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 $100,000 recording studio to the club during that year's D.O.N. Weekend. Since 2012, the foundation has participated in the annual All-Star Giveback on Thanksgiving, where it distributes turkeys, trimming, and canned goods to Detroit residents.
In May 2021, Big Sean, via his Sean Anderson Foundation, released a video series on wellness and mental health. The series was released during Mental Health Awareness Month and featured a conversation between Big Sean and his mother, educator Myra Anderson, about the intersection between wellness and mental health, including topics like meditation, sleep, and emotional freedom techniques.
Full Circle
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Lord always made a way, yeah, that's my nigga
You used to drive the Honda Civic, nigga, I remember
I was being optimistic, I ain't have a pot to piss in
I was living on my ex-girl couch, terrible
All my money kept going out, I ain't have enough to move
I felt like a vegetable, lived 2012 on a sectional
Damn, couple years later I'm living exceptional
Bitch ass niggas just mad I'm gettin' on
Oh, oh, oh
Welcome to the terror dome, my, how my hair has grown
All I wanted was a Rollie and a 2Pac herringbone
Midwest kids damn near all we used to hear was Bone
Two family flat, mommy and aunt used to share a home
Boy, I'll rip your heart out and eat it while its still beatin'
For no real reason, just blame on killin' season
Circle of life, top of the food chain, my new chain a circle of ice
My name deserving the lights
The smartest thing you could do is stop music and finish school
Gotta be the dumbest shit I ever heard in my life
If yesterday is the tomb, then tomorrow is the womb
Waiting on the son of God 'cause he coming back soon, hol' up
Flash backs of me dancing in my living room was my first audition
Puff, B.I.G and Ma$E waving gold bottles in the lenses like
Never let you me go, that's the worst feeling (whoa)
I still love you like my first million
You got my hypnotized like the scene with B.I.G. and I reverse wheelin' (damn)
CÎROC boys, blue circle business, that's full circle (yeah)
Full circle like losing friends from backin' up Ye to rapping for Ye
Who dropped his first album, I was in the 10th grade
To ten years later me dropping a number one the exact same day
Swear everything comes full circle, dawg, you just gotta wait
Full circle like listening to B.I.G.
To growing up they calling you Big
Full circle like giving your first Rolex to your first kid
Full circle like exactly what the fuck karma is
Full circle like every single thing I ever did
Yeah, niggas don't even make shit like this no more, haha
Shit lost, it's-it's a lost motherfucking art
I want the people out there in the world to hear me, though
I don't do it alone
Drop all the jealousy, that shit is gon' hurt you
Quit giving energy to ones that don't deserve you
You know everything comes full circle
I just show love, watch it come full circle
And I can never let those bad vibes inside my circle, nah
And loyalty deserves you
And tell the fucking truth, even when it hurts too
But the most money come before the first two (straight)
Don't worry, it'll come full circle
Took all the pain that I knew and made songs
When God said, "Let there be light", he made Sean
The lyrics of Big Sean, Key Wane, and Diddy's song Full Circle convey the theme of personal growth and success in the rap industry. The opening lines of the first verse depict Big Sean and his friend driving a Porsche, reminiscing on their hard times and how far they have come. He acknowledges his humble beginnings, living on his ex-girlfriend's couch without money or prospects, feeling like a "vegetable." However, through perseverance and hard work, Big Sean became successful, purchasing a Rolex watch and living a lavish lifestyle.
The second verse focuses on the idea of karma and the circle of life. Big Sean talks about how everything comes full circle, from his childhood love for 2Pac and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to his current position in the rap industry. He references the passing of iconic rappers like Biggie Smalls and the impact they had on his life. He encourages listeners to drop negative energy and focus on loyalty, telling the truth, and pursuing success with patience.
Overall, the song celebrates the idea of full circle, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to achieve success and the importance of staying true to oneself and one's values.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, doing donuts in the Porsche at the dealer, listening to Dilla
I am living my best life, enjoying the fruit of my labor while listening to the music of the late J Dilla.
