Big Sean finally released the highly anticipated sixth studio album, Better Me Than You. It’s already talking. Released on August 30, 2024, the album varies from a cheeky tribute to pop sensation Harry Styles to Sean’s ability to fold deeply personal reflections with contemporary cultural references.
Big Sean references Harry Styles in new song from his new album, ‘BETTER ME THAN YOU.’ PIC.TWITTER.COM/MJOLFSUDP1
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) AUGUST 31, 2024
Big Sean’s new project, which he described as his most ambitious work, comprises 21 tracks running over an hour. With features from Gunna, Teyana Taylor, and Charlie Wilson, the album is a deep tapestry of sounds and emotions. Harry Styles’s guest appearance on one of the sets brings fresh modernity to it.
One of the standout moments in the album is when Big Sean references Harry Styles. It’s not just a casual mention; it’s a creative nod that adds a layer of relatability and modernity to his storytelling.
This lyrical shout-out isn’t the only connection between Big Sean and Harry Styles. At a point in their careers, both artists crossed paths when they performed at Coachella.
The stars both appeared at the festival in 2022 when Big Sean playfully referred to their disparity in performance fees despite having drawn crowds of similar sizes. It was one of those teasingly rival moments when Sean comically acknowledged that Styles was paid more. Instead of bitterness, this tells of friendly competition, which is sometimes characteristic of the music world.
In a recent interview, Big Sean discussed the creation process of this album. According to him, “Better Me Than You” reflects his life at this very moment, where he is going through paths of self-improvement and not giving up easily. “I’m at a point in my life where I just let things happen when they’re supposed to happen,” he revealed as he approached the album. His rhymes go deep with personal battles and victories; listeners will be told through the story.
The themes in the album are self-discovery, relationships, and mental health, which people can easily relate to. “I wanted to make something those listening could relate to,” Sean said. “Like, the mention of Harry Styles is just a part of that; it’s about living in this moment and being cognizant of what’s happening around us.”.
His enthusiasm for the album isn’t subtle. He even credits his mom for encouraging him through his fears regarding the project’s release. ‘She said, ‘Get excited! Your album is fire!'” he remembered during an Instagram Live session that surely helped him boost his confidence with the release date looming.
Better Me Than You is more than just an album; it narrates the growth of Big Sean into a man and an artist. Heartfelt tracks on love, ambition, and the struggle with fame make for a relatable, empowering listen. The standout track features a special appearance by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on “Break the Cycle,” with a heartfelt message about being a father that perfectly aligns with the album theme.
The music video for the single “Yes” gives a deeply personal insight into Big Sean’s familial life as it documents a day in the life of his son, Noah Hasani. This personal touch gives more depth to the album and allows the fans to see another side of the artist.
While Better Me Than You has been the talk of the town in the music scene, Big Sean isn’t stopping making his mark in it. From the powerful lyrics to the light-hearted reference to Harry Styles and the deeply personal dive into his experiences, this album surely echoes through to both old and new fans. Simultaneously, the friendly competition with Styles pushes the bar for this interest in his story because it shows that respect and fun have a place in the music world amidst rivalries.
