Album Review: Big Sean 'Bounces Back' with Strong Fourth Album, "I Decided"

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(G.O.O.D Music / Def Jam Recordings)

Big Sean’s 4th album, I Decided was Friday. The album cover has two men standing parallel to one another, solidifying the idea that remains throughout the album showing his old self and who he is now. The album features an intro and 13 songs that boast a collection of raps and classic hip-hop vibes.

Check out our track-by-track run through below:

"The intro" brings in an older man talking about his life, and tells a wisdom and experience to a younger demographic.

"The Light" sends the message that nothing can stop what’s inside you, and the light that inspires oneself comes from one's core. The harmonic and uplifting vibes come through to stimulate and motivate.

"Bounce Back" gives off the vibe of the unwavering persona that Big Sean encompasses and takes the skill of recovering and turns it into a fresh radio hit. The verses put across the skill and expertise of fusing the rap with a catchy energy.

"No Favors" brings in esteemed rapper, Eminem, who joins Big Sean on the song. The dynamic between him and Sean plays throughout. His laid back verses seem to contrast nicely with Eminem’s mile a minute and belligerent words. The song personifies the idea of getting to where a person is without a helping hand.

"Jump Out The Window" is a chill song, that provides a laid-back vibe. The song is about a guy who can’t seem to get a girl, so he’s ready to move on.

“Moves" is another radio friendly single as it explores all that Big Sean has to offer. From his progress in the industry, to what a female presence has to offer, is all discussed in the song.

"Timing is everything," and it shows in Big Sean’s “Same Time Pt.1” which takes listeners on a tour of two people that unite over and over again. The track also features Jhene Aiko of Twenty88, the duo Sean belongs to with Jhene. 

"Owe Me," the piano led song tells the story of a girl that was involved with the rapper, who didn’t fulfill all that he wanted, and who is now trying to reenter his life. The relationship seems to be volatile, and plays into the back and forth feeling of the lyrics and rhythm. The song gets put on hold at the end by a paparazzi reporter who seems to be trying to figure out what the relationship is between the two people.

"Halfway off the Balcony" makes as a smooth melody of beats and verses. The intense track, covers and talks about the challenges of being an artist in this day and age. It explores themes like the temptation of being in artificial relationships over platonic ones, upholding the image that parents have in their minds, and keeping a stable mind in the music industry. The song ends with a voice ignoring the call from his mother, because he is too busy.

"Voices In My Head/ Stick To The Plan” showcases Big Sean going on about the various speakers in his brain, that tell him various distractions and thoughts on actions he has done or is going to do. The song covers a mental overload and it translates to a relatable and comprehensive exploration of the mental psyche.

The song “Sunday Morning Jetpack,” is a feel good tune that shows how grateful Big Sean is. He recalls old memories, chanting about the nostalgia and how it has stuck with him.

Big Sean talks about his extremely impactful mother in “Inspire Me.” The ‘son-to-mother’ song shows a real authenticity and almost seems like the listener is hearing a beautiful letter of love and appreciation to his mother.

“Inspiration” features acclaimed rap group Migos, including heated production and heated verses that talk about all the forfeits the artists have made to make this music.

The last song on the album, “Bigger Than Me” featuring The Flint Chosen Choir & Starrah, is a personal favorite. The soulful performance puts forward a realization theme of everything being left up to a larger force. The choir and Starrah round out the song and deliver powerful and pleasurable sound. The song’s ending features a voice recording from a cellphone talk with Big Sean and his mom, relating and appreciating one another.

I Decided is a strong contender for one of the best projects the Detroit-rapper has released. On each track, Big Sean proves he is not to be reckoned with. Leading the album with the previous release of singles “Bounce Back” and “Moves,” the bar was set high, and it does in fact live up to the expectations. 

Big Sean is hitting the road this Spring! See tour dates below:

Album Review: Big Sean & Jhene Aiko Release Joint Album "TWENTY88"

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(Def Jam Recordings)

Big Sean and Jhené Aiko have made their debut as TWENTY88 with the release of their collaborative self-titled project TWENTY88. It is an eight-song album that incorporates both of their artistic voices throughout each track. Aiko comes from an R&B background that brings smoothness and girly qualities to the songs, while Big Sean has lighter rap vocals that create a complimentary male presence. The cover art of the project is a close up on both artists’ faces, demonstrating that this is their collaborative voice, and this is real. Both artists have been good friends for years, and it’s exciting to see them branch out as a duo.

