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.
Inspire Me
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
Can't go wrong, can't go wrong
Wrong (this one's for you, you, you)
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me (you, you, you)
Look, you tried to keep me away from temptation
Introduced me to The Temptations
Dancing so hard the living room shaking
Yeah we dance in the house
My mama's the man of the house
Mama you too good for them men
Even dad, you too good for him
Mama you know you inspire me
You deserve early retirement
You text me, tell me to take my vitamins
When I got a new love you invite 'em in
When we break up, you don't like 'em then (no)
Loyal, loyal, swear you super loyal
Worth more to me than striking oil
You deserve the life I'm tryna show ya
I remember all of the sacrifices
Growing up in debt, but never hungry
Rich in everything except money
That's that faith that you can't buy
But I buy that crib, you look right in it
I buy that new car in the color that you like it in
And play my song every single time you drive in it
That's 'cause you inspired it (yeah)
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
Can't go wrong, can't go wrong
Wrong
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
I know it's hard to get me on the line
I'm busy like every other time
Since I got a house in that other town
You wonder when I'ma come around
I know you worry about me
I give you attitude like, "Don't worry 'bout it"
Don't hit ya up like I don't care about you
But I hold you down, man I swear I got you
I know I got problems communicating
I probably should've went to school
And got that degree in communications
I should be with you on vacation
I should take you where you should be taken
Asia, Africa, Dubai, anything you want, I do buy
Just want you to know I do try
To take care of ya, mama
You the one, you the one, you the one
You the moon, you the stars, you the sun
I'm so happy I'm your son
I'm so happy I'm your son
You love me since day one
Since before day one
So before the day's done
I gotta, gotta let you know
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
Can't go wrong, can't go wrong
Wrong
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
Look, mama, you know you inspire me
If I ever made you not feel like it, then this is my apology
So sorry, look, dear mama you know your son shine for ya
I'm Sean for ya, my lady
Don't you ever let 'em talk to you crazy
Anything for the fam, how you raise me
I'm yo baby but you still my baby
Ayy
The song "Inspire Me" by Big Sean is a heartfelt tribute to the artist's mother, who he considers a constant source of inspiration and motivation. The song opens with an acknowledgement of his mother's consistently good choices and how they impact him, admitting that her example sets the bar for him to follow suit. He also reminisces about their shared love for music, from classic artists like Marvin Gaye and the Isley Brothers, and how they would dance together in the living room. Sean also reflects on his mother's loyalty to him and how he has taken care of her in return through buying a new house and car, everything that she needs to live a comfortable life. He expresses regret for not always being there and not communicate effectively, but still, his love for her never decreases. Overall, the song is a sincere expression of gratitude and love to a woman who has made a significant impact on his life.
Line by Line Meaning
You do the right thing, you know you inspire me
Big Sean admires and is inspired by someone who consistently does the right thing.
Can't go wrong, can't go wrong
This person always makes the right decisions.
Wrong (this one's for you, you, you)
A playful reference to how rarely this person makes the wrong choice.
Look, you tried to keep me away from temptation
This person has been a guiding force for Big Sean to help him stay clear of negative influences.
Introduced me to The Temptations
This person introduced Big Sean to inspiring musical artists like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and Isley Brothers.
Dancing so hard the living room shaking
This person knows how to have fun and share joy through dancing, even in their own home.
Yeah we dance in the house
This person enjoys dancing and values having fun with others, even in a private setting like their home.
My mama's the man of the house
This person, likely Big Sean's mother, is the head of the family, holding things together and keeping everyone on track.
Mama you too good for them men
Big Sean believes that his mother deserves someone who truly appreciates and cares for her.
Even dad, you too good for him
This line suggests there may have been issues in Big Sean's parents' relationship, and that his mother deserves better than his father.
Mama you know you inspire me
Big Sean again expresses his admiration and inspiration from his mother, recognizing how amazing she is.
You deserve early retirement
Big Sean believes that his mother has worked hard in her life and deserves to retire early and enjoy life.
You text me, tell me to take my vitamins
This person cares about Big Sean's health and wellbeing, showing their concern by reaching out to him to remind him to take care of himself.
When I got a new love you invite 'em in
This person is welcoming and accepting of Big Sean's love interests, even when they don't work out.
When we break up, you don't like 'em then (no)
This line suggests that while this person may have initially seemed welcoming to Big Sean's ex-partners, they ultimately won't tolerate anyone who hurts or mistreats him.
Loyal, loyal, swear you super loyal
This person is extremely loyal to Big Sean, and it's one of the qualities he admires most about them.
