Big Sean – Better Me Than You (Album Review)

Big Sean’s Deep Dive on Purpose & Impact: An Album Unpack.

Big Sean is a standout figure in today’s rap scene, renowned for his thoughtfulness and cultural relevance. His emphasis on intentionality and the weight of his words sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. With a purposeful approach that eschews carelessness, Big Sean delivers a refreshing earnestness that resonates deeply with listeners. His sixth studio album, Better Me Than You, is a testament to his commitment to meaningful lyrics and impactful storytelling, without sacrificing superior production.

Context and Anticipation

Better Me Than You arrives four years after his last album, Detroit 2, generating anticipation among fans worldwide. Despite having only six studio albums, Sean has been fairly consistent before this most recent gap, releasing four mixtapes between his major projects. His latest album features 21 tracks, including singles “Precision,” “Yes,” “On Up,” and “Together Forever.”

In the past four years, Sean has embarked on new ventures, including fatherhood and writing his first book set to release in Fall 2024. These experiences, along with the pandemic’s transformative effects, have lent depth to his lyrics, exploring themes like self-awareness, inner strength, and mental health—a critical but often neglected topic in rap.

Themes and Highlights

The 21 tracks on Better Me Than You delve into Sean’s introspections and experiences with a palpable sincerity. Standout tracks include “Iconic,” “Typecast,” “Who You Are,” “Superstar,” and “It Is What It Is” featuring Gunna. Particularly poignant are “Black Void” and “Together Forever,” which highlight his lyrical prowess and commitment to promoting emotional transparency.

But the album’s gems are “Apology” and “Something” featuring SYD, where Sean’s thoughtful reflections shine through. Though more collaborations with The Alchemist would have been a welcome addition, “Together Forever” stands out as their sole yet impactful collab. Sean also worked with HitBoy on “This N That” featuring Bryson Tiller and Kodak Black, and “Million Pieces” featuring Teyana Taylor, Larry June, and DJ Premier, further diversifying the album’s sonic palette.

Cultural Relevance and Responsibility

Big Sean’s conscientious approach makes him a rare figure in today’s rap landscape, which often favors a more carefree, sometimes reckless, lyrical style. His commitment to delivering messages that encourage positivity, even amidst life’s struggles, positions him as one of the genre’s most mindful veterans. His dedication to mental health awareness, both in his music and interviews, addresses a pressing yet frequently overlooked issue in hip-hop that is prevalent in humanity. 

Better Me Than You is more than just an album—it’s a reflection of Big Sean’s growth and the responsibilities he shoulders as a cultural figure. His ability to weave his personal experiences, lessons learned, and societal observations into affirming lyrics enriches the musical landscape. In a genre that often diverges into frivolousness, Sean’s purposeful artistry offers a necessary counterbalance, underscoring the enduring power of words and their impact on the world.

Genre-Rap

Tracklist Rating

Pressure (Intro)-2

Iconic-4

Typecast-4

Break The Cycle

Who You Are(Superstar)- 4

Yes-3

It Is What It Is-3

Apologize-4

Clarity (Skit)-2

On Up-4

Something-4

Black Void-3

This N That-2

Million Pieces-2

Get You Back-2

Certified-1

Focus (Skit)-1

Boundaries-1

Precision-2

My Life/Happiness (Skit)-1

Together Forever -4

Score/Excellent: Big Sean’s sixth album stands out as his best compilation yet. He has reached his peak as an artist in this collection. This album provides something unique for every fan, offering deep reflections and learning moments. This project isn’t packed with radio hits or TikTok sensations. Instead, consider it a discussion piece that will likely be seen as a classic in his collection, featuring top-notch production, meaningful lyrics, and flawless storytelling. A true piece of art for listeners to appreciate and treasure.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]