We told you before that every review we submit to the public is a consensus decision. It eliminates bias and adds clarity. Here’s the conversation that led to Big Sean’s rating for his new effort, I Decided.
Trent Clark (HipHopDX Editor-in-Chief): I know I wasn’t around back then but I still think it’s a travesty Dark Sky Paradise didn’t get a 4.5 from DX. If this was the older days where there were fewer artists in the limelight and more A&R attention-to-detail, that would have been his debut album. This album finally shows that he can be that listenable artist for those who doubted him all these years.
Scott Glaysher (One-year HipHopDX Contributor): Well, off top, I think it’s right up there with Dark Sky Paradise. All the songs after the first few listens are really good.
But is he not missing something? Why isn’t he there yet? Why am I not over the moon about it even though I know it’s super tight? He didn’t necessarily switch anything up on this project but when I really think about it, I don’t think I would want him to. I definitely don’t want him to go all Childish-Gambino-Awaken-My-Love! but I feel like I’ve heard songs like “Moves”, “Inspire Me” and “Halfway Off the Balcony” before.
Anyone else feel me on this one?
Ural Garrett (HipHopDX Senior Features Writer): I second Scott’s motion. Nothing about it necessarily stands out, but it’s another solid album from Sean. At this point, Big Sean is Hip Hop’s most popular middle-of-the-road rapper which is an accomplishment in itself post-internet. Does it reach the heights of Dark Sky Paradise? Nah. There obviously isn’t anything as big as “IDFWU” or “Blessings” and nothing as banging as “Paradise.” This might be the time him and Jhené go the Sonny and Cher route with Twenty88.
Trent: I wouldn’t call him “middle-of-the-road.” He’s a great medium between new-gen turn-up rapper and lyricist from the 2000s. He still bars out. See: “Jump Out the Window”.
William E. Ketchum III (12-year DX contributor): Dark Sky Paradise is the stronger album, but I Decided. conveys a more powerful message. The skits and the narrative appear thin on the surface, but the message is clear: give yourself and the people you love flowers while they can smell them. It’s a dope message that resonates with his previous message, without being redundant or boring. It’s interesting how Dark Sky Paradise was top heavy with all the bangers all at once, before setting into the songs with a message for the last half. While this album has those songs all throughout. I think it shows a newfound confidence in believing what he has to say.
Aaron McKrell (Two-year DX contributor): I really like this album. It’s Big Sean in his essence. He’s got quotables for days, of course, but he shines when he gets deep. The touching tributes to family members on “Inspire Me” and, even more notably, “Sunday Morning Jetpack,” are gems. He also continues his Twenty88 brilliance with tracks like “Jump Out the Window” and the all too brief but excellent “Same Time, Pt. 1.” The production is spacey and cohesive, and largely enjoyable. There are a few missteps – “Moves” sounds like a poor imitation of Drake and “Halfway Off the Balcony” is marred by cluttered production – but overall this is an excellent body of work. Is it transcendent? No. Is it going to be the album of the year? No. But it’s very high quality, and very enjoyable. And I’ll be playing songs from this album for months. And that says something.
Favorless: Eminem & Big Sean boiled up some hot water with this one.
What did everyone think of that Eminem feature?
Scott: The Eminem feature was exactly what everyone should have expected; some tight punchlines, angry delivery and of course shock value bait name drops. It’s the type of verse I think we’ve all heard before but hearing a god-level bar brigade from one of the GOATs is always appreciated. With that said, that particular song is one of the album’s weakest – Sean pretty much phones in the chorus and lets Em do all the heavy lifting. Agreed?
Aaron: I wasn’t a big fan of the Eminem feature, to be honest. The lyricism was brilliant, but he’s done this kind of elongated lyrical exercise before and to a better effect (“Rap God,” anyone?). How many times are we going to hear the same angry delivery from Em, not to mention the familiar shock value? It would have been better if his verse fit into the “No Favors” concept of the song.
Trent: When it comes to a reclusive legend like Eminem, you take what you get but that verse didn’t add anything to the mix other than shock value. It’s not wack in the slightest but still. I’m a critic so I’m far from impressed with the Eddie Kendricks sample used for “Light” that Alicia Keys used to sell her Unplugged album. It’s those little things that keep the peanut gallery scoffing when you mention Sean in the same sentence as Kendrick, Cole and Chance.
William The skits don’t add to the album at all. They don’t hurt it, but after hearing Sean speak about the concept in interviews, and considering the fact that he hasn’t used skits before (aside from the interludes on Detroit), I had higher expectations.
