Breaking onto the scene with his single "Classic Man", singer/rapper Jidenna (full name Jidenna Theodore Mobisson) is currently signed to Wondaland Records.
Born on May 4th, 1985 to a white mother and Nigerian father, he grew up in Nigeria where his father was a professor of computer science at Enugu State University. Jidenna's name in the Igbo language actually means "embrace the father".
Jidenna's family moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1995 and he later attended Stanford University first studying sound engineering before switching to "ritualistic arts". After his graduation in 2008, he moved on to pursue his music career full-time.
In February of 2015 he released his song "Classic Man" which debuted at number 49 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. "Classic Man" went on to be nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th annual Grammy Awards.
Jidenna's signature and dapper style was largely influenced by his father following his passing in 2010. "It was my way of grieving, initially," he said. "People thought 'Classic Man' was processed. But then they realized, 'Oh, this guy actually is that man, and he actually dresses like that.'"
His other style influences, aside from his professor and engineer father, include label boss Janelle Monae and Malcolm X. "He wore three-piece suits in the 60s and 70s a lot," he said. "He used to walk with a cane, as well, so he was definitely the first one. He's actually the reason why I walk with a cane. The reason I continue to evolve in my style is in honor of him. He passed a few years ago and that was a turning point in my life."
Jidenna's most recent musical release, "Long Live The Chief" showcases a whole new sound that his fans may not have expected but that blew many away. In his newest song, Jidenna reveals more about his life, including how he attended the same school as the Kennedy's, dined with the governor, and met Bill Clinton at the age of 17. Jidenna even closes the song out by giving a nod towards his ethnically mixed background.
"Long Live The Chief" may not have been the predicted outcome after his song "Classic Man", but there's no doubt that Jidenna makes you understand that he is paying attention to the social and political climate, and leaves hints about how he views the world in every line of his songs.
By Devon Pyne for RAPstation.com
Jidenna: The RAPstation Spotlight
Breaking onto the scene with his single "Classic Man", singer/rapper Jidenna (full name Jidenna Theodore Mobisson) is currently signed to Wondaland Records.
Born on May 4th, 1985 to a white mother and Nigerian father, he grew up in Nigeria where his father was a professor of computer science at Enugu State University. Jidenna's name in the Igbo language actually means "embrace the father".
Jidenna's family moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1995 and he later attended Stanford University first studying sound engineering before switching to "ritualistic arts". After his graduation in 2008, he moved on to pursue his music career full-time.
In February of 2015 he released his song "Classic Man" which debuted at number 49 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. "Classic Man" went on to be nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th annual Grammy Awards.
Jidenna's signature and dapper style was largely influenced by his father following his passing in 2010. "It was my way of grieving, initially," he said. "People thought 'Classic Man' was processed. But then they realized, 'Oh, this guy actually is that man, and he actually dresses like that.'"
His other style influences, aside from his professor and engineer father, include label boss Janelle Monae and Malcolm X. "He wore three-piece suits in the 60s and 70s a lot," he said. "He used to walk with a cane, as well, so he was definitely the first one. He's actually the reason why I walk with a cane. The reason I continue to evolve in my style is in honor of him. He passed a few years ago and that was a turning point in my life."
Jidenna's most recent musical release, "Long Live The Chief" showcases a whole new sound that his fans may not have expected but that blew many away. In his newest song, Jidenna reveals more about his life, including how he attended the same school as the Kennedy's, dined with the governor, and met Bill Clinton at the age of 17. Jidenna even closes the song out by giving a nod towards his ethnically mixed background.
"Long Live The Chief" may not have been the predicted outcome after his song "Classic Man", but there's no doubt that Jidenna makes you understand that he is paying attention to the social and political climate, and leaves hints about how he views the world in every line of his songs.
By Devon Pyne for RAPstation.com
