"Alto saxophonist Steve Lehman debuted his Sélébéyone project in 2016 with a self-titled release on the Pi Recordings label. It was nothing short of revolutionary; an amalgamation of jazz improvisation and globalized hip-hop, it was an intrepid declaration. Originally a septet, Sélébéyone returns as a quintet on Xaybu: The Unseen ... The pared-down Sélébéyone puts more emphasis on the beats and the interaction with the two saxophones. Often, one feels like the music is dancing on a constantly shifting platform. [Gaston] Bandimic raps in Wolof, the primary language of much of Western Africa. A blend of French and Arabic, it creates an interesting contrast with the English language rap of Hprizm ... Lehman and Sélébéyone have taken two distinctly African American forms of music to new heights. For listeners who aren't encumbered by tradition, Xaybu: The Unseen is an exceptionally rewarding experience".