Worth more to me than striking oil
This person's loyalty and positive influence on Big Sean is priceless and more valuable than any material wealth or riches.
You deserve the life I'm tryna show ya
Big Sean wants to provide the best life he can for this person, because they deserve it.
I remember all of the sacrifices
Big Sean recognizes and remembers all of the sacrifices this person has made for him and their family.
Growing up in debt, but never hungry
This person made sure that the family's basic needs were always met, even in times of financial struggle.
Rich in everything except money
The family may not have had much in terms of material goods, but they were rich in other ways, like the love and support they shared with each other.
That's that faith that you can't buy
The family's strong faith and love can't be bought or sold, it's something that is invaluable.
But I buy that crib, you look right in it
Big Sean has been able to provide his loved ones with material comforts, like a home they can be proud of.
I buy that new car in the color that you like it in
Big Sean goes out of his way to make sure his loved ones are happy and comfortable, even if that means getting a car in their favorite color.
And play my song every single time you drive in it
This person is a devoted fan of Big Sean's music and enjoys playing it whenever possible.
That's 'cause you inspired it (yeah)
Big Sean is inspired by this person to create music and be successful.
I know it's hard to get me on the line
Big Sean admits that he's not always easy to get in touch with.
I'm busy like every other time
Big Sean is very busy and may not always have time to connect with this person.
Since I got a house in that other town
Big Sean has a lot going on, including owning a house in another town.
You wonder when I'ma come around
This person may worry about when they'll be able to see Big Sean again.
I know you worry about me
This person cares about Big Sean's wellbeing and worries about him.
I give you attitude like, "Don't worry 'bout it"
Big Sean can sometimes seem dismissive of this person's concerns, giving them attitude like they shouldn't worry about him.
Don't hit ya up like I don't care about you
Big Sean doesn't always stay in touch with this person, but it doesn't mean he doesn't care about them.
But I hold you down, man I swear I got you
Big Sean is devoted to this person and will always be there to support them.
I know I got problems communicating
Big Sean admits that he struggles with communicating with this person and others in his life.
I probably should've went to school
Big Sean thinks that he could have benefited from further education.
And got that degree in communications
He specifically thinks that pursuing a degree in communication would have helped him communicate better with this person.
I should be with you on vacation
Big Sean wishes he had more time to spend with this person and regrets not being able to join them on vacation.
I should take you where you should be taken
Big Sean wants to take this person to nice places and give them the experiences they deserve.
Asia, Africa, Dubai, anything you want, I do buy
Big Sean wants to give this person everything they desire, from traveling to different continents to buying anything they want.
Just want you to know I do try
Big Sean is doing his best to make this person happy and provide for them.
To take care of ya, mama
Big Sean wants to take care of this person and make sure their needs are met.
You the one, you the one, you the one
This person is extremely important to Big Sean and he values them above all others.
You the moon, you the stars, you the sun
This person is the center of Big Sean's world and he sees them as the most important thing in his life.
I'm so happy I'm your son
Big Sean is grateful to be this person's son and is filled with joy because of them.
You love me since day one
This person has been a constant source of love and support for Big Sean since he was born.
Since before day one
This person has loved Big Sean even before he was born, likely during his time in the womb and possibly even before that.
So before the day's done
Before the end of the day, Big Sean wants to express his admiration, love, and gratitude for this person.
I gotta, gotta let you know
He feels compelled to tell this person how he feels about them, because they mean so much to him.
Look, mama, you know you inspire me
Big Sean reminds this person that they have been a major source of inspiration for him.
If I ever made you not feel like it, then this is my apology
Big Sean wants to apologize if he has ever made this person feel like they weren't appreciated or valued.
So sorry, look, dear mama you know your son shine for ya
He wants to make it clear that he loves and values this person, and that they are the reason he's successful and shines.
I'm Sean for ya, my lady
Big Sean is dedicated to this person and wants to make sure they know how much he cares for them.
Don't you ever let 'em talk to you crazy
Big Sean is protective of this person and wants to make sure they are treated with respect by others.
Anything for the fam, how you raise me
This person raised Big Sean to value family and will do anything for them.
I'm yo baby but you still my baby
Big Sean may be this person's child, but he still sees them as someone he needs to care for and protect.
Ayy
An exclamation of agreement or enthusiasm, often used in hip-hop lyrics.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, Justine Bradley, Noel C Fisher, Ruben Raymond, Justin Rodriguez, Sidney Swift
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@iamcalledirenechaliz-lopez
I cried listening to the lyrics of GOLD sent by my youngest daughter as we go through a family crisis. She is my ROCK. I ❤️ U J
@x.jaynine
love you, mom 💖💖💖