Big Sean – Finally Famous (2011) – Review

Big Sean – Finally Famous

As a member of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music, Big Sean is able to take advantage of production by No I.D. (who provides most of the sonic work on the album) and features from West, Pusha T and John Legend. The star studded affair also features Chris Brown (whose on the album’s big single My Last), Lupe Fiasco, Roscoe Dash, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Chiddy Bang, The-Dream, and Rick Ross – making for a good mix of big names and current up-and-comers. The album is comprised of both high-living (women, money, possession, boasts) and making it in the hip hop game lyrics, but has a more upbeat and fun style to it which makes it an entertaining listen (especially tracks like Dance (A$$) and Marvin & Chardonnay). Big Sean definitely makes a good case for himself as one of the best new artists in pop hip hop, with his unique (though he does sound like Drake sometimes, or Drake sounds like him) light fun style and funny yet meaningful (at times) lyrics. For fans of pop hip hop his is an album definitely worth checking out. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      High – Featuring Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang, produced by Xaphoon Jones

2)      I Do It – Produced by No I.D. and The Legendary Traxster

3)      100 Keys – Featuring Rick Ross & Pusha T, produced by WrighTrax

Available on CD and Digital Download (MP3)

Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy (2011) – Review

Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy (U.S. release)

In 2010, Tinie Tempah (the London based pop artist) blew up the U.K. charts with fun lyrics and infectious beats. Much like Ellie Goulding (who also features on the album) and Adele, Tinie Tempah’s massive pop success in Brittan meant that it was only a matter of time before he was ready to tackle the States. While Goulding’s U.S. re-release combined the best stuff off her U.K. release of Lights and Bright Lights EP, Tinie Tempah decided to take the best tracks off his U.K. release and added a number of new tracks, working with bigger producers like StarGate, Boi-1da and Alex da Kid for his U.S. re-release. He also added features from Wiz Khalifa, Bei Maejor and Ester Dean. The U.K. version has a much more dance club feel with production from Labrinth, iShi, Al Shux, and Diplo, while the new songs appeal more to the U.S. pop anthem crowd (which generally seem to be the biggest hits), thus it was probably a smart move (though my favorite song on the album is still Wonderman featuring Ellie Goulding, which is such a great track). The first single Till I’m Gone with Wiz Khalifa is destined to be a hit, and Khalifa delivers a great hook. Tinie Tempah is sure to have success in the States, as his music incorporates a fun pop/hip hop mentality with positive and sometimes personal lyrics. The new British pop invasion is on, and Tinie Tempah is certainly a star leading the way. 3/5

Editor’s Song Picks:

1)      Wonderman – Featuring Ellie Goulding and produced by Labrinth

2)      Till I’m Gone – Featuring Wiz Khalifa and produced by StarGate

3)      Written in the Stars – Featuring Eric Turner and produced by iSHi

Available on CD and Digital Download