When
Big Sean and
Hit-Boy released
What You Expect in October 2021, the two had a proven collaborative track record from early-2010s cuts "Freshman 10" and "Clique" extending to much of 2020's
Detroit 2. This six-track EP consolidates their alliance. It ends with the lead single "What a Life," includes the equally urgent tracks "Offense" (featuring
Babyface Ray and
42 Dugg) and "Into It," and slackens for a couple sets of
Sean's best unbothered and conversational verses in "The One" and "Loyal to a Fault" (with
Bryson Tiller and
Lil Durk in on the latter). The productions from
Hit-Boy and his varying lineup of associates mostly signal looming threat, and switch up on occasion with easy hip-hop soul. Not included: the August single "It Ain't My Fault," produced by
Hit-Boy and featuring
Big Sean but headlined by
Babyface Ray. ~ Andy Kellman