Feb 2, 2017This was originally up on the SXN80 blog, I figure I might as well share it here again since his next album is about to drop. Wrote this almost two years ago and don't necessarily agree with all of what I wrote at this point, but I think my general conclusion still stands. We'll find out tonight tomorrow, anyway:
Beyond artists like Pusha T & Q-Tip, who had already established their careers prior to signing to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music imprint, it’s sometimes hard to understand why West signs who he signs. For as focused as he is at fine-tuning each-and-every aspect of each-and-every album he has a hand in, you wouldn’t think seemingly one-trick ponies like Big Sean or Kid Cudi (well, maybe not "seemingly" in regard to the latter) would be in his wheelhouse.
On a lot of levels, Big Sean seems like a rapper who would be more at home among some of the lesser Young Money artists. While he has a knack for putting out catchy singles and is likely the most-featured guest artist this side of 2 Chainz, he’s never really been the type of rapper you would think could hold your attention for a full-length album. But considering Big Sean first made contact with West in 2005 and was subsequently signed in 2007 after being brought along the road during the recording of Graduation (yes, you read correctly: Big Sean has been on G.O.O.D. since “Stronger” and before Kid Cudi), it’s clear West saw untapped potential in him.
Unlike Cudder, who established his signature sound and quickly stumbled into obscurity through awful side-projects, Sean seems to be only recently figuring out how to best utilize his style in constructing an album. Though he’s been in the mainstream for nearly five years at this point, we have to remember that he’s still young: at 26-years old, Sean is around the same age that Jay Z, Eminem, and Yeezy himself were when they put out their debut albums (big ups to Nas for creating the quintessential rap album before he was old enough to vote, but not everyone crafts their Illmatic at age 17).
While the general subject matter is fairly similar to that of Big Sean’s previous two albums (lacking fame and attention from women; gaining aforementioned fame and attention from women), Dark Sky Paradise feels like his first legitimate attempt at constructing a singular piece of work, rather than just a collection of songs. Even the bonus tracks fit the overall mood and aesthetic of the album—“Platinum and Wood” ends with the same quote that the album begins with, (“Sean, it’s good to be home, isn’t it?”) implying they’re possibly intended to be a sort of epilogue. As questionable of a title as Dark Sky Paradise might be (let’s not forget that Kanye West’s magnum opus is called My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy), the name really does ring true to the album’s atmosphere. For as much fun as Sean is having throughout, it’s evident that he’s been wrestling with a lot of stress. While his demons of fame might not be of the same caliber as Eminem or Kanye West or even Drake, Dark Sky Paradise marks the first time in Big Sean’s discography where he’s successful in making you give a d--- about what he has to say. Perhaps the most poignant description of Sean’s state of mind throughout the album comes early on in the record, in the opening lines of “Blessed”: "f--- a vacay I feel better at work."
Regardless of what you think of Big Sean’s music, he’s an undeniably hard worker, which is likely something that West respected about him in the first place. It’s easy to tell that Sean put a lot of effort into every facet of Dark Sky Paradise, including improving upon aspects that he usually isn’t reveled for, such as his technical ability. From the pyrotechnics of the second verse of “Paradise” to his best E-40 imitation on “I Don’t f--- With You,” he demonstrates a previously-absent versatility in the flow department. Considering Sean’s track record of dropping verses that sound like they were recorded over the wrong instrumental, his success in this regard is a welcomed addition.
Dark Sky Paradise is feature-heavy, but it’s much more Sir Lucious Left Foot than it is Jesus Piece. That is, for the most part, the featured guests serve an actual purpose in accentuating the song and crafting the album’s overall sound, rather than just taking up space and putting the quality of the album on other people’s shoulders. Features seem to be picked carefully, likely in an effort to keep the album from becoming too bloated. Considering how bogged down with filler Hall of Fame was, it seems Sean went to great lengths in keeping the album as succinct as possible.
Unfortunately, a few misfires keep the record from reaching its full potential. The Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign-assisted “Play No Games” (why anyone continues to work with a human as deplorable as Chris Brown remains a mystery) serves as an extraneous epilogue to “I Don’t f--- With You,” where Sean takes notes from Drake and raps about how he always responds to his girl’s texts. The juxtaposition with “I Don’t f--- With You” might have worked if the song was any good, but as it stands, its only purpose is to interrupt the flow of the mostly great four track run that opens the album. In a similar fashion, “Win Some, Lose Some” unnecessarily shoves the album’s thesis in the listener’s face, which is especially insulting considering the album’s narrow subject matter.
