It’s a relatively structured hour, whereby the first third (which is generally strong, making an instant impression) is bookended with a final five songs that probably possess the most creativity and intricate song writing.
That doesn’t mean that HOF isn’t a consistently strong album throughout – it most certainly is – but it’s also an LP without many truly special standout moments.
It’s harsh to judge an album on songs that aren’t even on it, but “Control” and a track that was originally slated to make his sophomore until his boss hijacked it – “Clique” – are markedly superior to pretty much everything on here (save for “Fire”). And yet, one can’t help but feel this also ends up as a missed opportunity of sorts. He no longer seems in awe of his guests (who include Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Young Jeezy and Nas) he has a much more identifiable personality now, with an infinitely stronger narrative voice he’s writing actual SONGS too… Pretty much every aspect of “Hall of Fame” is a massive upgrade on his debut. On “ Finally Famous” I had some harsh words for various aspects of the album, and thankfully almost all of these points have been addressed. Obviously it wasn’t as attention grabbing as Kendrick’s name-calling behemoth, and since Jay Electronica (still) has such a groundswell of goodwill in his favour, few dared to even praise Sean’s opener.Īnd so continues that unfortunate duality on “Hall of Fame” – the battle between public perception of the Detroit MC and, dare we say, an alternate reality. One question: what the fuck was everyone listening to on “Control”? Big Sean’s verse was excellent, with a wide range of subject matter, flows, quotables aplenty and dead-on delivery. The two guests apparently “outshone” the host, effectively framing him as the ignorant party-rapper that most of the world sees him as.
The song in question is, of course, the inescapable “Control” featuring a short but sweet offering from Jay Electronica and an axis-shifting verse from Kendrick Lamar.
For Big Sean, that unfortunately reality has hit home with the unofficial release of an album cut that (allegedly) didn’t make “Hall of Fame” due to ‘sampling issues’. Public perception can play a vital role in shaping the overall viewpoint of an artist, and occasionally it can be crystallised within a single song.
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