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 JhenΓ© 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 βSean Anderson Foundation,β 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 βMoguls in the Making.β
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 JhenΓ© 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 JhenΓ© 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, JhenΓ© 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, JhenΓ© 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.
In Tune
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They just keep blocking out the sun
It seems since I was born
I've wakened every blessed morning
Down on my luck and up against the wind
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah (no, no)
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused (no)
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah
Bitch I ain't going to your event
You do too much going out and not enough going in
I got too much going on, so I'm gone with the wind (gone)
And if I ain't going to work, then I'm going to the gym (to the gym)
Yeah, bitch I'm that focused
Don't get it confused
I'm too spiritual to lose
It's worth every single bruise
Long as the dogs proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
Long as Milly proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
I'm a G, I'm a Don, I'm a soldier (I'm a soldier)
I'm charged up, man I'm beaming, I'm solar (pew)
I'm from the streets, full of heat, don't get boiled
They chew you up and spit you out, like it's spoiled
And my mind is an open mind
I believe in the Bible and Quran
And I follow the signs, yeah not street signs
I mean universal signs, I'm outside
And I realize my life got more meaning than a triple-entendre
And I realize any time, the perfect time
So don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, look
Don't nobody know me, like I know me (like I know me)
So I follow instincts only (only)
Man I done been double-crossed by the homies
And learned the hard way that they was authentic phonies (fake bitch)
Boy this shit so real in the field that I hardly stand still, but take care of my body still
I been drinking more water and popping less pills man
Unless they vitamins, 'cause nigga I'm tryna live
And God blessed me like I got bad allergies
So I'm working like I run off an eternal battery
And if I dress casual, no I'm not a casualty (no, no)
And if I put my mind to it then that's what it has to be
Yeah you're fucking right damn, sure bitch that's for certain (fucking right)
Never cut the family ties I only cut the burdens (whoa)
Got so many cuts and scars it look like I left the surgeon
Done been through so much shit, I'm like a whole other person (thank God)
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah (no, no)
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
I'm in space, I'm in mind, I'm in tune
On a mission 'til I get inside my tomb and cacoon
Every success is just a checkpoint, passing move
When I leave this body, I'ma prolly set up on the moon
Hold it down, I'm the glue
We be here, that I knew, since Timbaland and Magoo
And I proved and I bloomed
I go in more than my room
Hands straight up like it's noon
If I can't live a hundred years, I'm gone way too soon
I'm in tune
If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you
The lyrics to Big Sean's song "In Tune" speak about the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including the obstacles he's faced daily since he was born. He speaks about "pushing against the clouds" that "just keep blocking out the sun". Sean knows he is "down on luck" and "up against the wind" but he stresses that he is "in tune" with his life. He insists that he won't let anyone confuse or diminish his own sense of himself, because he has found his way and knows where he is going.
Big Sean is grounded and focused on what is important. By not attending events and parties, he avoids unnecessary distractions and prioritizes his work and health. He speaks of his spirituality and how he believes in both the Bible and the Quran. He follows universal signs and has come to realize that his life has more meaning than even he initially thought. Sean knows that his journey is unique and difficult but remains unshaken, confident that he has found the way and will continue to follow it. Everything he does, whether it be working out, drinking water, or taking vitamins, is all with the goal of living his best life possible.
Overall, "In Tune" is an inspiring and motivational song that emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting others' opinions and external obstacles get in the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Day after day seems like I push against the clouds
Life feels like a constant struggle.
They just keep blocking out the sun
Challenges keep getting in the way of progress.
It seems since I was born
The challenges have been present since birth.
I've wakened every blessed morning
Despite the struggles, I continue to wake up each day.
Down on my luck and up against the wind
Facing difficult circumstances.
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah (no, no)
Don't misinterpret my situation.
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
Despite the struggles, I'm in a good place mentally.
Bitch I ain't going to your event
Not interested in participating in certain activities.
You do too much going out and not enough going in
Focusing too much on external activities and not enough on personal growth.
