What You Expect cover

Released 5 years ago this October

What You Expect

Big Sean · 2021

18 min · 6 tracks · pop rap

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and infectious beats, showcasing Big Sean's growth as an artist.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Chaos Start here — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its energetic beat and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal struggles and triumphs.
  • →
    Loyal to a Fault — This track features a compelling narrative about trust and betrayal, showcasing Sean's storytelling ability against a backdrop of smooth production.
  • →
    What a Life — The infectious hook and upbeat tempo make this song a standout, emphasizing themes of celebration and resilience in the face of challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong production and lyrical variety, though it doesn't significantly redefine its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the last three shift to more reflective themes and slower beats.
  • Each track features a prominent hook, often repeated, which emphasizes the infectious nature of the production.
  • Lyrically, Big Sean alternates between introspective verses and confident declarations, creating a dynamic flow throughout the EP.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • short energetic bursts throughout
  • catchy anthems for celebration
  • introspective moments amidst fun
  • for upbeat gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long immersive albums
  • seek slow reflective tempos

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases growth but isn't a primary highlight in his discography.
Themes
Midwest ambition· personal struggles· trust and betrayal
Career context
What You Expect is Big Sean's first collaborative project with Hit-Boy, following his 2020 album Detroit 2. This release marks a significant moment in Sean's career as he explores new sonic territories while maintaining his signature lyrical style. The collaboration emphasizes a fresh approach after years of established solo work.
Stylistic neighbors
J. Cole· Drake· Wale

Tracklist

  • 1 Chaos Start here 3:00
  • 2 Into It 3:10
  • 3 The One 2:26
  • 4 Loyal to a Fault 4:03
  • 5 Offense 3:15
  • 6 What a Life 2:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata