Artist: Big Sean
Album: Finally Famous
Release Date 6.28.11
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I won’t blame you if you don’t know about Big Sean. I mean, let’s face it: Hip-hop has been oversaturated with new artists dropping mixtapes every day of the week so it’s hard to get to the ones that deserve a listening ear. But check this: Big Sean is one artist you need to know. One listen to his debut album Finally Famous and it’s abundantly clear why Kanye West signed this Detroit-bred rhyme-spitter to his GOOD Music imprint – his lyric game is superb and he’s a master with the metaphor. And though his debut album isn’t without some minor flaws, it’s arguably the best entry from any new rapper so far this year.
The best attribute of Finally Famous is its versatility – there’s something for every hip-hop fan on this album, and of the its 16 tracks (deluxe edition) there’s rarely a disappointing moment. The collaborations seem carefully selected, starting with the lead single My Last with Chris Brown on the hook. No I.D. excels on the production; especially on Don’t Tell Me You Love Me, noted for its stirring and very thorough track. The booty-clap anthem Dance (A$$) has an uncanny infectious vibe (thanks to Hammer’s Can’t Touch This sample) and quotables for days: ‘I got that mad d*ck, you know it always nut up. And it got a attitude no wonder why it’s stuck up…’ The Dream lends his vocals to another highlight, Livin This Life. Dream brings freshness to this feel-good track, making it a summer anthem for sure. His latest single I Do It, opens the album strong with its braggadocio style and killer beat, while My House (another fave) comes later on the Deluxe Edition and bears a similar vibe. As a nod to his mentor, So Much More pays homage to Sean’s hometown of Detroit and follows in the vein of Kanye’s previously released tracks Homecoming (conceptually) and The Glory (sonically). From first listen, the semblances to Kanye West’s style are evident, but not overbearing. The Neptunes contribute the production on Get It, which also features Pharrell, another standout track. Other notables include Don’t Wait For Me (with Lupe Fiasco) and the album’s closer 100 Keys (with Rick Ross and Pusha T).
Speaking of Kanye, catch him droppin a verse on Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay along with Roscoe Dash; though Dash brings the Southern flavor, his stale sound on the track’s hook sounds just like every other Roscoe Dash song we’ve heard (i.e. Turnt Up, Show Out). I’m also not sold on High, which features Wiz Khalifa and Chiddy Bang. Though I understand the choice to simplify the lyrics for the sake of the song’s marijuana theme, I’d much rather hear Wiz rise to Sean’s level instead of the other way around.
At last we have a rapper who can deliver an album that exceeds (or at least matches) the hype of his mixtapes. There isn’t much to dislike with Big Sean’s first outing, an attribute we’ve come to expect from the G.O.O.D. Music label. Sad to say but it’s refreshing to hear a rap album that’s not focused solely on weed, money, sex or bitches. Big Sean’s shining quality is that he’s an excellent storyteller and lyricist, the foundations on which hip-hop music was built. I’m surprised at how much I enjoy this album, but I highly recommend it. So if you’re not familiar with Big Sean, GET FAMILIAR. Pretty soon you won’t have a choice; after all he’s Finally Famous…
Sound-Savvy rates Big Sean’s Finally Famous with 4.5 out of 5 platinum headphones
Awesome, review. I’ve been listening to Sean since his inception, and I must say this review did not miss a beat. Although I disliked HIGH very much, the adjective supported the theme of the album. Besides that minor flaw according to my album standards this album grew on and I’m glad it did. When your use to someone’s mixtapes for so long, you forget what a album is suppose to sound like. He crafted his verbal technique and sound to differ himself from the usual suspects in the game. All I see is UP for this guy and it FFOE BOI.