Aaron: I don’t think it has so much of a clear narrative as it does a theme through the narration and some of the cuts. The album begins with the narrator speaking about working at a job that he hates for decades, about wondering what’s wrong with his life. It comes full circle on the final track on the album, gospel-tinged “Bigger Than Me,” on which Sean speaks of living in the moment and not wasting your life. That theme is present on songs like “Voices in My Head/Stick to the Plan” and even “Sacrifices.” Sean’s hunger permeates the album and injects it with life, and in that sense, there’s definitely a clear theme.
Scott: I don’t know any more about Big Sean than I did an album ago which is a little disappointing. That isn’t to say he doesn’t’ rap about anything with substance here, he’s simply done a good job of telling his tale on past projects. On this album, there is just really solid rap songs with really solid rapping – simple and plain. Aaron is 100% right in saying that the replay value is there but this is by no means a “classic” or even his personal best.
Does anyone have any song on repeat other than “Bounce Back”? I haven’t totally fallen in love with any one or two yet. I guess this means he crafted an even-keeled album.
Buuuuuttttt … What are this album’s “Blessings” and “IDFWU”?
“Halfway Off The Balcony”: Literally, Figuratively or Lyrically?
Ural: Also there is the reality that the beat for “Bounce Back” was already used on Juicy J’s “Act.” No different than the issue I had with J. Cole’s album and the “Déjà Vu” beat.
Trent: But we know that who won that historic contention ranking. Big singles aren’t necessary to create a dynamic album narrative.
Aaron: What’s everybody’s rating?
Scott: I’m gonna have to stick with 3.8 or 3.9.
There aren’t enough pinnacle moments on here that would compel me to place it in the allured 4.0 territory. I feel if it were to earn a 4.0 it wouldn’t have any skips but unfortunately, it does.
Does “Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan” not just sound too close both sonically and lyrically to “Halfway Out The Balcony”? Same with “Light” and “Bigger Than Me”. They’re all good songs but each one doesn’t demand to be listened to again and again. Even “Bounce Back” and “Moves” are basically part one and two of one large “I can rap really fast” song. One thing I do have to give Sean props for his constant ability to tackle any beat. “Bounce Back” sounds nothing like “Same Time Pt. 1” which sounds nothing like “Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan”. The production was very well done simply because he primarily used the same rotation of beatsmiths. Amaire Johnson handles most of the production with people like Metro Boomin, DJ Dahi, Detail, Key Wane and WondaGurl all lending the project their signature components.
But again, he performs well throughout the entire 50 minutes but not uniquely enough for 4.0.
Trent: A 3.8–3.9 severely underplays the quality control put on display here. A lack of pinnacle moments keeps him from touching the realm as to say a Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book breached but this is definitely a 4 or better.
4.2 is my rating by the way.
William: I’m not crazy about Stick to the Plan and I like the beat to “Jump Out The Window” a lot, but the production doesn’t match the song topic at all. I was jigging to it for days before realizing “wait, he’s trying to save his homegirl from an abusive relationship??? With repeated listens, the overall album concept is clearing up more than it was before. It’s still not good kid, m.A.A.d. city level or anything like that, but it’s not as weak as I thought it was before either.
Aaron: I’m glad you came around, Will. I really like the concept. I found the narration to provide a poignant undercurrent to the album’s theme. There’s also something to be said for the narrator’s aged but unwavering voice. It provides the ideal tone for what Sean was going for.
William: Yeah. I enjoyed the way he played with flows, melody and song structure a lot here. The middle portion of the album reminds me of songs like Kanye’s “Flashing Lights,” which are more focused on being exploratory sonically and structurally instead of conventionally telling a story from beginning to end.
Ural: If naysayers didn’t necessarily find themselves appreciative of Big Sean’s work after Dark Sky Paradise, this definitely isn’t going to get them on board now. However, he does maintain his ability to probably make better widespread songs than his peers that can travel from the club or radio to core rap heads. This is why he can call himself a member of the highly exclusive “I have an Eminem feature” club while making Metro Boomin-produced bangers like “Bounce Back.” Stat Quo said that he had a problem trying to be something for everyone, but Sean is really the only artist out there that can legitimately do it all. Is he the best at that? Nah, but it’s better than a lot of artists who try to cater to one specific demo. In this day and age, that’s an accomplishment on its own.
Trent: I think it’s a pretty fluid listen and he’s definitely coming into a great zone as an artist. That being said, his biggest crime here is not losing himself B. Rabbit style and taking it the next level. After an album like Dark Sky Paradise, it’s time to go for a classic, not settle for low-key ruminative grooves.
Let’s get a finale tally going. I’m still at 4.2.
Ural: 4.0
Scott: 4.0
Aaron: 4.0
William: 4.0 Dark Sky Paradise is still his best.
Why was living single left off? That was a banger and it would have fit sonically and lyrically.
Fit sonically? Do y’all even know what the term “sonically” means? Your statement doesn’t make sense. Google is your friend, bruh.
