His debut album, Finally Famous, was released in June 2011 and featured guest appearances from hip hop superstars Kanye West, Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, Wiz Khalifa, and Lupe Fiasco.
He was raised by his mother and grandparents who worked steadfastly to instill in him the principles of hard work and determination. Sean attended the Detroit Waldorf School, a school of art, from Kindergarten to 8th Grade where he was in 102.7FM, a local radio station in Detroit where he displayed his rhyming skills weekly. There, he met Kanye West after a radio interview in 2005 and got a chance to display his talent by freestyling for Mr. West, giving him a copy of his music and sending numerous tracks for him to critique. After months of submitting songs and numerous meetings, Sean finally got a call from Kanye West himself saying that he wanted to sign him. Two years later, West signed Big Sean to GOOD Music. Sean has cited West, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., and J Dilla as his influences.
On September 30, 2007, Big Sean released his first official mixtape Finally Famous: The Mixtape. His hit single, "Get'cha Some", produced by WrighTrax, attained media attention and led to articles in The Source and the Detroit Metro Times. He also recorded a music video for "Get'cha Some", which was directed by Hype Williams. Sean released a second mixtape hosted by Mick Boogie on April 16, 2009, called UKNOWBIGSEAN. It featured the songs "Million Dollars", "Get'cha Some" and "Supa Dupa". This mixtape includes 30 tracks. Sean released a third mixtape hosted by Don Cannon on August 31, 2010, called Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG, which features include major artists like Bun B, Chip tha Ripper, Curren$y, Tyga, Drake, Mike Posner, Chuck Inglish, Asher Roth, Dom Kennedy, and Chiddy Bang. The mixtape includes 20 tracks.
Finally Famous, Sean's debut studio album, was released June 28, 2011, and spawned three hit singles; "My Last", "Marvin & Chardonnay" and "Dance (Ass)". The album featured guest appearances from Lupe Fiasco, John Legend, Pharrell, Kanye West, Roscoe Dash, Wiz Khalifa, Chiddy Bang, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Pusha T, and included production from No I.D., The Legendary Traxster, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Xaphoon Jones and The Neptunes. When the songs "O.T.T.R." and "Flowers" were leaked in July 2011, speculation began of a new mixtape. Sean confirmed in an interview on June 28, 2011, that a collaborative mixtape between him and "two other guys in hip-hop that are just killing it right now" will be released "in a couple of weeks". Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y were the suspected featured rappers on the mixtape. However, Wiz Khalifa later confirmed that there would be no mixtape, claiming that the songs were created, "just for fun".
In September 2011, Big Sean confirmed in an interview with the Daily Tribune that he'll be working on his second album during the I Am Finally Famous Tour and plans to release the album sometime in 2012. On October 19, 2011, Kanye West announced on his Twitter plans for a Spring 2012 GOOD Music album release. On April 6, 2012, "Mercy", the lead single from the GOOD Music compilation album, Cruel Summer, was released. The song, produced by newly signed in-house producer Lifted, features Big Sean along with Kanye West, Pusha T, and southern rapper 2 Chainz. Big Sean then announced his fourth mixtape would be titled "Detroit" and would serve as a lead-in to his second studio album. He then began promoting the mixtape, releasing short versions of the songs on his YouTube page. On September 5, 2012, Big Sean released the mixtape Detroit which features guest appearances from fellow rappers J. Cole, Juicy J, King Chip, French Montana, Royce da 5'9", Kendrick Lamar, and Tyga.
Big Sean pushed back the release date of his second studio album Hall of Fame which was eventually released on August 27, 2013. The album has skits to give it a "classic feel", and includes features from multiple artists, including Lil Wayne, Miguel, and Nas. The album's production was primarily handled by No I.D., and Key Wane along with additional production from Hit-Boy, Da Internz, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Xaphoon Jones, and Young Chop among others. Big Sean also stated in an interview that he was in the studio with fellow Detroit native Eminem. Sean went on to say they made a "Detroit classic" but he is unsure if it will be on Hall of Fame because of "timing issues". Hall of Fame spawned five singles, "Guap", "Switch Up" featuring Common, "Beware" featuring Jhenรฉ Aiko and Lil Wayne, "Fire", and "Ashley" featuring Miguel.