The Lord always made a way, yeah, that's my nigga
I attribute my success to God and I am thankful for always making a way for me.
You used to drive the Honda Civic, nigga, I remember
I remember the days when I had a humble beginning and used to drive a Honda Civic.
I was being optimistic, I ain't have a pot to piss in
Despite my financial struggles in the past, I remained optimistic and hopeful.
I was living on my ex-girl couch, terrible
At one point in my life, I was living in a difficult situation, sleeping on my ex-girlfriend's couch.
All my money kept going out, I ain't have enough to move
I was struggling financially at the time and couldn't afford to move out of my ex-girlfriend's place.
I felt like a vegetable, lived 2012 on a sectional
I felt down and hopeless during 2012, spending most of my time sitting on a couch or sectional.
Damn, couple years later I'm living exceptional
Despite my past struggles, I am now in a great place in life and living exceptionally well.
Spent thirty thousand, my Rollie came extra gold
I spent a considerable amount of money on my Rolex watch, which came with extra gold accents on it.
Bitch ass niggas just mad I'm gettin' on
There are people who are envious of my success, but I won't let it affect me.
Oh, oh, oh
Ad-lib
Welcome to the terror dome, my, how my hair has grown
I have come a long way from where I started, and my physical appearance has changed too.
All I wanted was a Rollie and a 2Pac herringbone
My aspirations were once limited to wanting a Rollie watch and a necklace like the one worn by Tupac Shakur.
Midwest kids damn near all we used to hear was Bone
Growing up in the Midwest, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was a popular music group we listened to.
Two family flat, mommy and aunt used to share a home
My family used to live in a two-family flat where my mother and aunt shared the same home.
Boy, I'll rip your heart out and eat it while its still beatin'
I am not afraid to confront my enemies and will do what it takes to protect myself.
For no real reason, just blame on killin' season
Sometimes people do things without a valid reason and attribute it to certain seasons or times of the year.
Circle of life, top of the food chain, my new chain a circle of ice
We are all part of the circle of life and in my current position, I am at the top of my industry, wearing a circular chain made of ice.
My name deserving the lights
My success and reputation deserve recognition and attention from the public.
The smartest thing you could do is stop music and finish school
It is important to prioritize education and finishing school, even if you have ambitions in the music industry.
Gotta be the dumbest shit I ever heard in my life
The idea that quitting music to finish school is the 'smartest thing' is ridiculous and foolish.
If yesterday is the tomb, then tomorrow is the womb
Yesterday represents the end of something, while tomorrow represents the potential for new beginnings and growth.
Waiting on the son of God 'cause he coming back soon, hol' up
I am awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, as it is prophesized in the Bible.
Flash backs of me dancing in my living room was my first audition
My journey in music began with me dancing and performing in my living room for fun.
Puff, B.I.G and Ma$E waving gold bottles in the lenses like
An image of Puff Daddy, The Notorious B.I.G, and Ma$e celebrating with gold bottles is being referenced.
Never let you me go, that's the worst feeling (whoa)
Being abandoned or let go by someone you love is an awful feeling to experience.
I still love you like my first million
My love for someone who has let me go is as strong as the love I had for music when I made my first million.
You got my hypnotized like the scene with B.I.G. and I reverse wheelin' (damn)
I am deeply entranced by this person, much like the scene in which The Notorious B.I.G. and I reversed our spins in a car.
CÎROC boys, blue circle business, that's full circle (yeah)
Being associated with the CÎROC brand and having a partnership with them is a full circle moment for me.
Full circle like losing friends from backin' up Ye to rapping for Ye
My journey has come full circle, from losing friends because of my support for Kanye West, to eventually collaborating with him on music.
Who dropped his first album, I was in the 10th grade
I was just starting high school when Kanye West released his first album.
To ten years later me dropping a number one the exact same day
Ten years later, I released an album that debuted at number one on the charts, on the same day that Kanye West released his own album.
Swear everything comes full circle, dawg, you just gotta wait
Life has a way of coming full circle, even if it takes time and patience for it to happen.
