For Big Sean fans, it’s almost unanimous that Detroit was better than Hall of Fame. From stories of the city by Common, Jeezy and Snoop Lion to solidifying his brand of idiosyncratic raps with “Mula” and “FFOE,” G.O.O.D. Music’s ad-lib king was on the cusp of having his moment in Hip Hop. In years after Hall Of Fame’s mixed response — he’s discussed openly about the sophomore slump curse — Sean has changed his game plan. He’s set the bar high for any aspiring emcee to get on his level, shaking off that Kendrick Lamar call out to welcome more blessings with high-profile appearances from Justin Bieber, Jessie J and Lil Wayne. His celebrity status rose last year when he started dating Pop-R&B siren Ariana Grande. Before her, he was engaged to Glee star Naya Rivera (a beautiful bullet he claims he dodged). But more importantly, Sean is a lot more of focused on putting out the best music of his career. He wants his fans to get excited — like crashing-Datpiff-excited again. It’s on his third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise, that listeners are seeing a fully formed emcee ready to seize the spotlight.
While Detroit paid tribute to Sean’s hometown and had a respectable list of guest appearances, Dark Sky Paradise ventures into his troubling thoughts of maintaining fame and coping with loss. The DONDA artwork, a rain-stained Big Sean with his head in thunderclouds, is a representation of the shaky couple of years he’s been through. In this case drama does make for the best content, as the album is dominated by thunderstorms before it switches to sunnier skies. Key Wane’s presence, along with Mike WiLL Made-It, Vinylz, Boi-1da, T-Minus, DJ Dahi and more contribute to the rapper’s concept of finding paradise in a stormy darkness. The production is cleaner and crisper — all overseen by Sean and West and without the help of industry veteran No I.D. who is noticeably absent. And Sean’s raison d’etre seems to have shifted slightly after his tribulations. Content to avoid drama in the past, Sean has realized the only way out is in.
On “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers),” the 26-year-old is no longer looking up, but rather basking in the skyline view. “I knew I lived this life back when I was young and used to climb trees / I should’ve known back then I wasn’t gonna stop, cause even then I was infatuated with just sitting at the top,” he raps. Elsewhere, “I Know” has Sean exhausted with being famous and needing a vacation, so he leans on the support of Jhené Aiko for a little R&R. In another Jhené assist, “Win Some, Lose Some” is reflective Sean weighing out the challenges of success and becoming a breakout star in the mainstream. Despite a contrast to straightforward tracks like “Mona Lisa” and “MILF” on Hall of Fame, Sean’s optimism in battling his personal demons makes him a lot more appealing.
Throughout Dark Sky Paradise, mentors play a pivotal role for Big Sean and how their guidance helps shape his worldview. His father is the first voice we hear on “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers),” a recorded conversation during a car ride together, where he acknowledges his son is home again. Later on “Win Some, Lose Some,” that same convo reveals how his father strongly believes it isn’t a mistake that Sean is reaching his peak levels. Another track in particular is “One Man Can Change the World,” a heartfelt rap ballad made in memory of his late grandmother. Backed by the piano keys of Amaire Johnson and emotional croons of his G.O.O.D. Music brothers, Sean’s testimony on his endless potential is motivating. It all comes full circle with “Blessings,” the inspirational song that seemingly confirmed Kanye’s prophecy about Sean’s star power.
Not all of Dark Sky Paradise expresses Sean’s doubts and internal struggles. There’s an even balance of titular songs that showcases why he’s such an entertaining rapper. The first half is practically mandatory — thanks to the allure of the Ambrosa’s “How Much I Feel” sample on “All Your Fault” and the soulful “Play No Games” (with Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign), which is clearly Ariana’s favorite. “I.D.F.W.U.”, the quasi-hateful anthem toward exes featuring E-40, marks a new trajectory for him. This is Big Sean in his prime, utilizing his elastic voice to deliver flexing bars on dismissing a former relationship. Even the deluxe version tracks have replay value (“Deserve It” proves PARTYNEXTDOOR will have an unstoppable 2015; “Research” is Pop-Rap perfected; “Platinum & Wood” displays Sean’s excellence storytelling), and he’s still giving out more music for his fans before the album drops.
There’s a key moment in “Deep” that describes Big Sean’s current mood. It’s from Lil Wayne, who contemplates why Sean doesn’t get enough shine because of his clean cut image. “And it ain’t about if they remember you, they remember rap,” Wayne advises. “So just spit it back and hope somebody diggin’ that.” Whereas advice like this and the Kanye endorsement were enough reasons to pay attention to him, here Sean stepped it up lyrically to recreate the same energy that surrounded his release of Detroit. With Dark Sky Paradise, Big Sean is prepared to leave his mark.
trash
You’re trash
Garbage
rubbish
Tomfoolery
Great album! One of the best albums i have heard in the past 5 years.
….. NOT
the EMO Era
No
No..no..no…just no?
