Establishing a rap career is hard to do. In reality, most die suddenly, and not too long ago it looked as if rapper Big Sean’s 2011 break might drift away early. Sean’s existence as a rapper was more acknowledged than appreciated, but it was undeniable that he had potential. Now, Billboard.com has reported that the Detroit native has grabbed his first No. 1 spot on the Billboard top 200 chart with his new album “Dark Sky Paradise,” released Feb. 24.

The album is Big Sean’s third since 2011. It was released through a joint label collaboration of GOOD Music and Def Jam Records. Big Sean has already topped his previous two album sales moving 173,000 copies in its first week. This was enough to edge out Kid Rock who came in with the No. 2 album on the charts with 146,000 copies sold.

On most days I like Big Sean, but I’ve always preferred his mix tapes over his albums. Give me “Finally Famous Vol. 3” over “Finally Famous” the album, and “Detroit” over “Hall of Fame.” Big Sean’s aforementioned “Hall of Fame” didn’t live up to the hype from his fans and was overshadowed by his personal relationship problems. “Dark Sky Paradise” has that same feeling.

“Dark Sky Paradise” consists of 12 or 15 tracks, depending on whether you purchase the deluxe version. The album is highlighted by the well known song to his ex-girlfriend, Naya Rivera, “I Don’t F— with You.” This song quickly became everyone’s break up anthem.

The album also features some of the genre’s biggest names with cameos from Kanye West, Drake, Lil Wayne, E-40, Jhene Aiko and Chris Brown, as well as a song with his latest girlfriend, Ariana Grande, titled “Research.”

“Dark Sky Paradise” is a good album, and by many lengths it is Sean’s best. It is the first album to come close to hitting the old Detroit sound that he had when he first busted on to the scene back in 2009, when his music still worked as mindless fun but left you with just enough to chew on.

Despite this, “Dark Sky Paradise” could be better. It has some nice features, but ultimately the album doesn’t go far enough. It has flashes of greatness where some of the songs were full of energy and make you bounce your head. But then, there are songs that leave you asking, “what are you talking about?”

Overall, “Dark Sky Paradise” plays with several tones, from fun and optimistic to gloomy and sarcastic. This is an album I would recommend checking out, but it only has a few songs worth buying. Although Big Sean is getting closer to figuring out his sound again, it is still a work in progress. Lets just be happy he was able to make the best break up song ever.

Album Grade: B-