Takeaways: Big Sean, ‘Dark Sky Paradise’ 

“I Do it!” Recently, Detroit rapper Big Sean dropped his third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise. After lackadaisical sales for his sophomore effort Hall Of Fame, perhaps the old saying ‘third time’s charm’ gets it done for Big Sean this time. After listening and analyzing Dark Sky Paradise, here are eight takeaways from Sean’s latest LP.

1. His flow remains agile 

Big Sean continues to rap like a mad man at times on Dark Sky Paradise. Sometimes it’s too much, but give the dude credit for his electrifying pace. It begins on opening track “Dark Sky (Skyscrapers),” continuing on “Blessings” and throughout the course of the album. Whether his rhymes contain a lot of depth is another issue entirely, but the dude can spit, no questions asked.

2. He acknowledges his blessings

Big Sean spends an entire song (“Blessings”) dedicated to the ‘blessings’ he has been bestowed. He gets a little help from Drake as well, as he speaks of “Blessings on blessings on blessings.” He also mentions his blessings on the blunt “I Don’t F*ck With You,” when he spits, “I got a new chick that I gotta thank God for.” Amen? 

3. He gives a big ‘FU’ to past relationships

Five words: “I Don’t F*ck With You.” The song is a big FU to an ex where Big Sean doesn’t give a ‘flip’ about her in the least. “I don’t f*ck with you / you little stupid ass b*tch, I ain’t f*ckin’ with you…” – charming! By the end of the song, he acknowledges how he has gotten over her, moved on, but still doesn’t give a you-know-what about his ex. 

4. He has ‘ambition’ 

Look no further than “Paradise,” where Big Sean shows ‘tremendous’ ambition. It’s all about excess mind you, but more importantly, it’s reaping the benefits of fame. Even if Sean’s idea of “paradise” is shallow, at least he owns it.

5. He’s made mistakes 

“Win Some, Lose Some” finds Big Sean talking about his triumphs and his fails. He doesn’t ever admit to perfection, as he knows he’s made some mistakes.

6. He likes vacations 

Big Sean’s idea of a ‘vacation’ isn’t necessarily a trip to Paris, Jamaica or Aruba. No, Big Sean – with the help of pal Jhené Aiko – wants to “get it on” if you catch the drift. On “I Know” the hook goes something like this: “The way you move it’s like you could use a vacation / drink in your hand and the harder you dance / I swear right now it look like you on a vacation / gotta get away, make it happen.” 

7. He adored his grandmother

Big Sean dedicates his profanity-free “One Man Can Change the World” to his deceased grandmother, whom he obviously thought the world of. Back to the lack of profanity, Big Sean even alters his lyric from Rick Ross’ “Sanctified” – “All I wanted was a hundred million dollars and a bad chick.” If Sean’s own positive lyrics weren’t enough, he enlists Kanye West and the soulful John Legend to provide a lift.

8. He Desires Respect in the Game

Big Sean has had his share of haters, and the feel of Dark Sky Paradise is that the MC wants the respect of others. Does he deserve that respect? Of course – he offers plenty of attributes as an MC and can legitimately rap. That doesn’t mean he’s the most lyrically profound rapper, but his flow and style are more pro than con easily.