A month prior to the release of Hall of Fame, Big Sean told Complex that he had already begun work on his third album due to the inspiration from his new relationship. On September 12, 2014, Big Sean announced that he had signed a management deal with Roc Nation. Later that same day he released four new songs titled, "I Don't Fuck with You", "Paradise", "4th Quarter" and "Jit/Juke". Producers for these songs include, Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, Kanye West, DJ Dahi, Nate Fox, Da Internz, L&F, and Key Wane. "I Don't Fuck with You" was released to iTunes on September 19, 2014. In an interview with Sway Calloway, Sean confirmed that Lil Wayne will be featured on the album.
In May 2012, Big Sean founded a nonprofit organization called the โSean Anderson Foundation,โ with the aim of helping underserved children and families in Detroit. Alongside direct donations to local institutions, primarily educational institutions, the foundation has created fundraising programs and partnered with other organizations. In 2016, the foundation launched #HealFlintKids to raise money for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint amid the Flint water crisis - the program raised $100,000.
In 2015, the foundation launched Mogul Prep, which partnered high school students with music industry professionals. During the same year, the foundation donated a recording studio for students at Big Sean's alma mater, Cass Technical High School. Beginning in 2018, the foundation has hosted an annual weekend festival, called D.O.N. Weekend, with free events and performances for Detroit residents and usually by Detroit artists. In December 2018, Big Sean in partnership with Ally Financial, Thurgood Marshall College Fund & the Sean Anderson Foundation, created an annual scholarship competition for HBCU students called โMoguls in the Making.โ
On March 25, 2016, Big Sean released a track to celebrate his 28th birthday, "Get My Shit Together". Two days later he announced a self-titled album with Jhenรฉ Aiko, Twenty88, scheduled to be released on April 1, 2016, exclusively on Tidal. The album was released on April 5, 2016, on Apple Music and Spotify. A week after the exclusive release of Twenty88 on Tidal, Big Sean and Aiko released a 15-minute short film called Out of Love, which is composed of several recordings from the album. Around the same month, upon the wake of the Flint water crisis, Big Sean tweeted to the city's official Twitter account, asking if he could do anything to help, and later on donated $10,000.
On October 31, 2016, Big Sean released "Bounce Back" as the lead single from his fourth studio album, I Decided, which was released on February 3, 2017. "Moves" was released as an instant-great on December 16, 2016. Sean consulted the advice of Jay Z and Rick Rubin while working on the album. Big Sean achieved his second number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart, as I Decided debuted at the top. It earned 151,000 equivalent album units in the week of February 9, according to Nielsen Music. 65,000 of the amount was in pure album sales. As of April 18, 2017, I Decided was certified gold.
Two months after the release of I Decided, Big Sean was offered the official Key to the City of Detroit for his contribution to his own Sean Anderson foundation.
On November 3, 2017, Sean and Metro Boomin released the single "Pull Up N Wreck", featuring 21 Savage. A month later, it was announced that Sean and Metro were to release a collaborative album titled Double or Nothing. The album was released on December 8, 2017, and included features from Travis Scott, 2 Chainz, 21 Savage, Kash Doll, Young Thug, and Swae Lee, and included the single "Pull Up N Wreck".
On July 24, 2019, Big Sean released his first solo single since 2017 titled "Overtime", produced by Hit-Boy, Key Wane, and the Tucker Brothers. In an interview with Beats 1 Radio, Sean said he was "returning to his roots" with the single ahead of his forthcoming album. On July 26, he released the song "Single Again", which includes background vocals from Jhenรฉ Aiko and Ty Dolla Sign. On August 26, he released the single "Bezerk" featuring ASAP Ferg, performing it at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
On March 25 (Big Sean's 32nd birthday), he announced that his new record would be titled Detroit 2. On August 25, he released the album's lead single, "Deep Reverence", featuring late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Detroit 2 was released on September 4, 2020, and features collaborations with Eminem, Jhenรฉ Aiko, and Lil Wayne. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking his third number-one album.
On September 17, 2020, Big Sean revealed in a Reddit AMA that another Twenty88 album is "in the works". A track attributed to the project appeared on Detroit 2. He has also announced that he plans on launching his own record label. On October 29, 2021, Big Sean announced on Twitter that after 14 years, he has stepped away from Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label, saying "That's a forever brotherhood, but business-wise, I had to start getting a bigger cut! I worked my way out that deal." West also claimed during a November 2021 Drink Champs podcast that signing Sean was the 'worst decision' of his entire career.
Starting in 2020, Big Sean has appeared in the Showtime series 'Twenties' in a recurring role as Trsitan, an anti-social media character who learns the value of online connection. In October 2021, Big Sean, in collaboration with rapper and producer Hit-Boy released an EP entitled What You Expect.
