The lead single, “Long Live the Chief” is more sonically aggressive. “Chief Don’t Run” stands out on the album for its empowering storytelling and inventive sound. Jidenna’s verses embody the confidence of a chief as he shares his struggles of growing up and desiring to make an impact as a leader. It then adds trombones as it crescendos into a climax of two loud drum beats. The hook references how a tribe leader proudly leads their people into battle and as the phrase is repeated throughout the chorus, it creates an atmosphere where Jidenna is a chief about to lead the listener into battle. “Chief Don’t Run” gives off a tone of perseverance that matches its chief-like fortitude. While not as aggressive as the opening track, his single, “Chief Don’t Run” has a hook that sounds almost like a battle cry, but in a more subtle tone. Jidenna’s pitch alters throughout the song and by the end of the song, Jidenna’s vocals reach a high and shaky pitch to show that he is in a hurry to get out of Nigeria. Yet, Jidenna’s verses start as boastful about his experiences in Nigeria, like his decision to bring armed guards to his father’s funeral in Nigeria, which then turn aggressive as the instrumentals become chaotic. It starts with just a bass tone, but then gradually adds drums, pulsating synth notes and chants of “ra” that create a chaotic sound, reflecting Jidenna’s experiences growing up in Nigeria. The instrumentals create an intimidating atmosphere throughout the song. In a distorted voice the uncle also warns him in the last line, “You are with your family but your family may not be with you,” which is also repeated by Jidenna later on in the song to show that his mistrust of his family is one of the obstacles he faced in Nigeria. The track begins with narration from Uncle Palmwine, a fictional character based on the advice Jidenna received from various family members, voiced by Nigerian-American comedian Chief Obi.

The album starts strong with “A Bull’s Tale,” a song about Jidenna’s childhood in Nigeria.

“The Chief” is the debut studio album by Jidenna, the Nigerian-American hip-hop and R&B artist previously best known for his Grammy-nominated single, “Classic Man.”

Jidenna the chief album