“2 Minute Warning” is one track on the album that features other artists as well as the duo itself. K-Ci, JoJo & Detail feature in “2 Minute Warning.” The chorus of the song that Aiko sings has a choral quality to it with backup singers that creates a preachy quality that the other songs do not possess. She repeatedly sings, “It’s a two minute warning, and I know that you’re horny.” The song is sexual like many of the other songs on the project; the tension between the duo is felt through what the lyrics state. Big Sean’s rapping tempo speeds up throughout the verses, demonstrating the qualities of his artistic talent that have created his rising stardom. 

“Déjà Vu” is a song on the project that holds a very slow tempo discussing the feelings between the two voices that used to hook up. It is a “DTR (Define The Relationship)” Moment; two friends who are figuring out their feelings because they miss each other and what they used to have. It is a catch-up moment as well as a reminiscence of an old hook up that might actually still care about each other. Aiko sings, “Does it ever occur to you that you told me you love me, then you turned around to your homies and told them we were just f*cking?” The girl’s voice is coming from a place of confusion, while the male voice is also reconsidering his past decision-making. The song holds a good place in today’s society where romantic situations like that are prevalent. The slow tempo of the song adds to the emotion between the two singers.

TWENTY88 has officially made their debut with their TWENTY88 project. It is a mix of R&B and light rap of Big Sean and Aiko, creating a cool and easy-to-listen-to vibe throughout all eight songs. 

Big Sean and Jhene Aiko Announce Joint Project

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(Def Jam Recordings)

In what seems to be a trend (2 Chainz & Lil Wayne with Collegrove), hip hop and R&B superstars Big Sean and Jhene Aiko announced Sunday night they will be joining forces under the name "Twenty88" to release a joint EP.  The duo released the cover art, a close up of both artists' faces, on Instagram tonight. The exact details around the nature of the collaboration is up for debate. However, what is known to the public is that it will include some well-kept-secret music that will incorporate two very different styles of the hip-hip industry.

Check out previews of the project below: 

Photos: Real 92.3's Birthday Bash Concert Pulls Out All Stops at The Forum

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DJ Khaled & Snoop Dogg at 92.3's Birthday Bash Concert at The Forum in Inglewood, CA (Gibson Dintersmith/Roman's Rap-Up).

On Sunday night, one of the most legendary concerts of the year took place at the Forum in Inglewood, California. Radio station-92.3 followed up November's “The Real 92.3 Show” with another packed lineup, including Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Fetty Wap, DJ Khaled, Omarion, and OT Genasis. As has become typical for 92.3 events, there were plenty of surprise guests, the highlights being Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, YG, and Travis Scott. The energy built the entire night, culminating with an epic set by Nicki Minaj that had the crowd going crazy. 92.3 shows are always exciting, and this event was definitely no exception.

Concert Review: Big Sean Brings Sold-Out Show to Rhode Island in Support of "Dark Sky Paradise"

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(Twitter.com)

(Twitter.com)

     Big Sean arrived in Providence, RI Friday night as part of his latest tour to a sold-out crowd of thousands at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel. The popular Detroit MC released his most recent album, Dark Sky Paradise, in February of this year. This third studio album became his first number 1 hit on the charts, quickly rising to the top of the Billboard 200, with 173,000 copies sold in the first week.

    Lighting up the crowd before the main performance were Justine Skye and Casey Veggies, two artists who made it big as teenagers. Skye started her career as a Tumblr-user at the tender age of 16 in Brooklyn, New York. She quickly gained fame over the last 3 years by playing to her solid fan base. Veggies, a 21-year-old L.A. native, has released 5 independent record label mixtapes since 2007 under L.A. clothing and management company Peas and Carrots. These two artists pumped up the crowd and kept them entertained until it was time for Big Sean’s arrival. 

    Coming on stage to a crowd already singing, dancing, and hyped up for his appearance, Big Sean filled the room with excitement. Opening with “Paradise,” the crowd quickly became engaged in singing along while he took over the stage. Big Sean did not stick to just his newer songs, however, also breaking out some old crowd favorites from previous albums, such as “Mercy,” “Burn,” “Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay,” “Clique,” and “My Last.” Not once did he lose the attention of the captivated audience, which didn't hesitate to carry on rapping along with the well-known lyrics. 

    Continuing on with songs from Dark Sky Paradise, he performed “Win Some, Lose Some,” “Research,” and “Blessings.”  One biggest crowd favorites, “IDFWU,” appeared near the end of the show. The energy in the room remained intense, with hands waving in the air. Wrapping up with “Outro,” Big Sean left the audience still wanting more. 

    Big Sean's performance in Rhode Island was one of many stops on his Dark Sky Paradise tour, with most of the shows quickly sold-out. Entrancing his listeners with his smooth vocals and up-tune beats, this artist’s shows are ones to not be missed. Big Sean never disappoints his fans.