In February 2022, Big Sean and singer Queen Naija released a single entitled "Hate Our Love". The song will appear on Naija's upcoming album. In that same month, Big Sean confirmed the Twenty88 album and revealed that the album would include a collaboration with his then-girlfriend, Jhenรฉ Aiko. In September 2022, Big Sean re-released Detroit to streaming platforms, in honor of its 10th anniversary.
In 2019, the foundation partnered with Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan, donating a second $100,000 recording studio to the club during that year's D.O.N. Weekend. Since 2012, the foundation has participated in the annual All-Star Giveback on Thanksgiving, where it distributes turkeys, trimming, and canned goods to Detroit residents.
In May 2021, Big Sean, via his Sean Anderson Foundation, released a video series on wellness and mental health. The series was released during Mental Health Awareness Month and featured a conversation between Big Sean and his mother, educator Myra Anderson, about the intersection between wellness and mental health, including topics like meditation, sleep, and emotional freedom techniques.
Deep Reverence
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(G. Ry got me)
Look, fuck rap, I'm a street legend
Block love me with a deep reverence
I was birthed in a C-section
Hella cops and police presence
We got opps, so we keep weapons
A lot of shots, we broke street records
Watch how you talk, I got reflexes
Watching your cheap necklace
Then we slide out the east exit
But every time we get to fuckin' niggas up, TMZ catch it
Y'all still learnin' street lessons
From the mastermind, first you master grind
Then your team catch it
This time is for the money, I don't need credit
And I'm the don 'cause the streets said it, look
(Fuck rap, I'm a street legend)
And I'm the don 'cause the streets said
(Block love me with a deep reverence) yeah, whoa
And I'm the don 'cause the streets said it
Yeah
And I got pressure on me
Seven days a week, it's game seven on me
Life'll test you out, you live through that, that's testimony
Givin' 'em hell but how in the hell I got all these blessings on me?
Most of the girls I know addicted to social media
All this time they put in, they could've wrote encyclopedias
Mama said it only takes one time to fuck up your whole Wikipedia
And as your son, I could see the type of light that you see me in
After what happened to Nipsey I reached out to Kendrick
It wasn't even no real issues there to begin with
Lack of communication and wrong information from people
Fueled by the ego is like mixing flames with diesel
Energy crazy, I realize that it's a two way street
What's coming is going if it don't give you more, it drains you
Should be a billionaire based on the time off I'm not taking
Probably why this shit with me get crazy and we lost a baby
And everybody around me think I'm the one
But we all just one of ones
And I'm walkin' out the crib, they ask me where I'm going
I told 'em I'm goin' on another ten year run
Niggas is banging over blocks that they don't own, thinking that's home
Boy, you think that's where you're from?
You don't really know where you're from
You don't know how deep your roots is or what your ancestors had done
So God bless all the sons and daughters who knew their history
So they knew where to take it farther
And all the ones that stuck with me like good barbers
Lookin' at my life story, God's a good author
Never was the loudest in the room, we move like ninjas
And if it cost you peace of mind, it might be too expensive
So I can give you everything that you want from me for free though
Get you one shot in life, you might not be able to reload
So advanced, I need all my advances
Bro hit me up for cash like we didn't have the same chances
My Dad hit me up like, why I don't live in a mansion?
I'm tryna focus, but baby girl, keep holding my mind for ransom
And that ain't how it's supposed to be
This man Hov got to a B
And his name Shawn too, I almost felt like it was me
Damn, I realize all my setbacks were inside of me
In high school I learned chemistry, biology
But not how to cope with anxiety
Or how I could feel like I'm by myself on an island
With depression on all sides of me (damn)
With a Glock 17 right on the side of me (hold up)
Look, I ain't think I had the thought of suicide in me
Until life showed me all these different sides of me
Too many times I thought the reaper was outside for me
And how the fuck is people that never met me that hate me?
I wonder if they understand that I meditate daily
And feel like my life purpose is to give inspiration
Despite the hit songs that there's just no escaping
That I take care of my family and beat the odds that were deadly
You hate that? That just reflects your lack of succession
Bless 'em, if it ain't Nipsey blue, it's Detroit blue
This that Detroit 2, I'm bringin' it back to the hood like D boys do, gone
So the collaboration though with Nipsey and who?