I got too much going on, so I'm gone with the wind (gone)
Too busy to take part in certain activities.
And if I ain't going to work, then I'm going to the gym (to the gym)
Prioritizing work and health.
Don't get it confused
Don't misinterpret my actions.
I'm too spiritual to lose
My spirituality helps me overcome obstacles.
It's worth every single bruise
The challenges are worth the eventual success.
Long as the dogs proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
Satisfaction comes from gaining the respect of others.
Long as Milly proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
Satisfaction comes from gaining the respect of others.
I'm a G, I'm a Don, I'm a soldier (I'm a soldier)
Confident and strong.
I'm charged up, man I'm beaming, I'm solar (pew)
Full of energy and ready to succeed.
I'm from the streets, full of heat, don't get boiled
Aware of the challenges and dangers of the streets.
They chew you up and spit you out, like it's spoiled
The streets can be unforgiving.
And my mind is an open mind
Curious and open to new experiences.
I believe in the Bible and Quran
Religious beliefs.
And I follow the signs, yeah not street signs
Following intuition and opportunities in life.
I mean universal signs, I'm outside
Looking beyond physical signs to understand the world.
And I realize my life got more meaning than a triple-entendre
Life is full of meaning.
And I realize any time, the perfect time
The perfect time for success can come at any moment.
Don't nobody know me, like I know me (like I know me)
Understanding oneself better than anyone else could.
So I follow instincts only (only)
Trusting one's intuition above all else.
Man I done been double-crossed by the homies
Betrayed by friends.
And learned the hard way that they was authentic phonies (fake bitch)
Realizing that some friends were not true to their word.
Boy this shit so real in the field that I hardly stand still, but take care of my body still
Surviving in a tough environment.
I been drinking more water and popping less pills man
Prioritizing physical health.
Unless they vitamins, 'cause nigga I'm tryna live
Taking care of oneself to prolong life.
And God blessed me like I got bad allergies
Gracefully gifted with talents and blessings.
So I'm working like I run off an eternal battery
Using energy and motivation to drive success.
And if I dress casual, no I'm not a casualty (no, no)
Not letting external appearances dictate ability or impact.
And if I put my mind to it then that's what it has to be
Determined attitude.
Yeah you're fucking right damn, sure bitch that's for certain (fucking right)
Confidence in one's own opinions and decisions.
Never cut the family ties I only cut the burdens (whoa)
Prioritizing important relationships while eliminating negative influences.
Got so many cuts and scars it look like I left the surgeon
Carrying the physical and emotional scars of past struggles.
Done been through so much shit, I'm like a whole other person (thank God)
Transformed by life experiences.
I'm in space, I'm in mind, I'm in tune
Mentally and emotionally connected to one's surroundings.
On a mission 'til I get inside my tomb and cacoon
Driven to succeed and make the most of life.
Every success is just a checkpoint, passing move
Success is a stepping stone, not the final goal.
When I leave this body, I'ma prolly set up on the moon
Life goals extend beyond the physical realm.
Hold it down, I'm the glue
Holding things together for oneself and others.
We be here, that I knew, since Timbaland and Magoo
Friends from early in life.
And I proved and I bloomed
Overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
I go in more than my room
Putting in hard work and dedication.
Hands straight up like it's noon
Celebrating achievements.
If I can't live a hundred years, I'm gone way too soon
Striving for longevity and accomplishments.
