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 Jhené 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 “Sean Anderson Foundation,” 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 “Moguls in the Making.”
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 Jhené 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 Jhené 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, Jhené 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, Jhené 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.
Don't Wait For Me ft Lupe Fiasco
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late, too late
I hope it's not too late for me
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late
I got my whole life packed inside a suitcase
Ridin' in a Chevy that should've been a Mercedez
Tryna keep my head above water
So I stayed out the navy
I, I, I made a promise to my girl
Said Imma leave town and bring back the whole world
So I bought a ticket
Took longer than expected
Came back around like a necklace
And the first thing she said, was (it's too late!)
Like nigga, I got needs too
I found a man who gave me what I need
Now I don't need ya
I barely gotta text the call back
You ol' lying ass nigga
You're a dog
Out here chasin' paper
fuckin' bitches
Nah
Nah nigga you're too late
Live with it
Now you got a roommate
My homie served ten years
It's too late for him to be treated equally
Too late for him to make it out the hood legally
Ridin' around doing my thing
Is it too late to be tryin' to live dreams
Turn them all real
Reality is just a technicality
And so is being fake
So don't tell me that
I'm that I'm too late
I hope it's not too late for me
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late, too late
I hope it's not too late for me
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late, too late
Alarm clock said i'm too late
And they said i'm too weak
I could use a few weights
So they said I took too long
And don't look too strong
Well how long would you take
Waitin's got me here in the first place
Another second maybe second
Maybe third in the worst case
Now we'll display
On my word plays
Moving weight
It's such a trap
Move and weight
You can't do that
I know i'm dope man
But I can't move crack
And it's such a fraction
They way you thinking about your plans
But I tryna bring it back
Before your brain hit the pan
Sean from Detroit
Lupe from Chicago land
But both of our chains say made in Japan
German engineers design both of the sedans
Ride with Mr. Right on time
Or stay Miss another chance, man
Re-direct it at the girls
Not an ultimatum
Just an option in this world
But things come and go
When the clocks never stop
Be on time for nothing
A little late for a lot
I hope it's not too late for me
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late, too late
I hope it's not too late for me
Could you just wait for me a while
Is it too late, too late?
I hope it's not too late, too late
I hope it's not too late
I hope it's not too late
The last thing I wanna hear is too late
Yeah yeah
Tell me is it too late for me to try and change the world
Is it too late to say I wanna change girls
Is it too late even though I'm the shit
Is it too late to tell y'all to suck my dick, bitch
I do it too late for what
I want it I need it
If I need it I got it
Cause this how finally famous niggas do
The lyrics to Big Sean's song "Don't Wait For Me" featuring Lupe Fiasco convey the fear of being too late to achieve one's dreams and the recognition that time is fleeting. The refrain "I hope it's not too late for me" is repeated throughout the song to emphasize this existential dread. The verse by Big Sean reflects on his mistakes, including leaving his girlfriend behind to pursue his dreams, then returning too late to reconcile with her. Lupe Fiasco's verse is more political, commenting on the ways that societal injustices can make it too late for people to escape difficult circumstances. Overall, the song is a meditation on the importance of seizing opportunities and not letting time slip away.
Line by Line Meaning
I hope it's not too late for me
The singer hopes it's not too late for him to make things right.
Could you just wait for me a while
The singer asks for some time to achieve his goals.
Is it too late, too late?
The singer questions if he missed his opportunity.
I hope it's not too late, too late
The singer repeats his hope that it's not too late for him.
I hope it's not too late
The singer still hopes he has time to succeed.
I got my whole life packed inside a suitcase
The singer has everything he needs to pursue his dreams.
Ridin' in a Chevy that should've been a Mercedez
The singer feels he should have more luxurious things.
Tryna keep my head above water
The singer struggles to stay afloat.
So I stayed out the navy
The singer avoided a life of service in the Navy.
I made a promise to my girl
The singer made a vow to his significant other.
Said Imma leave town and bring back the whole world
The singer promised to bring back success.
So I bought a ticket
The singer took action towards achieving his goals.
Took longer than expected
The singer faced delays on his path to success.
Came back around like a necklace
The singer returned home like an accessory.
And the first thing she said, was (it's too late!)
The singer's significant other thinks it's too late for reconciliation.
Like nigga, I got needs too
The singer's significant other has needs the singer didn't meet.
I found a man who gave me what I need
The singer's significant other has found someone else to provide for her needs.
Now I don't need ya
The singer's significant other no longer needs him in her life.