Aww man, I'd prolly say Payroll or Tee Grizzley
Me and Big Sean talked about doing something recently too
So, you know all of 'em, I'ma, I'ma tap in with all of Detroit
(Fuck rap, I'm a street legend)
(Block love me with a deep reverence)
Big Sean's song "Deep Reverence" begins with the voice of producer Hit-Boy, followed by a verse where Big Sean proclaims his status as a "street legend" rather than just a rapper. In the first verse, he describes his upbringing in a neighborhood with a heavy police presence and explains that he and his crew carry weapons because they have enemies. He also mentions TMZ catching them "fuckin' n***as up", implying that they have been involved in violent altercations.
In the second verse, Big Sean shifts to a more introspective tone, discussing his personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. He also mentions the death of his unborn child and how it has affected him. Additionally, he discusses the importance of knowing one's history, and he pays tribute to Nipsey Hussle, with whom he had some miscommunication before Hussle's untimely death. Lastly, he expresses his commitment to his home city of Detroit and the people who inspire him.
The lyrics of "Deep Reverence" give a window into Big Sean's life and struggles. The song is an excellent example of how hip-hop can be a tool for personal expression and growth. Additionally, the song has several hidden meanings and references that fans can decipher, making it a complex and thought-provoking piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Look, fuck rap, I'm a street legend
I don't need to prove myself through music, I'm already a legend on the streets.
Block love me with a deep reverence
The people in my neighborhood respect and admire me greatly.
I was birthed in a C-section
I had a difficult upbringing, which made me stronger.
Hella cops and police presence
Growing up, there was a lot of police activity in my area.
We got opps, so we keep weapons
We have enemies, so we keep guns for protection.
We on y'all block while y'all eat breakfast
We're out on the streets early in the morning, ready for anything.
A lot of shots, we broke street records
We've been involved in a lot of gunfights and set street records because of it.
Watch how you talk, I got reflexes
Be careful what you say to me, because I'm quick to react.
Watching your cheap necklace
I'm keeping an eye on you and your possessions.
Then we slide out the east exit
We quickly leave the scene after causing trouble.
But every time we get to fuckin' niggas up, TMZ catch it
Whenever we get into a fight, it ends up on the news.
Y'all still learnin' street lessons
You guys are amateurs when it comes to street life.
From the mastermind, first you master grind
I'm a genius when it comes to hustling and making money.
Then your team catch it
Your team benefits from your hard work.
This time is for the money, I don't need credit
I'm focused on making money, not getting recognition.
And I'm the don 'cause the streets said it, look
I'm considered a leader in the streets because of my reputation.
(Fuck rap, I'm a street legend)
I don't need rap to be a legend, my street reputation is enough.
And I got pressure on me
I'm under a lot of stress and expectations.
Seven days a week, it's game seven on me
I feel like every day is a high-stakes situation for me.
Life'll test you out, you live through that, that's testimony
Challenges in life are tests that make us stronger and provide evidence of our resilience.
Givin' 'em hell but how in the hell I got all these blessings on me?
I've been through a lot of tough times, but I still have many blessings in my life.
Most of the girls I know addicted to social media
Many of the women I know are obsessed with social media.
All this time they put in, they could've wrote encyclopedias
They're wasting time on social media that could be spent on more productive activities.
Mama said it only takes one time to fuck up your whole Wikipedia
My mother taught me that a single mistake can ruin your reputation.
And as your son, I could see the type of light that you see me in
As your child, I understand the vision you have for me.
After what happened to Nipsey I reached out to Kendrick
I contacted Kendrick Lamar after Nipsey Hussle's death.
It wasn't even no real issues there to begin with
There was no real conflict between us from the start.
Lack of communication and wrong information from people
Misunderstandings arose due to a lack of communication and misinformation.
Fueled by the ego is like mixing flames with diesel
Allowing the ego to control the situation can be explosive and dangerous.
Energy crazy, I realize that it's a two way street
The energy we put out into the world comes back to us.
What's coming is going if it don't give you more, it drains you
If something doesn't bring you positive energy, it will only bring you down.
Should be a billionaire based on the time off I'm not taking
I could have made a lot of money if I had taken less time off.
Probably why this shit with me get crazy and we lost a baby
My busy schedule might have contributed to a recent tragedy in my personal life.
And everybody around me think I'm the one
My friends and family believe that I'm the leader among us.
But we all just one of ones
We're all unique and individual in our own way.
And I'm walkin' out the crib, they ask me where I'm going
As I leave my house, people ask me about my plans for the day.
I told 'em I'm goin' on another ten year run
I'm looking forward to another successful decade of my career.
Niggas is banging over blocks that they don't own, thinking that's home
People are fighting and killing over territories that they don't even own.
Boy, you think that's where you're from?
