Big Sean new album – Better Me Than You Complete Review
Big Sean has always been an artist who evolves with each release, and with ‘Better Me Than You’, he continues to push the boundaries of his craft. Emerging from the high-energy rap scene of Santa Monica, Big Sean quickly became a defining voice of his generation. His early work under GOOD Music paved the way for commercial success, but it’s his journey of self-discovery that truly sets him apart. After parting ways with the label post-‘Detroit 2’ in 2020, the road to this new album hasn’t been without challenges. A significant leak forced the rapper to rework the project, refining it into the polished piece we now have.
Finally available across streaming platforms, ‘Better Me Than You’ offers a mix of introspective lyrics and a smooth West Coast vibe. The album is a hefty 21 tracks, including a quirky skit featuring Ellie Goulding, which some might find a bit lengthy. However, it works remarkably well as a personal narrative, giving listeners an insight into Big Sean’s life and thoughts.
The album opens with ‘Pressure,’ a track that sets a contemplative tone, before shifting gears with ‘Iconic,’ where Big Sean explores the complexities of fame with his sharp lyricism. The album is a blend of styles, with tracks like ‘Typecast’ echoing Kanye West’s earlier sample-heavy sound, while ‘Who You Are (Superstar)’ brings in a gospel influence that adds depth to the listening experience.
Big Sean pays homage to his roots with tracks like ‘On Up,’ a laid-back 90s-inspired piece that nods to the era’s classic beats. The DJ Premier-produced ‘Million Pieces’ stands out with its late-night vibes, enriched by Teyana Taylor’s soulful contribution, showcasing another dimension of Big Sean’s musicality.
Throughout the album, Big Sean collaborates with a range of talented artists, from Cash Cobain’s standout performance on ‘Get You Back’ to Kodak Black’s energetic verse on ‘This N That.’ Perhaps the most unexpected yet impressive collaboration is with Thundercat on ‘Black Void,’ a track that pushes Big Sean beyond his usual style and into new creative territory.
While the album’s length might lead to some inconsistency, when taken as a whole, ‘Better Me Than You’ is a powerful statement of Big Sean’s ongoing evolution. It’s an album that highlights his resilience, self-awareness, and unwavering dedication to artistic growth.
Rating: 7/10
Big Sean – Better Me Than You
Tracklist:
1. Pressure (Intro), 2. Iconic, 3. Typecast, 4. Break The Cycle, 5. Who You Are (Superstar), 6. Yes, 7. It Is What It Is 8. Apologize 9. Clarity (skit). 10. On Up, 11. Something, 12. Black Void, 13. This N That, 14. Million Pieces, 15. Get You Back, 16. Certified, 17. Focus (skit), 18. Boundaries, 19. Precision, 20. My Life Happiness (skit), 21. Together Forever (bonus)
Stream now. Big Sean Finds A Contemplative Groove On His Latest LP
Big sean better than me download
Big Sean’s career has always been marked by a blend of playful, often quirky lyricism and attempts at more serious, introspective tracks. Over time, he’s grown as a writer, but this evolution has come with its own set of challenges, particularly when balancing the goofy, energetic side of his music with deeper, more mature themes.
The review opens with a nod to Big Sean’s earlier work, notably his 2011 track “I Do It,” which exemplified his lighthearted, punchline-heavy style. However, as Big Sean has matured, he has struggled at times to maintain that same energy while attempting to convey more serious messages. His albums have often reflected this tension, as he tries to shift from the carefree, punchline-driven rapper to a more reflective artist.
“Better Me Than You” seems to encapsulate this ongoing struggle. The album, which faced early challenges due to a leak, shows Big Sean continuing to refine his craft, but with mixed results. Some tracks, like “Break the Cycle” and “On Up,” successfully blend his lyrical skill with meaningful content, offering a glimpse of his growth as an artist. The former features introspective lyrics about personal growth and life experiences, while the latter touches on themes of generational wealth, social justice, and parenting, set to the nostalgic sounds of Jodeci’s “Get On Up.”
However, the album also has its share of misses. Tracks like “Who You Are (Superstar)” and “This N That” fall flat, burdened by uninspired wordplay and a lack of chemistry among the featured artists. The overabundance of filler tracks further weakens the project, diluting the impact of its stronger moments.
Despite its shortcomings, “Better Me Than You” still showcases Sean’s willingness to experiment and push beyond his comfort zone. Songs like “Boundaries” and “My Life” delve into mental health, spirituality, and self-reflection, themes that highlight his ongoing journey of personal growth. However, the album’s inconsistent quality and the presence of too many filler tracks prevent it from reaching the heights of some of his earlier work.
Overall, “Better Me Than You” is a reflection of Big Sean’s ongoing evolution as an artist. While it contains some standout tracks that demonstrate his maturity and growth, the album as a whole is held back by its inconsistency and overreliance on filler material. Nonetheless, it’s a solid effort that shows Big Sean is still capable of delivering compelling music, even as he continues to navigate the challenges of balancing his various musical personas.