Despite two mediocre songs crippling the flow of an otherwise enjoyable album, Dark Sky Paradise is Big Sean’s most competent and concise release to date. Though it may not be remembered as a classic, here’s to hoping it marks a turning point for the better in his career. If the amount of sheer joy and confidence that radiates throughout the album’s "Outro" is any indication, there’s a good chance that Sean will continue to grow.
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Nov 17, 2016
The weeknd x kendrick lamar
When did abel start doing comedy?Poohdini, VR46, MirandaKerrUCouldRlyGetIt and 13 others like this.Mar 30, 2026(This ad goes away when signing up) -
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Sep 8, 2016
![[IMG]](https://66.media.tumblr.com/de60458acec85fff6aa3cbcaf8d4405e/tumblr_nwbx6xdMDY1skowm4o1_500.jpg)
01. The Hooch
02. Yeah Yeah (feat. Young Thug)
03. Money Power Respect
04. Safe (Millions) (feat. Jeremih)
05. Hot Sauce (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR)
06. Pour Up
07. 3 Wayz
08. Dinosaurus
09. Home (feat. Roscoe Dash)
10. Party Till
11. Fish N Grits (feat. Wale)
12. Black Mass (Radio Rip)
13. Raw Raw (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)
14. Last Time (feat. Gucci Mane)
15. 3 Wayz (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
16. Myles (Demo Version)
17. Joyride (feat. Tinashe)
18. Loudah (Demo Version)
19. Pick Up The Phone OG (feat. Starrah & Young Thug)
20. The Hooch (Original Demo)
21. FML OG (feat. Kanye West & The Weeknd)
Download: Zippyshare
Coverart by E.S. Design
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Aug 22, 2016
This isn't a TPAB overrate thread. I actually believe this. These different sounds. These spoken words. These melodies.
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Aug 18, 2016
![[IMG]](http://i.imgur.com/eYGDcPP.png)
this comes with the date she posted before
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May 21, 2016
So that crazy MFer named Ice Cube is one of my favorite rappers OAT so I thought I'd follow the trend and make a list of my favorite songs
Maybe this'll help other people get into his music as well. Idk.
Three or four of these songs might be super obvious and you probably already guessed them before even reading this.
If you want to get mentioned, like this post.
Also why top eleven? Because I like to rip off other people and go one step beyond.
Number Eleven:
Once Upon A Time In The Projects, Amerikkka's Most Wanted
Honestly, this is my favorite song on Cube's 1990 debut, and a great example of his storytelling capabilities.
Number Ten:
Picosong
Number 10 goes to the third track on his 1993 album, Lethal Injection. In this loose storytelling track over a banging and catchy QDIII beat, Cube describes his adventures and eventual fleeing from a police helicopter. This is my favorite track on the album, and what really made me a fan.
"Motherfuck you and your punk a--- ghetto bird"
Number Nine:
Full song on Daily Motion
A strong opening track off his underrated 1998 effort War & Peace Vol. 1
Featuring guest vocals from Mr. Short Khop over an aggressive T-Mix beat, Cube raps about his power, influence and hustle.
Number Eight:
You knew it was gonna be on the list.
Shortly after leaving the group, N.W.A. released an EP in 1990 titled 100 Miles And Runnin. In the first track of the same name, they drop little disses towards Cube, such as:
Started with five and, yo, one couldn't take itAnd later on the song Real N-ggaz;
So now there's four cause the fifth couldn't make it
Click to expand...
But weak muthafuckas biting off and they kept eatingAmong other lines.
Styles that kept them full of bull
Cause the vocals were local in nightclubs and not getting paid in full
They got the nerve to cuss
Click to expand...
Only reason n----s pick up your record is cause they thought it was us
Click to expand...
We started out wit too much cargo
So I'm glad we got rid of Benedict Arnold
Click to expand...
The following year, Ice Cube dropped his second studio album Death Certificate which contained a track titled No Vaseline.
