Big Sean Releases New Album Better Me Than You

Big Sean’s latest album, Better Me Than You, marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing personal growth, maturity, and a deeper sense of self-awareness. Released in August 2024, the 21-track project dives into introspective themes such as fatherhood, generational trauma, and self-reflection, reflecting the rapper’s evolution both personally and artistically.

One of the standout tracks, “Million Pieces,” features soulful contributions from Teyana Taylor and DJ Premier, offering a contemplative look at the pressures of fame and success. Big Sean raps about the toll of wealth and the emotional weight of his journey, highlighting a shift from his earlier, more lighthearted work. Tracks like “On Up” and “Break the Cycle” similarly delve into themes of generational wealth and social justice, signaling his maturity as both a lyricist and a person​.

Musically, the album is a mix of soulful samples and 90s-inspired beats, thanks to production from heavyweights like DJ Premier and collaborations with artists such as Thundercat, Gunna, and Cash Cobain. Tracks like “Black Void” push Big Sean into new creative territories, while others, like “Who You Are (Superstar),” lean back into his earlier style, blending introspection with elements of braggadocio​.

Despite the strong themes, the album isn’t without flaws. Critics note that its length—over an hour—leads to some inconsistency, with certain tracks feeling like filler. Collaborations such as “This N That” featuring Bryson Tiller and Kodak Black fail to live up to expectations, leaving some parts of the album feeling underwhelming.

Overall, Better Me Than You is a strong reflection of Big Sean’s continued growth, with introspective highs that demonstrate his evolution, though occasional missteps prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The tracklist for the album is as follows:

1. Pressure (Intro) 
2. Iconic
3. Typecast 
4. Break the Cycle ft. Charlie Wilson
5. Who You Are (Superstar) 
6. Yes
7. It Is What It Is ft. Gunna
8. Apologize ft. Eryn Allen Kane
9. Clarity (skit)
10. On Up
11. Something ft. Syd
12. Black Void ft. Thundercat and Eryn Allen Kane 
13. This N That ft. Bryson Tiller & Kodak Black
14. Million Pieces ft. Teyana Taylor, Larry June and DJ Premier
15. Get You Back ft. Cash Cobain
16. Certified ft. Nasaan
17. Focus (skit) 
18. Boundaries 
19. Precision 
20. My Life ft. Ellie Goulding / Happiness (skit)
21. Together Forever ft. Alchemist (bonus)
22. Yes (vinyl version)
23. Million Pieces ft. Tish Hyman and Larry June (vinyl version)