Jidenna's debut studio album, Long Live The Chief, is on the way. With an album release set for fall, Toyota gave fans and friends an exclusive first privy to the sophisticated rhymer’s full project during a VIP listening party. Held during the BET Experience weekend in L.A., the festivities took place at the Blind Dragon in West Hollywood, where the Wondaland rapper presented his record, alongside mentor Janelle Monae and Epic Records label heads, L.A. Reid and Sylvia Rhone.

"Tonight was my first actual time sharing my music with friends and partners," says Jidenna of the event. "It was an amazing and swanky-ful event."

At first listen, one will recognize Long Live The Chief holds true to the lane Jidenna has crafted for movement over the past year; taking focus on addressing societal flaws and adding his own uniquely-traditional touch to today's hip-hop scene.

On the album, Jidenna touches on demanding issues that affect our world today in efforts to evoke change through his music. "It feels good to be done and have something that will not just change this world-not just this era but eras to come," says Jidenna. "I believe what Wondaland is doing is creating depth." With Jidenna's name meaning “to hold or embrace the father,” in the Nigerian rapper's native language, the LP also pays tribute posthumously to Jidenna's father, a Nigerian professor who helped design Africa's first personal computer.

Check out a video recap of Jidenna's exclusive listening party presented by Toyota above--and look out for the Long Live The Chief album.

 

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