Rating: NN
Kanye West protegé and “hashtag rap” inventor Big Sean basks in the glow of Chicago producer No I.D.’s uplifting, soul-inflected beats on his debut album, an enjoyable enough summertime record that showcases the Detroit MC’s ability to trade punchlines with pop choruses.
It’s impossible not to hear overtones of The College Dropout, especially on the seven No I.D.-helmed tracks that set the tone. But while Big Sean is a charismatic and occasionally clever rapper, he often fails to dominate the big production elements he rhymes over.
As a result, Chris Brown’s big, catchy chorus on single My Last and Kanye West’s fiery feature on Marvin & Chardonnay both eclipse the 23-year-old Detroit MC’s boastful statements about the spoils of fame – a well-worn subject that isn’t always convincing coming from someone so new.
Top track: My Last