An internet tough guy, cool story bro. The term was used appropriately, so maybe you go fuck yourself? Godbless
As a big Eminem fan, I personally enjoyed Big Sean’s verse more than Em’s on No Favors. I guess I’m just so used to the controversial lyrics, wittiness and aggressiveness of Em on songs, that it’s not a “holy shit, he really said that or rapped like that” feeling anymore. There’s no doubt that Em’s a legend and one of the all time greats, but it wasn’t my favorite feature of his. Oh well, though… Em has plenty of 5-star rated features throughout his career that any of us can go back and listen to whenever. It’s Big Sean’s album, and by the looks of it, the album is doing pretty well. Sean deserves it! He’s one of those underappreciated artists who is finally getting some of the spotlight.
It was a really good album from The Don! I was highly anticipating the album and was definitely not let down. Everyone stop sleeping on my mans Sean please!! He’s top 5 out of the new Generation no discussion. Very conscious about his surroundings, good lyrics, good production, good flow, what else do you need?? As for the Eminem verse, I’m a Stan at heart. The biggest Eminem fan ever right here and tbh…I wasn’t blown away like I thought I would be and that’s a hard pill to swallow, however, it was not terrible like some people are saying lmaoo. I could use without the rap effect stuff and shock value stuff or at least tone it down, because he doesn’t need need to rely on that no more he can rely on story telling and wordplay like he’s so great at. Still highly anticipating his album and also the verse he gave has grown on me so yeah lol… I’d rate this 4.5/5 mostly because I felt some songs were a littlest short, but other than that we straight fam.
absolute fire, no questions about it…
Fire!
This album is garbage, same repetitive shit
..if you’re saying this album garbage, I’m a little concerned as to what you think a quality rap/hip-hop album is then.
And it’s crazy you find this album something of quality
After Dark Sky Paradise (which i still listen to til this day) i was expectin something even better, but i got disappointed. This type of trap spacey production doesn’t really fit his style and it feels like he’s forcing it on himself. Half the songs sound the same to be honest… there are a few memorable songs that i will listen to maybe even a year from
now, “Halfway off The Balcony” – “Sunday Morning Jetpack” – “Bigger Than Me” … but the rest is just meh.
Same nerdy voice, same beat selection, same boring “Migos” flow. No growth whatsoever. Just can’t take this guy seriously. To each their own.
His flow is not Migos at all…
I’m in total disagreement with this review. To me it was unlistenable. To each is own but some reviews have me scratching my head. Did we listen to the same album?
Agree with Radio_Buddy. No good listen.
After such a career defining album like Dark Sky Paradise, this album seems like a step in a direction Sean doesn’t necessarily need to go in.
As lyrical as this LP is…..it bored me. Where are the hit records?
Too serious, too soon. Sean isnt Kendrick or Cole. I like my Big Sean projects to be fun. I Decided is kind of a downer.
It’s Funny no one calls him a mumble rapper. Overrated af.
Please review the new O.C album.
F-this Trash.
solid step in right direction
this is good Sean
I Decided is fire
This to haaa
He should of decided to make a better album
I generally agreee with this review. it’s a very good album. He bridges the gap between lyricists and new gen sounds and production really well..but Dark Sky is still his best album by far ( it just flows so well and not 1 skippable track)…he’s not Kendrick, Cole, Chance level but next tier down imo
ehe
NyQuil. Cured my insomnia. Thanks Boi!
Greaaaaat album!!!
I’ll wait for thunder ats album
At first listen the album is solid. It always takes me a few listens to understand the concept of albums without being distracted by the radio singles but this album has a deep rooted meaning to big Sean from beginning to end. It helped me understand why he’s always had songs about his tough self perspective even though he got into the rap game at a young age and blew up almost instantly after a Yeezy cosign. This album was a door into the back of his mind. The voices in the back of the your head that come out when theres no one around and no distracting sound. The conversation with his mother was the deepest part of this album. That in itself to me was the point of this album. It’s why he as an artist now 4 albums in is only improving and making better and better albums. I appreciated his point of view and commend him for being able to make songs out of topics most people can’t even talk about. 5 stars.
I generally agree. It’s a great album, and a good addition to his discography, he’s showing growth as an artist. BUT some f songs sound too similar, and it’s just not as good at Dark Sky..still a great album and enjoyable listen.
2 out of 5. Bars are weak, a punchline every few songs. Beats are mediocre at best, some of the basslines are ok but the drums on this whole thing are weak af.
Y’all are easily impressed. Miss me with this shit.
No way dawg, easy 4 out of 5 album.
