Big Sean – Hall of Fame (2013) – Review

Review: Big Sean is a talented but polarizing MC due to his delivery. For his fans, he is a skilled and funny lyrist, but for others he is nothing more than a punch line rapper whose voice sounds too poppy.

With Hall of Fame, Big Sean’s second studio release, he tries to both give his fans want they want, while still making an album that is relevant in today’s hip hop market. To that end, the album succeeds. It is a stronger release than Finally Famous (but only marginally). More than the body of work here, Sean seems to have grown as an artist and lyrist. He spends a large portion of this album actually telling stories and speaking about who he is and where he comes from in a much more inviting manner. The album feels personal and not just generic punch lines and stunting.

Musically, Big Sean has good chemistry with producers No ID and Key Wane, who handle most of the album’s production. While there are not really any standout tracks that just pop, overall Hall of Fame is good sonically. The beats fit Sean’s style. In terms of featured guests, the album has an okay mix, highlighted by NaS and Kid Cudi, but really most of the guesses add nothing. Sadly, what could have been the album’s best track with wonderful guests – Control featuring Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronic – did not make the cut due to licensing issues.

While Hall of Fame is probably not going to win Big Sean any new fans, it is a good pop hip hop album that is worth checking out for those who like the GOOD Music brand. 3/5

Essential Tracks:

1)      Guap – Produced by Key Wane and Young Chop

2)      10 2 10 – Produced by No ID

3)      First Chain – Produced by No ID and Key Wane, featuring NaS and Kid Cudi

Available on: Digital Download

Pusha T – Wrath of Caine Mixtape (2013) – Review

Review: Pusha T is ready to drop his first solo LP My Name Is My Name, but first he though we might all enjoy a mixtape. And, he was right, as Wrath of Caine is quite good. Building off the success of his Fear of God mixtape and Fear of God II: Let Us Pray EP from 2012, Pusha T has certainly put himself among the top MCs right now, and probably Kanye West’s best artist on his G.O.O.D. Music label. My Name Is My Name is one of the most anticipated hip hop releases of 2013.

Wrath of Caine finds Pusha T lyrically doing his normal thing, rapping about slinging cocaine with his great and easily recognizable ab-libs and religious imagery. Sure, maybe it is a little tired, but his word play, flow, and lyrical dexterity are fantastic making his raps delightful and engaging regardless. He also has a number of strong features, including Rick Ross, Wale, and his Re-Up Gang mate Ab-Liva.

Musically, Wrath of Caine is solid, with a street and reggae feel. It does not have that much flair, but it is only a mixtape and one would imagine that Pusha T is saving the best stuff for his album. That said, Southside, The Renegades, Young Chop, The Neptunes, Boogz N Tapez, Jake-One, and Bink! all provide good beats.

Even though this is just a prelude to his upcoming album, Wrath of Caine is better than most hip hop LPs and well worth checking out. 3/5

Essential Tracks:

1)      Blocka – Produced by Young Chop, featuring Popcaan and Travis Scott

2)      Millions – Produced by Southside, featuring Rick Ross

3)      Only You Can Tell It – Produced by Boogz N Tapez, featuring Wale

Available on: Digital Download