Detroit, Michigan rap artist Big Sean released his sixth studio album titled “Better Me Than You”. Known for his storytelling and word play, the new album lays 21 tracks of non-traditional topics and impressive features; Larry June, Teyana Taylor, and Charlie Wilson are just three of the surprisingly well-fitting add-ons to what some are considering as Big Sean’s best work. His 22.8 million subscribers on Spotify were given a few hints of new music as a few singles dropped back to back over the summer accompanied with visuals. Long-time fans are familiar with Big Sean’s ability to align theme of his songwriting with brief skits that paint auditory pictures of the state of mind he’s writing in. On his previous album, “I Decided.”, Big Sean used an ongoing theme between songs that set scenes of him speaking to himself and his mom. On this new album, listeners get a different experience as Big Seann navigates thoughts of purpose, growth, and self-empowerment. I don’t want to give the wrong impression by stating that this album’s theme is more optimistic than the last, because there are definitely songs that express forms of frustration and arrogance. The theme is more optimistic because of how Big Sean handles each obstacle he faces, which seems to be the point he wants listeners to take away after jamming this album.
“Better You Than Me” starts with the sounds of voicemails Big Sean has gotten from people over the years. Each of them were asking for help with a bill or with a situation that they expect to collect. A few voices were pressuring him to make music faster and sooner. Rightfully titled “Pressure”, the intro sets the tone for the rest of the musical journey by framing what many people have felt from our own families, jobs, and friends, pressure. Most tracks flow into one another with smooth transitions so it’s best to let the album play through in chronological order on your first listen. Big Sean is listed as a song writer on every track, so it’s safe to say he played a huge role in his own work, which isn’t always the case for mainstream artists. The first song “Iconic” is a bass fueled song about self-confidence and individuality. The cocky lyrics go hand and hand with the bold production that’s bound to shake up the room. The energy from that song transitions to a fan-favorite named “Typecast”. Typecast is a term used in the movie industry when a person keeps getting hired to play the same type of character in every movie they’re in. He doesn’t want to be a stereotype in any form, and doesn’t care to be who others expect him to be either. Majority of the album is centered on values like this, this track seems to be the most notable.
Break the Cycle ft. Charlie Wilson follows suit with another positive message by reassuring listeners that cutting people off is a form of self-protection and self-love. Another widely relatable topic of family and friends making assumptions about your life instead of speaking to you directly. “Yes” is the second bass heavy track, full of cocky lyrics that promote confidence and success in business; refusing to be stopped by any obstacles and making a way no matter what. This track is giving – Big Sean from his first album energy. At the same time Big Sean makes a reference to Jay Z on the track, the song switches to a similar production of choirs and orchestra similar to those used on Watch the Throne with Kanye West, Come Up, and other notorious Big Sean collaborations.
Apologize featuring Eryn Allen Kane is all about the importance of recognizing when people aren’t truly on your side. It was a bit funny to see such an empathic song title on the screen and hearing the gentle music begin, just for Big Sean to start going in with poetic rhymes about fake apologies, needing boundaries, and not holding grudges towards the people who have done him wrong. “On Up” was one of the singles released before the album that is dedicated to his son. Big Sean’s son’s voice was woven into a few tracks that are super adorable. He is also referenced in a voicemail listeners get to hear of The Rock, yes, Dwayne Johnson, joking about how big he’s grown.
“Something” featuring Syd is another pivot changing track that sends a message of being considerate of others. The last hook slows down with a theatric twist on the lyrics changing from the perspective of a thought, into the present moment which was a very creative small detail. Tracks like “This and That” featuring Bryson Tiller and Kodak Black,
“Million Pieces” featuring Teeyana Taylor, Larry June, and DJ Premier both take on messages of gratitude and enjoying life to the fullest. Meanwhile, tracks like “Get You Back” featuring Cash, and “Certified” featuring NASAAN are nowhere close to being uplifting or positive in any manner. Get Her Back sounds like a modern version of Big Sean’s Owe Me. Both songs are about ex-girlfriends he wants to be with. “Certified” has to be the most raunchy song on this list. Most artist nowadays release albums with less than ten songs. To have an album release with a thick track list of 21 songs is a blessing for many fans who’ve been patiently waiting on new music.
Overall Better Me Than You is a solid album. With great production and an overall positive message. It’s refreshing to hear songs that promote uplifting agendas like avoiding distractions, letting go of toxic behaviors, and staying genuine to oneself. The way Big Sean throws thought-provoking ideas into crafty one liners is admirable talent. There is a long list of producers who helped put this range of music styles together. That teamwork definitely worked out well. Big Sean did an excellent job of collaborating with “Better Me Than You”s featured artists. He acknowledged their vocal signatures and did a great job casting. Good music, good lyrics, nice playability, I’d give this one an 8 out of 10.