I barely gotta text the call back
The singer's significant other doesn't want to communicate with him.
You ol' lying ass nigga
The singer's significant other calls him out for being dishonest.
You're a dog
The singer's significant other insults him.
Out here chasin' paper fuckin' bitches
The singer has been focused on money and women instead of his relationship.
Nah nigga you're too late
The singer's significant other thinks he missed his chance.
Live with it
The singer's significant other wants him to accept the situation.
Now you got a roommate
The singer's significant other is living with someone else now.
My homie served ten years
The singer's friend spent a decade in prison.
It's too late for him to be treated equally
The singer's friend will always face discrimination and prejudice.
Too late for him to make it out the hood legally
The singer's friend can't escape poverty and crime through legal means.
Ridin' around doing my thing
The singer is still pursuing his goals despite setbacks.
Is it too late to be tryin' to live dreams
The singer questions if it's too late to pursue his dreams.
Turn them all real
The singer wants to turn his dreams into reality.
Reality is just a technicality
The singer believes reality can be changed and shaped.
And so is being fake
The singer knows that pretending to be something you're not is just as bad as being honest.
So don't tell me that I'm that I'm too late
The singer doesn't want to hear that he missed his chance.
Alarm clock said i'm too late
The singer is running out of time to achieve his goals.
And they said i'm too weak
Others don't believe the singer has what it takes to succeed.
I could use a few weights
The singer needs to work on his strength to overcome obstacles.
So they said I took too long
The singer's progress is being criticized.
And don't look too strong
The singer doesn't appear to be making enough progress.
Well how long would you take
The singer questions how long it would take others to achieve their dreams.
Waitin's got me here in the first place
The singer feels stuck due to waiting.
Another second maybe second
The singer is running out of time.
Maybe third in the worst case
The singer's situation could get worse over time.
Now we'll display on my word plays
The singer will show off his lyrical ability.
Moving weight
The singer is making money illegally.
It's such a trap
Making money illegally is dangerous.
Move and weight
The singer is repeating his criminal behavior.
You can't do that
The singer's behavior is not sustainable.
I know i'm dope man
The singer knows he's talented.
But I can't move crack
The singer can't continue to make money illegally.
And it's such a fraction
The amount of money the singer is making is not worth the risks.
They way you thinking about your plans
The singer criticizes others for their lack of planning.
But I tryna bring it back before your brain hit the pan
The singer wants to help others before they hit rock bottom.
Sean from Detroit Lupe from Chicago land
The singer introduces himself and Lupe Fiasco.
But both of our chains say made in Japan
The singers have expensive jewelry made in Japan.
German engineers design both of the sedans
The singers have luxurious cars designed in Germany.
Ride with Mr. Right on time Or stay Miss another chance man
The singer urges others to be punctual and make the most of their opportunities.
Re-direct it at the girls Not an ultimatum Just an option in this world
The singer suggests that men should have a backup plan when pursuing relationships.
But things come and go When the clocks never stop Be on time for nothing A little late for a lot
The singer reflects on how time affects everything in life and suggests that being a little late is better than not showing up at all.
Tell me is it too late for me to try and change the world
The singer questions if he missed his chance to make a significant impact on the world.
Is it too late to say I wanna change girls
The singer wonders if he missed his chance at finding true love.
Is it too late even though I'm the shit
The singer wonders if his talent is still enough to succeed.
Is it too late to tell y'all to suck my dick bitch
The singer is confident and unapologetic in his language.
I do it too late for what
The singer is determined to succeed despite his setbacks.
I want it I need it
The singer is passionate about achieving his goals.
If I need it I got it
The singer is confident in his ability to obtain what he needs.
Cause this how finally famous niggas do
The singer believes in his method of success.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ERNEST WILSON, LUPE FIASCO, ALEKSANDER MANFREDI, SEAN MICHAEL ANDERSON, WILSON PICKETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dynasty4291
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥is it too late to say Big Sean was one of the best artists of the 2010's
@maxidonoso5498
Never too late to say the truth - MF DOOM
@jayandrusiak
Still one of the best too
@agentcodybanx8909
More people need to acknowledge this fact
@justinwilliams2349
This is definitely true
@amychad2896
Been my favorite song of the album since day one, great hook great verses
@davissexton6057
Same here. How the hell does this only have 32k views.
@BoiboiRynjah
@@davissexton6057coz he just re uploaded for first album 10 yrs anniversary celebration..u can check up on his original albums of this u will see he have got of views
@dbucam
Underrated
@mzbigbabydevelopment4057
King Big Sean