I guess I have standards. 2 out 5 is being generous. Like 3 Stacks would say:
Flows that ain’t hip-hop, You find that shit in the gift shop
But to each his own, my speech is gone, Keep that shit up outta my zone
” i Decided” is an instant classic by what I consider to be a top 3 lyrical rapper in this generation and has great sound and great production, with a couple bangers produced by Metro Boomin.
Stop.
Good ass album!
Who gives a shit what you guys at DX think? You don’t know shit about Hip Hop. You just wrote an article about Big Sean how he’s going to surpass Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole. Trent Clark; your so far up Big Seans ass you can do a full colonoscopy. Its so obvious that you’re Sean’s dingleberry and a true accomplished brown-noser. Don’t you have no shame? puttin him on the same level as Kendrick and J cole? The whole DX staff is a bunch of groupies. You MF’s went to College for English, how to write effectively and shit like that. That has nothing to do with Hip Hop. You don’t know shit about Hip Hop. Big Sean is an Average rapper and his flow is below average. He always sounds like he just started rapping, and his “talking-flow” is NOT rapping its hot garbage. Stop fucking talking on the tracks. Pathetic Posers
Wow, it appears you are taking these reviews harder than the artists themselves. My gawd, calm down. I bet Big Sean ain’t even pouting over these reviews as much as you are. I’ma be waiting for your album release, cuz I wanna hear you rap to see if you can produce and release better music.
What a wack-ass, lame argument you made. I never went to culinary school, but I can tell you if something tastes good or not. You don’t have to be able to produce better music, or music at all, to tell this album is not good. FOH!
Dats not da argument ya cumguzzler
Think that’s called an analogy..
You’re the same bunch of idiots that had a round-table talk like this about SILENTO – Whip/Nae song and how the Music Industry founds its groove back….? [Check the Editorial] Silento was dead on arrival and everybody knew it except you. A one hit wonder
absolutely banger of an album, Sean Don really showing maturity and growth on this joint
Big Sean is a garbage rapper you stupid millenium kids with no knowledge about hiphop including DX.
How can you support garbage like this. If it was the 80’s or 90’s Lil Sean would never had a record deal.
Go listen to real rap and get ride of that ANNoying newsletter.
Well, we’re in the 2000s, not ’80 or ’90s, so why are you worried about a time period that we are no longer in? No one said you had to listen to the album or even click on this article about Big Sean.
He’s wack even in this generation. He’s no Lupe, J Cole or Kendrick. I dont understand how he got signed. Consequence did mention on the Breakfast Club that Kanye had him packing his bags and go back home but Consequence stepped in and said you can’t send that kid back home to nothing. So he does suck major ass and the only reason he still has a contract is bc of Consequence convinced Kanye to keep him around.
He ain’t wack lol he has a platinum album and his album is currently #1 on billboard 100
Great album after first listen. Better than his last LP
I’m a 90’s head and still think this album is pretty awesome. 3.5/5 maybe even 4/5
I Felt Dark Sky Paradise Was More Doper Than This Project. Big Sean Could Have Done Better With This Album In My Opinion
A lot of the tracks sound like he’s copying Drake, and I’m no big fan of either artist.
Disappointing. His monotone flow kind of drones on and wears me down. I don’t understand his appeal.
Guru was Monotone and had MASS APPEAL. Still I don’t like Big Sean and I want to just because his name is Sean
what did listen to one song?
he rapped if u wanna hear singing go listen to madonna
???
Absolutely brilliant
where is the Migos review? its been two weeks
Same place as the album…in the garbage.
DX Critics contradict themselves. Talk about the same flow. Sean didn’t switch up shit on this depressing effort. Its just as dark as his last joint but with more singing. And Bounce Back is a wack song. Still. this is better than the newest trash rappers out. Not a classic and not horrible. It’s decent.
Big sean got flo and bars. I felt like he overthought on this one some of the songs arr the same jus different beats. Sacrafices is the best song. Migos settthe bar way too higtooh for mfs.
What are you talking about lol. Big Sean makes Migos look absolutely childish, rapping circles around them and actually saying something. Best Migos line I’ll give you is “Left hand, 3 rings, that’s Bron Bron, we up one” and that’s literally it. The rest of it is forgettable mumble trash saying absolutely nothing. per usual. Migos album is getting dumped on for reviews cuz everyone knows.
I’ll start by saying the album isn’t bad…. but holy shit it is so boring. When is Big Sean going to do something different? All his albums sound the same to me. He just doesn’t seem that creative.
This album is trash. It’s obvious that Kanye is mia.
Big Sean poured his heart out on this album he has showed us and gave us examples to show he is a different MC and what has happened in his career at the end of my favorite song on the album track number 8 owe me. Big Sean has a reporter mock him with some old adlibs Sean used in his older songs but not in newer ones. Sean is showing us growth and experience…and i love it