Full circle like listening to B.I.G.
Listening to The Notorious B.I.G. was a significant part of my youth and has come full circle in my music career.
To growing up they calling you Big
As I've grown up, people have started calling me 'Big' as a way to honor The Notorious B.I.G. and my success.
Full circle like giving your first Rolex to your first kid
Passing down a Rolex watch to my child is a full circle moment, showing the success and generational wealth I have created.
Full circle like exactly what the fuck karma is
The concept of karma and life coming full circle is truly seen in my success and journey in the music industry.
Full circle like every single thing I ever did
Everything that I have done in my life has led me to where I am now, making it a full circle moment.
Yeah, niggas don't even make shit like this no more, haha
This type of music is not common in today's industry and is something unique and special.
Shit lost, it's-it's a lost motherfucking art
The art of making music like this has been lost and is difficult to find in today's industry.
I want the people out there in the world to hear me, though
Despite the rarity of this style of music, I want the world to hear and understand my music.
I don't do it alone
I am thankful for the people who have helped me on my journey to success and recognize that I did not do it alone.
Drop all the jealousy, that shit is gon' hurt you
Jealousy will only hurt you in the long run and it's best to let go of those negative emotions.
Quit giving energy to ones that don't deserve you
It's not worth giving attention or energy to people who don't appreciate or deserve it.
You know everything comes full circle
The idea that life comes full circle is important to remember and recognize.
I just show love, watch it come full circle
By showing love and positivity, I believe it will come back to me in the form of success and happiness.
And I can never let those bad vibes inside my circle, nah
I am careful to keep negative energy and bad vibes out of my inner circle and remain focused on positivity.
And loyalty deserves you
Being loyal and true to oneself is rewarded and deserves recognition.
And tell the fucking truth, even when it hurts too
It's important to always tell the truth, even when it's difficult or painful to do so.
But the most money come before the first two (straight)
In today's society, often times money is prioritized over honesty and loyalty.
Don't worry, it'll come full circle
Even if things seem difficult or challenging now, there is hope that they will come full circle eventually.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Songtrust Ave, CTM Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sean Michael Anderson, Dwane Marshall Weir II, Sean Combs, Didier Marouani
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AG-fz2wz
“Drop all that jealousy, that shit is gon' hurt you”
Quit givin' energy to ones that don't deserve you.
You know everything come full circle.
I just show love, watch it come full circle.
And I could never let the bad vibes inside my circle, nah.
And loyalty deserves you (Yeah)
And tell the fuckin' truth even when it hurts to.
But the most money come before the verse too.
Don't worry, it'll come full circle.”
That last verse Sean is speaking facts G 💯 🔥
@three3thou
biggie voice
Uh Uh, Notorious, greatest, glorious
in vegas, they warred with us
victorious after 2 shots
sayin its get back for 2 pac
cars sped up for 2 blocks
bloodshed but i made it
here's a toast - to all the haters
that wished i faded - they tried to hit me
heard its diddy - why you did me?
revenge is sour - i came back with endless power
now i devour - your whole roster
yall some imposters - theres only one mobster
frank white in pin stripes eatin lobster
now heres the shocker
I see their gaul
i mentioned them on downfall and long kiss g
they tried to stick me
yall thought i meant pac - i meant diddy...
@khallidxjudah
The Most UNDERRATED TRACK on the album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #FIRE #REALHIPHOP
@josesginsight2386
I feel yaaaa! This is smoke and it ain't even trap⛽🔥💥
@MostlyFish21
this my new favorite track off the album. also like Wolves and ZTFO
@lqj4376
@@MostlyFish21 I fuckin hate those songs
@jjm2682
“Drop all that jealousy, that shit is gon' hurt you.
Quit givin' energy to ones that don't deserve you.
You know everything come full circle
I just show love, watch it come full circle.” 😭😭😭
@gguummss
This album has not disappointed at all, bless you Sean
@daddyssavage
This slaps it’s the truth
@nicholasthompson1927
No lie .I agree
@KDB17_1
💯
@shamfagrey
fr tho.