ALBUM REVIEW: Big Sean ‘What You Expect’ — 9 out of 10

Sports Editor Will Lyons reviews the Detroit-native’s mixtape project, while addressing the nuance of Big Sean’s bars, cadence, and unique style.

Big Sean is taking what we in the sports world call “The Leap.” He has found that perfect blend of lyrics, subject matter and ear for production that maximizes the aforementioned gifts. ‘What You Expect’ gifts us another collaborative effort between Sean and Grammy Award-winning producer Hit-Boy. The last time the two linked was on the stand-out project ‘Detroit 2' one of the better projects released in 2020.

W.Y.E is a 6 song EP that grabs your attention as soon as you press play. Super-producer Hit-Boy is in a lane all his own — crafting each instrumental perfectly for Sean’s rapid fire flow. The first track ‘Chaos’ is a perfect example of the rapper’s abilities; blending subject matter over attention grabbing beats. Sean discusses his prowess at making money, proving doubters wrong and reaching his potential. ‘Into It’ is where Hip-hop legend and frequent Hit-Boy collaborator Nas shares his thoughts on disingenuous contact before Big Sean goes nuclear over another dope Hit-Boy production (the church organ in the background really makes this one special).

‘The One’ is an amazing track from the bars down to the change-of-pace instrumental and super dope SWV sample.

In ‘Loyal to a Fault’ Sean has an honest verse and chorus.

“Hate when what I wanted ain’t the same as what I needed to do, all the good ones I passed on I was leavin’ for you…” Sean raps on the track featuring Lil Durk and Bryson Tiller. The record is decent, but it could have done without the Lil Durk feature as another verse from Sean could’ve really added that extra something to make it a special track.

“‘Offense’ featuring Babyface Ray and 42 Dugg is dope from the standpoint that it is an all Detroit record. But it’s the one song you could probably do without.

Last but not least — ‘What A Life’ — a victory lap of sorts for the Detroit native. The chorus says it all “Only get one life, swear I almost died twice, I went platinum three times, what a life.” Sean lets you know just how much he as overcome to reach the point he is at in his life and his career.

All in all, W.Y.E serves as an amazing step into the next phase of Sean’s career. Most recently, the rapper announced he has parted ways with G.O.O.D Music after 14 years with the label.

Sean is officially on his own label taking the final step into the “Don life” he so frequently references in his music. The EP earns a 9 out of 10 just missing out on a perfect score due to the “Offense” track and the Lil Durk feature.

This is a strong indication of what we can expect from Big Sean in the next chapter of his career.