'TWENTY88' - Album Review
Not only did Big Sean and Jhené Aiko announce they were combining to create a project, they then proceeded to follow through with their announcement only days later by releasing a project under the same name.
‘TWENTY88’ is the chosen name of the duo, who both are Grammy nominated artists. It is not surprising that Sean Don and Jhené have joined forces for a full-length project, as the two have collaborated on several tracks over the past couple of years, all of which have received positive feedback. Big Sean’s “Hall Of Fame” featured Beware, which detailed a relationship that crumbled due to infidelity.
"Dark Sky Paradise" featured I Know and Stay Down both having Aiko lend her sultry vocals. Even before the release of TWENTY88, the sonic chemistry between the two has been undeniable.
Déjà vu is the opening track for the TWENTY88 project and is a prime example of why the two work well as a collaborative duo. Aiko opens her voice, running with confidence to match Big Sean’s with a sound reminiscent of her vocals in Omarion’s Post To Be hit single. Sean’s rapping is very strong, from an emotional and technical perspective. His voices are delivered clearly and concisely with enough rasp to mirror Aiko’s moody tones.
Track two on the album, Selfish, gives off a similar vibe to their previous collaboration Beware, featured on Big Sean’s album "Hall Of Fame" through its production. This song finds the duo viewing a mutual past through different lenses. On The Way is the third track on the album, and one of the strongest, showcasing the vocal chemistry between the two. TWENTY88 consists of love highs on songs like On The Way to feeling frustrations on Selfish but it’s on Memories Faded where the relationship finds its struggle. Sean and Jhené share their realest lyrics on this potential breakup anthem. “Remembering when your name was blinking on the phone/Back when we would chill” may seem simple but once rapped over by Big Sean, the track hits home. Expect to hear it become a modern breakup anthem. 2 Minute Warning is definitely one of the highlights of the album, both artists get their fair share of shine on this track, however Sean’s rapping sounds so sincere it’s hard to focus on anything else.
The EP also includes three more expressive and genuine records, which I will not spoil for you. Push It, Talk Show and London Bridge can be listened to when you purchase the EP on iTunes or Stream it on ‘AppleMusic.’
TWENTY88 is a solid and cohesive project from two artists who are sitting are atop of their respective games. The chemistry these two share is undeniable and the music derived from their unique harmonies are constantly improving, making it almost impossible to find a flaw in their collaborations. TWENTY88 is available now!
