Album - I Decided.Artiste - Big SeanRecord Label - Def Jam (2017)Duration- 50 minutes
In 2015, Big Sean scored a sweet project with “Dark Sky Paradise”; a project where he finally stepped into more mainstream light, went 5 times platinum and scored some of the biggest wins in his career to date.
But he refuses to accept his status as a big rapper, and hangs on to the underdog narrative on “I decided”. Where he was extremely rebellious on the previous project, this one takes away that mean streak from him, as Big Sean attempts to reinvent himself as an older, matured artist who is fame weary, bemoans success, and just display his different layers.
“I Decided.” completes the work from the previous project. He is still the moody MC, but only this time, there are stronger punches packed in the lyrics, and power beats to help bolster that blaze. Mix that in with a great sense of humor, and you can sum up this work.
On ‘Light’, Sean is contemplative rapping about his discovery of inner strength and truning his life around. But ‘Bounce back’ is unique for its wordplay, a trait that Sean has always held. He embraces politics on ‘No favors’, where Eminem makes a blazing return for a collaboration.
There are vague skits, and filler songs, but Sean does pull through, with Migos showing good presence on ‘Sacrifices’, and Jhene Aiko breezing in and out on ‘Same time Pt.1”.
But in all, Big Sean feels like a maturing artist. He is not yet the finished product, but he is on a journey where bravado has been dropped, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of life is the new wave.
Rating 3.5/5.
Ratings Board
1-Dull2-Boring2.5-Average3-Worth Checking Out3.5-Hot4-Smoking Hot4.5-Amazing5-Perfection