Produced by Sir Jinx, Ice Cube goes tf off on them, dropping a lot of quotable lines, and counters the disses on N.W.A.'s song.
With lines like;
First you was down with the AKIt was clear that Cube had the upper hand.
And now I see you on a video with Michel'le
Looking like straight Bozos
I saw it coming, that's why I went solo
And kept on stomping
While y'all mothafuckers moved straight outta Compton
Click to expand...
Now let's play big-bank-take-little-bank
Tried to diss Ice Cube, it wasn't worth it
Cause the broomstick fit your a--- so perfect
Click to expand...
Number Seven:
So today as I was listening to my favorite Scarface album, The Diary released in '94, I realized how underrated Ice Cube's verse is. I apologize if you feel this shouldn't count since it's not Cube's song, but I feel like it should get some more recognition than it gets. Both Scarface and Cube k--- their verses over a beat made by N.O. Joe, Mike Dean, Uncle Eddie and Scarface. The hook, sung by Devin The Dude is also phenomenal.
You best to free your mind
Before I free my nine
And stop f---ing with Devoid of Pop
Or feel my hot rocks
b---, b---, boom boom, ping ping I'm the black
White boys got a magazine and don't kow how to act
I'll attack and make you vomit
Down with Khalid Abdul Muhammad
Do he got a brother, I'm it now
I'm the illest
Wanna k--- this house n-gga Don Cornelius
Can you feel this?
You punk n-ggas make me sick
Sucking on the devil's d-ck
Scared of revolution
Need to start douching
Houston is the place
I caught a case
Them MFers tried to put a scar on my face
But I bust two times to the gut
Do the Reverend Calvin Butts
Got a pair of nuts?
I started this gangsta s--- in '86
Now you dissing me
For publicity
Isn't he a ho to the third degree
Who me
I'm a G who like to scrap-a-lot
Down with Rap-A-Lot
And I can't stop, won't stop
So f--- Bill and Hillary
Ice Cube their ain't no killing me
Ice Cube, Scarface
Dropping on these selling out n-ggas, doing it like this...
Click to expand...
Number Six:
Another song that you could already guess would make the list.
I'll be honest, I don't like the original version on the 1992 album The Predator. The remix is the version I grew up with and I love the Grandmaster Flash beat
The first verse alone is has some of my favorite lyrics of all time:
No I'm not a sucka, sittin' in a house of pain
And no I'm not the butler, I'll cut ya
Head butt ya, you say you can't touch this
And I wouldn't touch ya, punk MFa
Here to let you know boy, oh boy
I make dough but don't call me Dough Boy
This ain't no kinda motion picture
Click to expand...
Number Five:
Surprising, right?
So yeah, another song that would obviously make the cut. It's one of his most well known songs, and is personally one of my favorite songs of all time. I don't even need to say anything. It speaks for itself.
Number Four:
An absolute b-----r off his underrated 2008 album Raw Footage. Over a bouncy EmBeatz beat, Cube, WC and Game all drop fire verses.
Number Three:
From that hard beat by Hallway Productionz to the gun shots in the background, Ice Cube makes it clear he's on top of the game, and all these other rappers are his "children".
Plus any song that uses one of Biggie's most iconic lyrics as a relevant hook is okay in my books.
Number Two:
Track three on his classic 1991 album, Death Certificate.
Another example of great storytelling, he details a tale of traveling to St. Louis due to the police cracking down on the d--- dealers back in L.A. to continue their operation.
Number one:
I'll be honest, my top pick has changed more than a dozen times since I originally wrote it. A couple days ago I managed to pick two songs, When Will They s---t and this. After listening to them back to back extensively, I've decided to settle on Dead Homiez from his 1990 EP, k--- At Will
Over a somber beat apparently made by Cube himself, Cube reminisces about all the friends he's lost.
I remember we painted our names on the wall for fun
Now it's "Rest in Peace" after every one
Except me, but I ain't the one to front
Seems like I'm viewin' a body after every month
Last edited: Jun 13, 2016Mar 30, 2026(This ad goes away when signing up) -
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![[IMG]](http://images.rapgenius.com/e0bfb6b6b24707d44de8b98638856a4b.1000x1000x1.jpg)
![[IMG]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CvAfUULWYAAGpLo.jpg:large)