If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you
Staking a claim in success and survival.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Sean Anderson, Leland Wayne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Youn Lo
[Chorus]
So don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, look
[Verse 2]
Don't nobody know me like I know me (like I know me)
So I follow instincts only (only)
Man I done been double-crossed by the homies
I learned the hard way that they was authentic phonies (fake bitch)
Boy, shit so real in the field that I hardly stand still, but take care of my body still
I been drinking more water and popping less pills, man
Unless they vitamins, 'cause nigga I'm tryna live
And God blessed me like I got bad allergies
So I'm working like I run off an eternal battery
And if I dress casual, no I'm not a casualty (no, no)
And if I put my mind to it then that's what it has to be
Yeah you're fucking right damn, sure bitch that's for certain (fucking right)
Never cut the family ties, I only cut the burdens (whoa)
Got so many cuts and scars it look like I left the surgeon
Done been through so much shit, I'm like a whole 'nother person (thank God)
Princess Marceline
don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah
**~~Bitch, I ain't going to your event
You do too much going out and not enough going in
I got too much going on, so I'm gone with the wind (gone)
And if I ain't going to work, then I'm going to the gym (to the gym)
Yeah, bitch I'm at focus
Don't get it confused
I'm too spiritual to lose
It's worth every single bruise
Long as the dogs proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
Long as Milly proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
I'm a G, I'm a Don, I'm a soldier (I'm a soldier)
I'm charged up, man I'm beaming, I'm solar (pew)
I'm from the streets, full of heat, don't get boiled
They chew you up and spit you out, like it's spoiled
And my mind is an open mind
I believe in the Bible and Quran
And I follow the signs, yeah not street signs
I mean universal signs, I'm outside
And I realize my life got more meaning than a triple-entendre
And I realize any time the perfect time
##Chorus
Don't nobody know me like I know me (like I know me)
So I follow instincts only (only)
Man I done been double-crossed by my homies
I learned the hard way that they was authentic phonies (fake bitch)
Boy, shit so real in the field that I hardly stand still, but take care of my body still
I been drinking more water and popping less pills, man
Unless they vitamins, 'cause nigga I'm tryna live
And God blessed me like I got bad allergies
So I'm working like I run off an eternal battery
And if I dress casual, no I'm not a casualty (no, no)
And if I put my mind to it then that's what it has to be
Yeah you're fucking right damn, sure bitch that's for certain (fucking right)
Never cut the family ties, I only cut the burdens (whoa)
Got so many cuts and scars it look like I left the surgeon
Done been through so much shit, I'm like a whole 'nother person (thank God
Youn Lo
[Intro: Lori Perry]
Day after day seems like I push against the clouds
They just keep blocking out the sun
It seems since I was born
I've wakened every blessed morning
Down on my luck and up against the wind
[Chorus]
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused, yeah (no, no)
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune
Don't get it confused, don't get it confused (don't)
We are not the same, boy I smile through the pain, 'cause
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah yeah
I'm in tune, I'm in tune, yeah
[Verse 1]
Bitch, I ain't going to your event
You do too much going out and not enough going in
I got too much going on, so I'm gone with the wind (gone)
And if I ain't going to work, then I'm going to the gym (to the gym)
Yeah, bitch I'm at focus
Don't get it confused
I'm too spiritual to lose
It's worth every single bruise
Long as the dogs proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
Long as Milly proud of me, then I got nothing else to prove
I'm a G, I'm a Don, I'm a soldier (I'm a soldier)
I'm charged up, man I'm beaming, I'm solar (pew)
I'm from the streets, full of heat, don't get boiled
They chew you up and spit you out, like it's spoiled
And my mind is an open mind
I believe in the Bible and Quran
And I follow the signs, yeah not street signs
I mean universal signs, I'm outside
And I realize my life got more meaning than a triple-entendre
And I realize any time the perfect time
Tim Mckinnon
Its like he will never run out of perfect metaphors. I can listen to big sean all day.
ishowscam
carl winslow my man!
Humza Uddin
lyrically true asf
NoHesii
I swear all his songs are just perfect
Tezzi_boy dude
carl winslow ......big Sean be a meaningful rapper...ππ½π
Nick
Yet people call him trash because he is lyrical
Ilgaz Omer
this song deadass gave me hope when I was depressed like crazy and couldn't smile thru the pain...shit gets me focused
rob
Ilgaz Omer you got this
Lil Mozzy
Same af rn
9 17
Ilgaz Omer ... FACTSSSSSSS π