The album features guest appearances from Nas, Jhené Aiko, Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz and Juicy J, while the production on the album was primarily handled by Key Wane, Hey DJ, No I.D., Da Internz, Mano and Young Chop, among others.

[5] Soon after, in an interview with Power 105, Sean stated he would include skits on the album to give it a "classic feel".

[7] The single "Clique" from GOOD Music's album Cruel Summer, was originally supposed to be featured on Hall of Fame.

[9][10][11] Early in the album's recording process, Sean revealed that Kanye West, Nas, Tyga, Common and Jhené Aiko were going to make appearances as featured artists, while West, No I.D., Key Wane, Hit-Boy and Young Chop will provide production on the album.

[16][17] On June 8, 2013, Big Sean spoke with MTV News about his almost full day studio session with Eminem, promising a potential final product and labeling it a "Detroit classic", but was not sure whether it will appear on Hall of Fame or on Eminem's upcoming eighth studio album.

[20] During a listening session the following month, he revealed additional guest appearances on the album would come from Nicki Minaj, Jeezy and Doughboyz Cashout.

[19] The final track listing contained guest appearances from Ellie Goulding, Lil Wayne, Jhené Aiko, Nas, Kid Cudi, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Jeezy, Payroll of Doughboyz Cashout, James Fauntleroy, Miguel, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Earlly Mac, Pharrell Williams and Common.

It featured guest appearances from fellow rappers J. Cole, Juicy J, King Chip, French Montana, Royce da 5'9", Kendrick Lamar, Tyga, Chris Brown, Wale and Wiz Khalifa, along with track narrations by Common, Jeezy and Snoop Dogg.

[7] His vlogs have featured cameos from Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Pusha T, Common, No I.D., Rita Ora, Trey Songz, Wale, Wiz Khalifa, Lupe Fiasco, Teyana Taylor and T-Pain, among others.

[23] Starting on February 23, 2013, Sean began a European tour in promotion of the album that continued until March 13 of the same year.

[29] Lamar's verse caused controversy as he "called out" J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Wale, Pusha T, Meek Mill, ASAP Rocky, Drake, Sean, Jay Electronica, Tyler, the Creator, and Mac Miller and referred to himself as the "King of New York".

[37] On October 6, 2012, in an interview discussing the album, Sean revealed that the first single would be released within the next ten days.

Later that day, he tweeted that he decided to hold back on the emotional songs for a bit and would release the single "Guap" instead.

[41] The second single, "Switch Up", was announced along with its artwork by Big Sean on April 5, 2013, and shortly after the audio was premiered.

[37] The album's lead single, "Beware", featuring rapper Lil Wayne and singer Jhené Aiko[45] became digitally available on June 25, 2013.

[59] At USA Today, Edna Gunderson called this, an "outstanding second album" that he "occasionally stumbles" in an effort that is a "smart set of slick club thumpers, tear-jerkers and introspective yarns.

"[65] Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone commented saying, "The Detroit MC gets over on congeniality and crisp delivery, even when his lyrics are pro forma."

[62] At The Oakland Press, Gary Graff noted that "Hall of Fame is still a solid, confident and diverse set that shows how much he's grown as both an MC and a writer since 'Finally Famous' came out in 2011.

"[58] Eric Diep of XXL commented that, "Hall of Fame moves along at a steady pace for the most part," but there are instances where the album is less than consistent.

Concluding that, "even these minor shortcomings don't supersede the fact that the album is filled with radio-friendly cuts and compelling storytelling.

"[66] David Jeffries of AllMusic said, while Hall of Fame provides plenty of vibrant, sexual, exciting moments, the "classic feel" that was intended is "nowhere to be found.

"[60] David Turner of Spin said, "Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is an immediate parallel to this album of relationship struggle and soul-searching, and while Sean obviously lacks his mentor's star power or ambition, he shows more heart than he typically gets credit for.

"[64] Jesal Padania of RapReviews called the individual tracks distinct, big and bold, while the album remains consistent.

K-Dot opened up a space for rap to do that, or at least reminded folks of the sorts of things Pete Rock & CL Smooth used to do with the art form.