But You Cain't Use My Phone [Mixtape]
by Erykah Badu
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 45
  3. Negative: 6 out of 45

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. thaleslucas
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    After ten years without releasing anything, Badu finally gave us the taste of her creativity in this mixtape that is highly reputable.

    Obviously as Erykah said, the mixtape speaks 'bout mobile phone, calls and stuff where we're communicating and connected all the time. The communication of an interpersonal relationship is very important 'round internet and cellphone today, and Badu knew    After ten years without releasing anything, Badu finally gave us the taste of her creativity in this mixtape that is highly reputable.

    Obviously as Erykah said, the mixtape speaks 'bout mobile phone, calls and stuff where we're communicating and connected all the time. The communication of an interpersonal relationship is very important 'round internet and cellphone today, and Badu knew how to explain about it on her mixtape.

    The eleven tracks are respectively amazing, close to perfection, but as all have the same theme ends up being repetitive. But still, it doesn't become tired, 'cause it changes the rhythms of the songs, mixing Hip-Hop with Neo Soul, R&B and a little Funk. It also brings compositions and featuring with Pharrell Williams, Andre 3000 and Drake.

    Finally, we can say that Badu is really a woman over a thousand styles in both music and clothes and humor too. Amazing, that's all!!

    Favorite tracks: "Cel U Lar Device", "Phone Down", "What's Yo Phone Number" and "Hello".    … Expand
  2. jrodfilms
    Dec 5, 2015
    5
    its a mixtape where the main theme is you cant use erykahs phone. im sure it goes much deeper than that. her voice is great and the production is okay, but lets be real she will never come close to 'Mamas Gun' again and once you accept that you can appreciate her later work for what it is.
  3. geedup
    Dec 7, 2015
    2
    What is this AUTOTUNED sh*t? Her voice is struggling? SHe can't sing out like she did back in the day. The "mixtape" is only 10 or so songs, and 1/3 of them are "skits" measuring less than a minute- 1 of which is her just saying "hi." Now this hold true in true mix tape form, but if Metacritic is going to start putting up mixtapes to meaure, don't start with this one. Truely dissapointingWhat is this AUTOTUNED sh*t? Her voice is struggling? SHe can't sing out like she did back in the day. The "mixtape" is only 10 or so songs, and 1/3 of them are "skits" measuring less than a minute- 1 of which is her just saying "hi." Now this hold true in true mix tape form, but if Metacritic is going to start putting up mixtapes to meaure, don't start with this one. Truely dissapointing effort in comparision to her past work. Go back to being a recluse or put out a better effort.… Expand
  4. DUI_
    Dec 3, 2015
    10
    Erykah Badu is really the queen of the Neo Soul. I'm glad she's back with this special mixtape. All the tracks are awesome and I really loved this one! WELCOME BACK, BADU!!!
  5. Abhattacharya27
    Dec 5, 2015
    10
    Finally after a long time , its good to hear Badu just killing it in this mixtape .
    Beautifully composed and produced giving a sense of atmosphere to the whole piece
  6. ben_zo77
    Feb 7, 2016
    7
    I was pleasantly surprised by this mixtape. It's blatantly inspired by Drake's hit single "Hotline Bling", and I thoroughly enjoyed the smooth, fun vibes. I've never really been into Badu's music, but this mixtape will certainly influence me to listen to her next project. ~ 7.4/10
    Best track: "Phone Down"
    Other notable tracks: "Cel U Lar Device" & "Dial'Afreaq"

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 22, 2015
    50
    It's a trivial if fun diversion.
    Read full review
  2. Exclaim
    Dec 10, 2015
    80
    But You Caint Use My Phone is a fantastic collection of songs, and while Badu has dubbed the release a mixtape, it's as strong, cohesive and consistent as any proper soul LP put out in recent memory.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    Dec 10, 2015
    70
    Her new mixtape may be initially frustrating to those longing for a real album (and real, full songs), but it’s full of rewards for deep listening.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »