The entrance of the song is reminiscent of the musicality used in certain Japanese movies during fight scenes. The previous song merges into this one as he addresses backstabbers and fake friends. “I want my other 2 points man/ That’s a 98 boy, where the other 2 points?” In an interview with the Breakfast Club, he also confirms that the song is an ode to former President Barack Obama. It’s an ode to his ability as a leader, acknowledging the authority and power that he wields. It’s one long verse in which Jidenna is braggadocios in nature. This is another song that dabbles in harsh production. “Niggas fighting over rings/ Niggas wanna be the King, but/ Long Live the Chief” In fact, he recognizes the hate within his enemies with the line “I see light in you, my nigga, ah yeah, I see the glare.” The beat switches and takes on a slower pace on the second part of the song, “Beware.” He acknowledges his enemies need for blood. The song is very dark and has a trap sound with its use of bass. He establishes himself as a force, warning his enemies not to underestimate him. This song seems to be Jidenna’s call to battle. “Hella, hella coppers wanna chop us, chop us, chop us” His jealousy rears its ugly head as he refuses to let her go off and be happy. However, his indiscretions come at a great cost when he loses the love of his life. He blames his inability to be monogamous on his duty to uphold the reputation of grandfather, as well as, his masculinity. The song makes certain references to his grandfather, a polygamist with seven wives. With an island sound, this sad song addresses his inability to be faithful. While his lesson is important, his vocabulary makes it comical. He seems to take on the role of a scientist, attempting to teach Jidenna about how the female and male organs work. The outro of the song is his uncle again, speaking of sex and how there are some women who will trap men by getting pregnant. He could be talking about a stripper, but his description is too vague to be certain. The woman he describes seems to be promiscuous in nature and exudes confidence and sex appeal. He wonders why a woman is judged for being assertive and going after what she wants. This song delineates from his personal life and is more of a fun, bouncy track for the ladies. “ The lady ain’t a tramp/ Just cuz she bounce it up and down like a/ trampoline” The auto tune and overall vibe is very reminiscent of Kanye West’s fourth album, 808s and Heartbreaks.
The production on the song is very African inspired through the singing and drums used in the background.
Jidenna seems to be making a stand in this song, standing by his family name. Part of becoming a chief entails facing his challenges head on. He details his life of poverty and how he has worked hard to get to the place that he is now. He is no longer running from enemies, but facing them head on.
“Before the red cups and the backwoods smoke/ Me and mom in the shack in the woods, bro” The song does a good job of showcasing his storytelling skills and the production is discordant and loud, underscoring the sense of paranoia and anxiety he feels. It seems that growing up in America has garnered certain expectations from his family members and other citizens of Nigeria. In 2010, his father passed away and he falls next in line to carry the family’s name. The song broadcasts his paranoia and fear as he returns to Nigeria to bury his father. He lets it be known that he has enemies on his back and that even family cannot be trusted. The album begins with a speech from his Uncle Palmwine, warning him of the dangers of returning to Nigeria. “When you are in the village, you are with family/ But your family may not be with you” He gives intelligence, he gives bounce, and he gives culture wrapped up into fourteen tracks.
This album gives fans a more in-depth perspective on who Jidenna is outside of his notable hit. A first listen of the album is good and it gets better over time. With a sound inspired by his Nigerian roots, he delivers a compelling story about leadership, inheritance, and African culture. Two years after “Classic Man”, Jidenna has finally given fans new music with the release of his debut album, The Chief.