By Nandee Mignon

Columnist

‘Fan of a Fan’-Chris Brown & Tyga

The album “Fan of a Fan” was anticipated by fans since the release of Chris Brown and Tyga’s first mixtape with the same title released in 2010.

The mixtape was a great combination of fun and honest lyrics, with catchy choruses and clever word play.

Despite there being years between the two bodies of music, and two years between the second mixtape and the album, listeners expected the album to be the same kind of concoction. However, it was the total opposite. There was not a single difference between the underlying beat of any of these songs – with the exception of “Westside,” and “Remember Me.”

In terms of the lyrics, there wasn’t much thought or creativity put into the context of the meaning of the words. “Rolling Stone” commented of the fact that when Chris and Tyga were presented to the world as a unit, they were perceived as pals. However, the lyrics make them out to be enablers: “A true pal would have responded to lines like ‘She’ll cook and clean, I got it made/Handcuffed like she a slave’” Tyga said on the narcissistic sex fantasy “Remember Me.”

Overall, the album received a general score of 2/5 stars. Compared to other music, and considering the amount of time they had to comprise the album, it should have been a 5/5 all the way through.

‘Dark Sky Paradise ’ – Big Sean

Not too far off, rapper Big Sean released his third album on the same day as “Fan of a Fan.” Entitled “Dark Sky Paradise,” the album was a mix of borrowed styles of rap, with his own twist on each. 

This album is a combination of other rappers’ tricks. Big Sean uses Drake’s slow-crawl sadness from “Win Some, Lose Some,” and he takes Kanye West’s blend of racial politics and puns, like: “Tryna get that hotel money, but you know those crackers ain’t gonna let you get the Ritz.”

He also uses South Carolina rapper J. Cole’s, “I’m really happy to be here” vibe. Nonetheless, Big Sean still tries to place way too many words into his bars/verse, and his punchline game is not successful. In all he’s only getting better with time.