and solid production choices.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a faster beat that shifts the energy.
  • Vocals are often layered, with Big Sean and Jhene Aiko alternating lines rather than verses, creating a conversational dynamic.
  • Several tracks incorporate minimalist production elements, allowing the vocal performances to take center stage without overwhelming instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • introspective themes on relationships
  • for casual hangouts
  • smooth background for conversations

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — A collaborative project that blends R&B and hip-hop, differing from his solo work.
Career context
Released on April 1, 2016, Twenty88 was a collaborative project between Big Sean and Jhene Aiko, marking their first full-length joint effort after several collaborations. At this point in his career, Big Sean had already established himself as a significant figure in the mainstream hip-hop scene with successful albums like Dark Sky Paradise.
Stylistic neighbors
J. Cole· Drake· Wale

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Déjà Vu 4:11
  • 2 Selfish 3:10
  • 3 On the Way 3:23
  • 4 Push It 2:34
  • 5 2 Minute Warning 4:39
  • 6 Talk Show 3:49
  • 7 Memories Faded 4:12
  • 8 London Bridge 4:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata