Hall of Fame
by Big Sean
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2013
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. PopMatters
    Oct 31, 2013
    60
    Floating in a world over-saturated with hip-hop cliches, it’s not that the Detroit rapper doesn’t set himself apart from the rest of the genre’s newest, youngest and best MCs with these 15 tracks (18 for you deluxe edition fans), it’s just that he doesn’t set himself apart enough.
  2. Rolling Stone
    Aug 27, 2013
    60
    The Detroit MC gets over on congeniality and crisp delivery, even when his lyrics are pro forma.
  3. The New York Times
    Aug 26, 2013
    60
    All together, that makes Hall of Fame beautiful more often than it’s interesting, because Big Sean’s ear is working smarter than his mouth.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 92
  3. Negative: 18 out of 92
  1. ben_zo77
    Jul 23, 2014
    8
    Hall Of Fame is a huge lyrical and subject matter leap for Big Sean from his debut album. His pure rapping ability is still second-tier atHall Of Fame is a huge lyrical and subject matter leap for Big Sean from his debut album. His pure rapping ability is still second-tier at best, but if he continues to put effort into making his music more artistic Sean has a bright future in the rap game. Big Sean, in the lead-up to this album's release, said he wanted to teach and make a lasting impact on peoples' lives with this album. I can't speak for others but, personally, I think he succeeded. ~ 8.0/10

    Best tracks: "Nothing Is Stopping You", "Fire", "Beware", "MILF" (I've seen many people hate on this song because they view it as an attempt at a radio song. It's clearly a joke, and his flow and hilarious lyrics make it a great song. Also, it wasn't released as a single which indicates Sean viewed it as more of a funny story rather than an attempt at a club banger.), "Ashley" & "Guap"    … Full Review »
  2. xxtensazenxx
    Sep 1, 2013
    9
    Big Sean's first cd was not my favorite, There were a few OK songs, but overall it was a lazy cookie cutter album, that was nothing specBig Sean's first cd was not my favorite, There were a few OK songs, but overall it was a lazy cookie cutter album, that was nothing spec
    ial. This really turned me off of listing to Bis Sean. But I figured this was his first release to get himself out there. But I digress.

    Then about a year ago he released his mix tape Detroit. This album really changed my opinion of Sean. In this mix tape he really steed up his game, and i feel really found himself musically, after that i became a big fan. Then he announced his sophomore release, Hall of fame. I was very excited.

    I was scared hall of fame would be like finally famous. But I waited patiently.
    It was finally released, but i was scared after hearing MILF, i waited to listen to it...'
    But I finally got to it, and how i regret not picking it up the second it hit stores.

    With HOF he picks right up where he left off on Detroit. The album is very well done. The beats, perfect. His flow has gotten sicker, and lyrically he has gotten so much better. I like how some songs have a purpose compared to alot of rap anymore. The whole album through and through just feels complete and flows well with no hiccups (except Freaky & MILF) This really stands out from the recent rap releases.

    Just pick this up, you will not regret it. He one of the best rappers out at in this time of rap mediocrity.    … Full Review »
  3. N10
    Aug 31, 2013
    8
    I really enjoyed this one. With the "Detroit" mixtape and "Hall of Fame" I hold them as his best and also as a new bright start for the kid.I really enjoyed this one. With the "Detroit" mixtape and "Hall of Fame" I hold them as his best and also as a new bright start for the kid. Big Sean has improved, it's heard here. Lyrically got the skill up and as an artist he's gotten better. The beat selection's are crazy, top notch production and as most rapper's lacks in he dosen't choose unneccesary guest features. Rapper's such as Nas, Kid Cudi and Nicki Minaj did bring some extra fire, and the coice of singer's did bring some fine hooks and catchy meleodies. He sounds more thrilled with his sophmore, he shows all more emotion with the writing and also playing off with his more comedic side.
    Big Sean got lines, I will be having this on replay, my interest in this dude got so much bigger thanks to this. He got some tracks I'm really loving ("Fire", "First Chain", "World Ablaze" and the wonderful one "Ashley"), songs like "MILF" and "10 2 10" actually worked for me too.

    He didn't disappoint me with this, I went in with my expectations low and he really took it with honor and proud. "Hall of Fame" is for sure a better one than many mainstream album's that released over the summer. As a lyricist and especially as a songwriter, Big Sean has gotten more hungrier and focused.

    This hasn't been giving too much plays, but we'll see were this stands in some months. A top release within the mainstram scene. Go and cop it if you like it, give it a try, could be some you like. Support hip hop!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »