After Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper and J. Cole turned in popular narrative albums this past year, Big Sean finally joined the party. Chronicling his exponential rise in popularity, “Hall of Fame” uses superior producing, mainly by No I.D., and thoughtful song syntax to create a catchy, cohesive album that downplays his usual, depthless lyrics.

Big Sean, who is from Detroit and signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Records, announced “Hall of Fame” in January, but the eagerness for perfection delayed the release until Aug. 27. Audiences were compromised with several single releases and a tour, causing patient lust for his second studio album. All that longevity could have been for naught if Big Sean let out a dud, but by putting his kooky spin on the typical cliché story of turning dreams to reality he avoided the sophomore slump fans are accustomed to hearing from young vocalists. Using catchphrases like “boi,” and “d-town,” Sean refuses to shy away from his bizarre modus operandi, but he also steps into new light and tells a story in the album that intrigues purist rap fans.

While select songs are grossly simplistic such as “10 2 10” and “World Ablaze,” the album functions well and is far better than his debut album release “Finally Famous.” In the song “Ashley,” featuring Miguel, Big Sean’s strength of capturing the sexual and emotional appeals of love shines. But the clear highlight of “Hall of Fame” comes from “Nothing is Stopping You” and “Fire” which happen to be the first two tracks of the album. Maybe it’s because of the struggle he endured in Detroit, or because of the way his inspirational mind works, but either way, Big Sean can illustrate the grind of becoming successful better than any other rapper. “Nothing is Stopping You” depicts the nervousness of undiscovered rappers searching for their big break, and “Fire” truthfully portrays glimpses of the fear of being forgotten.

For Sean, “Hall of Fame” has been his best project. His growth is eminent, and while lyrically Sean remains far from genius, he immerses himself in his grind and his goofiness, his two best subject matters.

3.5/5