If you think a block defines your identity, you don't really understand where you come from.
You don't really know where you're from
The true roots of your identity go deeper than a neighborhood.
You don't know how deep your roots is or what your ancestors had done
You don't fully understand the legacy and history of your family and ancestors.
So God bless all the sons and daughters who knew their history
I admire those who have a strong understanding of their family history.
So they knew where to take it farther
This knowledge can guide them toward a successful future.
And all the ones that stuck with me like good barbers
I appreciate the loyal people in my life who have supported me.
Lookin' at my life story, God's a good author
I believe that my life is a testament to God's plan and guidance.
Never was the loudest in the room, we move like ninjas
I prefer to move quietly and strategically rather than drawing attention to myself.
And if it cost you peace of mind, it might be too expensive
If something takes away your inner peace, it's not worth the cost.
So I can give you everything that you want from me for free though
I'm willing to offer my talents and skills to help others without expecting anything in return.
Get you one shot in life, you might not be able to reload
Life is short, so it's important to take advantage of opportunities while you can.
So advanced, I need all my advances
I've reached a high level of success and need the money I've earned through advances.
Bro hit me up for cash like we didn't have the same chances
Someone asked me for money even though we had the same opportunities in life.
My Dad hit me up like, why I don't live in a mansion?
My dad questioned why I haven't bought a mansion despite my success.
I'm tryna focus, but baby girl, keep holding my mind for ransom
I'm trying to concentrate, but this woman is distracting me and holding my thoughts hostage.
And that ain't how it's supposed to be
This situation is not ideal or sustainable.
This man Hov got to a B
Jay-Z has become a billionaire.
And his name Shawn too, I almost felt like it was me
Jay-Z's real name is Shawn, which is also my name.
Damn, I realize all my setbacks were inside of me
I've come to see that my own self-doubt and insecurity have held me back in life.
In high school I learned chemistry, biology
I received a standard education in science.
But not how to cope with anxiety
I wasn't taught how to handle mental health struggles like anxiety.
Or how I could feel like I'm by myself on an island
I didn't learn how to deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness.
With depression on all sides of me (damn)
I'm surrounded by depression and it's affecting me deeply.
With a Glock 17 right on the side of me (hold up)
I carry a gun for protection despite my mental health struggles.
I ain't think I had the thought of suicide in me
I didn't realize that I was capable of considering suicide.
Until life showed me all these different sides of me
Recent experiences have revealed unknown aspects of my character.
Too many times I thought the reaper was outside for me
I've had multiple close calls with death.
And how the fuck is people that never met me that hate me?
I don't understand how strangers can hate me without even knowing me.
I wonder if they understand that I meditate daily
I wonder if my haters realize that I practice meditation as a way to find peace.
And feel like my life purpose is to give inspiration
I believe that my purpose in life is to inspire others through my music and actions.
Despite the hit songs that there's just no escaping
My success has made me famous, but it's sometimes overwhelming.
That I take care of my family and beat the odds that were deadly
I'm proud of how I've taken care of my family despite facing serious challenges and obstacles.
You hate that? That just reflects your lack of succession
If you hate me for my success, that just shows that you're not successful yourself.
Bless 'em, if it ain't Nipsey blue, it's Detroit blue
I remember Nipsey Hussle and honor him, but I also represent Detroit.
This that Detroit 2, I'm bringin' it back to the hood like D boys do, gone
I'm bringing my music back to the streets and neighborhoods of Detroit.
(Block love me with a deep reverence)
I have a lot of respect and admiration from the people in my neighborhood.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, Ermias Asghedom, Johan Lenox, Roget Chahayed, Ryan Martinez, Rafeal Brown, Chauncey Hollis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexseemungal6386
Big Sean didn't just rap he told an entire story about the life lessons he learnt along his marathon . Most rappers nowadays can't do that. He's very inspirational and wise. ๐ฏ
@robinaireaguirre5339
For real
@gotjuice9
He and Nip are bigger than rap. They're 2 of this generation's great motivational speakers and thinkers.
@nicolefisher4779
Word. So many comments about Nip but this song is deep no pun. Seanโs lyrics are amazing in this
@toddmaek5436
He went off. Damn
@b.square2399
https://youtu.be/zfNHdQ-i9uM
@3ree6ixty
Bruh that nipsey verse was crazy ! Dude was such a real lyricist. RIP
@mcwise1201
He was a messenger, take his message in.
@mrone263
I wish it was longer tho :/
@samanthajennings1878
funny thing his verse wasn't finished