Big Sean returns triumphantly with his new album, “Better Me Than You.”
STREAM
TOP 5
Honorable Mention. This N That (Ft. Bryson Tiller & Kodak Black)
How the hell did Sean get Kodak Black and Bryson Tiller in the same room?
“This N That” stands out as the most intriguing track on the album. It’s built on a bass-heavy, delicate beat that you wouldn’t expect to hear rappers spit bars over, but they do, and they do it impressively. Over it, Big Sean uses a fast-paced flow with a muted tone to discuss the value of brotherhood and his disdain for backstabbers, while Bryson Tiller takes an explosive singing approach to brag about his success and progress. Lastly, Kodak Black employs a slick flow to talk about living his dreams and the money he’s made. After a few listens, this track will likely hit for you.
5. Million Pieces (Ft. Teyana Taylor, Larry June & DJ Premier)
Big Sean and Larry June have voices that come across as if they could use a strong coffee and a bit of encouragement.
Big Sean drops some real-ass lyrics on this album, but his verse on “Million Pieces” hit me the hardest. In it, he dives into the bulls**t that comes with fame and how he’s built to handle it. I love how detailed he gets, mentioning his reliance on business managers, financial advisors, and everything else. The featured guests, Teyana Taylor and Larry June, also bring their A-game. Teyana delivers a soulful chorus that cuts deep, while Larry June drops a slick verse about his major come-up. The cherry on top is DJ Premier’s smooth beat, complete with a few scratches.
4. It Is What It Is (Ft. Gunna)
What the f**k does Big Sean and Gunna have in common?
There are only a few tracks on this album where Big Sean doesn’t dive deep into introspection, and “It Is What It Is” is one of them. Instead, fueled by a booming trap beat from Turbo, Big Sean and featured guest Gunna rap about standing on business. They also do some bragging and brush off anyone trying to dampen their spirits. Their flows are a blast to listen to (Especially Sean’s, which, at times, sounds like one of Kendrick’s 5000 flows on “Euphoria”), the vibes are energetic, and the mood is anything but somber.
3. On Up
K-CI and Jojo never get credit for s**t.
Big Sean dedicates “On Up” to his young son. In the track, he speaks about seeing his inner self in him, teaching him the world’s ways, and imagining himself as an old grandfather sooner rather than later. As someone with a young son who is growing up quickly, I completely relate to him.
Interestingly, “On Up” sounds like a glorified freestyle. Over a slightly dusty, flipped version of Jodeci’s classic “Get On Up” beat, Sean delivers nothing but focused bars—no flashy chorus or bridge. In fact, I don’t even think he gets any signature punchlines or tricky wordplay off. We do get an emotional outro towards the end.
2. Who You Are (Superstar)
I have a low opinion of myself, so I’m looking for those veteran minimum chicks.
“Who You Are (Superstar)” is built on a flipped version of Usher’s “Superstar” beat. In this track, Big Sean pays tribute to his girl for being great in bed, easy on the eyes, and loyal. Despite my description, he still shows off his playa side here and there. Overall, I’m into the track’s catchy hook, Sean’s relentless flow, and his top-notch confidence.
1. Precision
This is easily one of Big Sean’s best singles.
As much as I rock with the tracks in which Big Sean is on some self-care, Dr. Sebi s**t, I think he should never forget that some of his biggest hits are on some slightly ignorant s**t. I’m proud to announce that “Precision” is slightly on some ignorant s**t. In the song, Sean makes petty gun noises, brags about the Ms in his bank, and toys with these relentless rap flows that are supposed to make you shake your head until you lose some brain cells. More than anything, this song’s beat (Which flips Three Six Mafia’s classic “Pop Your Collar” beat) and hella catchy hook will make people go nuts.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
Subscribe to get access
Read more of this content when you subscribe today.
RGM RATING
(B-) (80%)
In a world full of diss records, plot twists, JD Vances, and Venezuelan criminals, Big Sean delivers a much-needed dose of normalcy (thankfully).
Big Sean has always been a wise dude, so it’s no surprise that his words on this album hit hard. What sort of caught me off guard was how he sounded completely fed up with the nonsense that comes with fame. Instead, he doubles down on embracing a clean lifestyle surrounded by positive people, positive thoughts, and smart business decisions. Although there’s still some flexing, it feels well-earned through hard work and overcoming challenges. Listening to this project feels like hearing Sean laying it all out on his soapbox.
Big Sean can still rap his ass off after all these years. On Better Me Than You, his flows are as sharp as ever, he retains his signature wittiness, and he sticks to rapping without venturing into singing much. One thing I noticed is that he doesn’t overload tracks with forced or corny punchlines this time, which is something I definitely prefer.
The guest appearances on Better Me Than You are pretty solid. While I do wish we would’ve gotten one of the big dogs to appear on the album (J. Cole, Drake, or Kendrick) or Kanye West, I kind of like the fact that Big Sean decided to go toe to toe with artists we wouldn’t have expected him to collab with, including Gunna, Kodak Black, and Cash Cobain. At the end of the day, Sean didn’t need any of them; this album is all about him.
One thing I’d change about this album is the whining. I get that Big Sean’s natural voice can sometimes be whiny, but that doesn’t make it any easier on my ears. Listening to the album from start to finish can be a challenge because it might affect your mood. I honestly had to take breaks while listening to it (OK, now I am sounding whiny).
Moving forward, every Big Sean album feels like it could be his last.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