That you Fantano
lol aight its no 5 but i had to balance out that hating ass dude who gave it a 1. Honestly the album is more of a 4. Better than hall of fame and finally famous. His best album
Great album very cohesive. Sean has step his lyrical game up and put more thought into this album as far as direction. Very solid just keep up the consistency
Trash
sounds like cat shit smell
Trasher than trash
Great album
fasdfdsf
had to give it a 5 to counter that hatin’ mf
had to give it a 5 to counter that hatin’ mf
Awesome. Definitely better then the last
Huge step for Sean. Very solid album all around.
light weight boring
that second verse off big sean’s paradise. nuff said
yes
no/no
I’ll round up his 3.5 into a 4 for this review. Decent rapper. Not great. Pretty good beats. Not spectacular. Just about every artist on GOOD is better than him. But Sean still is better than Drake and most of these other trash azz rappers. Eh. 3.5
Its ok hes kinda funny
great album sean
Awesome rap, definitely a step up and his best album to date.
fire
Good album,he can spit than most of these over
rated new schools.
Good Shit though he had a lot of help from Kanye its got half of that College drop out sound.
Would be a 4, but 5 for the trolls
Deserves a grammy nominee
How can we even compare judge thes commercial rappers when they all sound the same? I can’t even tell the difference same wack flow same be subject matter. Copy cat twitter beefing but he’s lol I read article that said Drake was this generations Jay Z lol wtf does that say about your generation yall some bitches
Best Album Out!
Best Thang since Carter 3!
Don’t know why some say it’s trash, yall foolish!
5 stars!!!
Amazing album!
5 STARS
Best thing since Carter 3
Best album out.
Please quit hating.
brilliant album, his best yet, best album since J Cole’s Forest Hill drive, cohesive, lyrical and immaculate production
Better than his last one
poopiedoopscoop
Nah.a 4 at best.
Fuck the haters
trash
There is some hate going on here! like scoota said below it’s no 5. But it’s a STRONG 4. Yall calling this trash I guarantee didn’t listen to the whole album. Lyrically it’s there. Production there. To just to hate is all yall own here doing. I’m not saying everyone should like it… but it’s a difference in saying you don’t like something and then calling it trash. Trash implies this album was just thrown together. You could say that somewhat for finally famous. But he came correct this time
its ok.
it’s a perfect album if you want to puke
Hot
surprisingly dope
his best album yet
Dope album
THIS ALBUM IS PURE POOPIE DOOP SCOOP!!!
Dope album. This album shows growth.
dope
Great alnum
great
average at best, best work is all carried by features…imo
sean’s metaphors and punchlines dont match with the vibe of the album. Idk why its so dark, sean souldnt be making music with this tone.
Same shit man. Ya’ll are stuck on stupid. Niggas could make the same song and same flow and ya’ll eat it up
Cool album-cover, too bad the music is by Big Sean.
Cool album-cover, too bad about the music.
fuking sick album
yo dis dat new sean man, fuck u guys hatin fo
Yo this is actually pretty decent lol
Great Album, compared to the previous one. Lyrics and production are top notch with exception of a couple of fillers IMHO.
Great album. 4/5 is right on the money.
What album is good and what isn’t when you actually lived long enough to hear them all. And this album is just another typical, nothing different. Same ol’ same ol. The message beyond it is beyond vulgar, intrusive, and has nothing to do with anything, but “look at me, I get girls.” Or, “Money, that butt so good, and I drive in a lambo.” If it’s not the above, it’s about r4ping someone or killing or showing off how “gangsta” you are. Money doesn’t mean anything, and just because their banking money off of people who enjoy listening to vulgar entertainment, doesn’t mean their rich. Physically – they are, but spiritually and emotionally, these guys are beyond wretched and poor. So I suggest any of you who listen to this kind of music, to turn an ear, be more open minded, and start to listen to music that you never heard before. Music with good messages behind them – that will motivate you to go after your dreams and fulfill your goals in life. And doesn’t corrupt your thinking with violence and negativity. But with love, compassion, and a sound mind.
I jamming to it
good album to me and I’m from the south Duvallllllllllllll
Despite BS being probably my least favorite rapper ever I downloaded this to see what all the hype was about…I couldn’t make it 30 seconds into it…I can’t stomach the sound of this guys voice I don’t care what he says (which is elementary at best). 0/5
Some mediocre shit right here
One of the best in the last 5 years
This is his best album so far, it has balance and it didn’t felt repetitive. I give this a 4/5
Great album mehn!
if were being honest, it goes IYRITL > DSP > FHD > TPAB
Honestly this is better than most albums out. I would say this album along with his mixtape “Detroit” were his personal best. I’m not a huge Big Sean fan, but he’s definitely stepping up his game. Hopefully he can stay consistent!
great album
great album
Really like the album. Blessing and One Man Can Change de world ma favs. #ohgawd
hi alexis hall love you
Great overall …. maybe only 1 skipable track
sean is ruling