Jefe (album)

Jefe (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈxefe]; transl.Boss) is the third studio album by French rapper Ninho, released on 3 December 2021 through Warner Music France and Rec. 118.

Jefe
Studio album by
Released3 December 2021 (2021-12-03)
Length51:03
LanguageFrench
Label
ProducerFabrice Landry
Ninho chronology
M.I.L.S 3.0
(2020)
Jefe
(2021)

In promotion of the album, the rapper will kick off a 19-date tour through France, Switzerland and Belgium in 2022, starting in Grenoble on 15 April 2022.[1]

Background and composition

The album is described as a "voyage" through the rapper's success story. In an interview with AFP, he explained that people never really know the former life and the hardships of a man that makes it big. He said that no one ever knows the beginning of the story, comparing it to looking at a completed house while dismissing the fundaments.[2] For the first time, he decided not to include any guest appearances on a studio album. He explained his decision by saying that he could have achieved cross-over success in other countries by including features but eventually decided to take the risk and release a solo album.[3] Prior to its release, it was rumoured that American rapper Cardi B would appear on the album but plans were scrapped due to her pregnancy.[4]

Sonically, the album offers a blend of danceable pop sounds and pure rap songs. Some songs were interpreted as a nod to Raï, a form of Algerian folk music.[5]

Commercial performance

Jefe debuted at number one in France, moving 66,865 total units in its first week, 9,676 of which were physical sales.[6] This marks the second-biggest opening week in France in 2021, only behind Orelsan's Civilisation.[7] Elsewhere, the record reached number 12 in Flanders and number two in Wallonia.

Track listing

All tracks produced by Fabrice Landry.

Jefe track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Intro"3:01
2."Jefe"
  • Nzobazola
  • Therapy
2:57
3."VVS"
  • Nzobazola
  • Young Ko
3:07
4."Sky Priority"
  • Nzobazola
  • BBP
2:49
5."OG"
  • Nzobazola
  • Lil Ben
3:47
6."Arme de poing"
  • Nzobazola
  • SNK
  • Young Ko
3:35
7."Vérité"
  • Nzobazola
  • Daimo
3:19
8."No Life"
  • Nzobazola
  • Artro
3:57
9."RER D"
  • Nzobazola
  • Voluptyk
3:43
10."YSL"
  • Nzobazola
  • Young Ko
3:38
11."Aïcha"
  • Nzobazola
  • Hoodstar Beatz
  • Young Ko
3:39
12."Mood"
  • Nzobazola
  • Kubix
  • LVDR
2:53
13."Athéna"
  • Nzobazola
  • Daimo
3:16
14."La maison que je voulais"
  • Nzobazola
  • AniBeatz
3:41
15."Outro"
  • Nzobazola
  • Daimo
3:35
Total length:51:03

Charts

Year-end charts

2021 year-end chart performance for Jefe
Chart (2021)Position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[13]32
French Albums (SNEP)[14]14
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[15]75
2022 year-end chart performance for Jefe
Chart (2022)Position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[16]4
French Albums (SNEP)[17]2
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[18]19
2023 year-end chart performance for Jefe
Chart (2023)Position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[19]22
French Albums (SNEP)[20]24

Certifications

Certifications for Jefe
RegionCertificationCertified units/sales
France (SNEP)[21]3× Platinum300,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References