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.
It's Time Feat. Jeezy & Payroll
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That’s how much I don’t sleep nigga
Finally famous nigga
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
Today is a good day
I wish a nigga would day
Ride through the hood day
Ride through the hood where I would stay
If I wasn’t me, wasn’t committed
I told my mom and my dad it’ll be the last Christmas
In the hood that you can visit
Oh boy I got it, no chasers
'Cause the best mixed with Hennessey is problems
I took that advice young when I was headed up to college
Momma swimming in that debt
Rather swim with the piranhas or the shark
Ready set go, on your mark to the top
Getting rich ain’t a blessing it’s a choice
Drunk and still drinking out the fucking bottle
I want a hood rat bitch motherfuck a model
You ain't alive if you ain't living that’s the motto
And I'mma’ probably wake up tomorrow sayin', sayin'
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
Lets get it, yeah be alright nigga
It’s the motherfucking world nigga
Getcha some time to just do it how I done it
First up on the first cause’ first of all you gotta want it
Re-up time for every penny, never fronted
So room for, paid every penny then I stunted
Stunted so hard you woulda thought I was a stuntman
TS4 with 23’s I’m talking jumpmans
Twos and thirds watch for the blitz, you know they rush
Just don’t get caught in the coupe with them birds, end of discussion
Them boys round the corner wanna sell in that Cal Ripken
If them niggas think I’m riding with that, them niggas tripping
Yeah I got a magnificent hustle, cause’ imma’ grinder
Told my olds im hiding you here, so they won’t find you
What you know about a bag that’s heavy as anacondas?
Bet you one thing, I ain’t talking no marijuana
That’s whats wrong with these niggas they think it’s about shine
You niggas get back to your grind, I think it’s about time
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
They say it’s my time according to my Rolex
I’m bout to fuck the game, then your ho next
I used to talk dirty on my cell, no phone sex
No yoga boy I was making blow stretch
Press the fast forward button, I’m pushing a foreign something
All through my neighborhood, next stop is the haters hood
My bitch so bad, but you can bet that my paper good
I do this for real, you lil niggas just fake it good
It’s time for a new crib, it’s time for a new chain
20 thousand on me homie that’s just loose change
Too many diamond chains that nigga a mess
But if you knew bout my hood you’d say that nigga is blessed
Detroit in this bitch, Big Sean what it do bro?
Getting money four ways so I can buy a two-door
Stash looking healthy but my jewelry got the flu though
The hustle’s who I represent, dope boys we in this bitch
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
Put the city on let’s get it
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
Let’s get it
Detroit, once the backbone of this country
Now it’s the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy
Thriving neighborhoods are now vacant
Going from a population of nearly 2 million
To under 700,000 in a matter of years
The people of Detroit really going to have to stick together
To make it through these tough times
The song "It's Time" by Big Sean is about his struggles and how he overcame them to become successful. He talks about his commitment to his dreams and how he put his city, Detroit, on the map. The lyrics "And I'll be goddamned if I didn't put the city on let's get it" shows his determination to make a name for himself and his city. The song also speaks to the struggles of living in the hood with lines like "Rather swim with the piranhas or the shark," showcasing the dangers of living in poverty.
Furthermore, the song talks about the importance of hard work and dedication, as Big Sean raps about his hustle and how he earned his success by never fronting any money. The lyrics "Re-up time for every penny, never fronted" shows the importance of being financially responsible and not wasting money. Additionally, Big Sean also touches on the theme of time, stressing the importance of making use of one's time and not wasting it.
Overall, the song is motivational, inspiring listeners to commit to their dreams and work hard to achieve them.
Line by Line Meaning
I done fell asleep fucking last night
I had so little sleep last night that I fell asleep while engaging in sexual activity.
That’s how much I don’t sleep negro
I sleep very little; so little that I fell asleep during sex.
Finally famous negro
I have achieved a level of success that has made me famous.
And I’ll be goddamned if I didn’t
I am determined and committed to achieving my goals.
Put the city on let’s get it
I have successfully represented my city and want to motivate others to do the same.
(Alright alright alright, alright alright alright)
A chant to motivate and pump up the listener.
Today is a good day
I feel optimistic and positive about today.
I wish a nigga would day
I am confident and ready to handle any challenges that come my way.
Ride through the hood day
I am taking a ride through my neighborhood.
Ride through the hood where I would stay
I am driving through the neighborhood where I grew up.
If I wasn’t me, wasn’t committed
If I was not myself and not dedicated to my goals.
I told my mom and my dad it’ll be the last Christmas
I promised my parents that I would make sure they never have to spend another Christmas in poverty.
In the hood that you can visit
I am making sure my family no longer has to live in a dangerous or impoverished neighborhood.
Oh boy I got it, no chasers
I am successful and confident in my accomplishments.
'Cause the best mixed with Hennessey is problems
Mixing the best things with alcohol can create issues and struggles.
I took that advice young when I was headed up to college
I learned early on the dangers of alcohol and its effects.
Momma swimming in that debt
My mother is struggling with financial issues.
Rather swim with the piranhas or the shark
I'd rather face dangerous challenges than debt collectors or financial struggles.
Ready set go, on your mark to the top
I am ready and eager to pursue my goals and achieve success.
Getting rich ain’t a blessing it’s a choice
We choose to pursue wealth and success, it is not something that just happens to us.
Drunk and still drinking out the fucking bottle
I am still drinking alcohol straight out of the bottle even though I am already drunk.
I want a hood rat bitch motherfuck a model
I prefer women from the hood to models or women who live luxurious lifestyles.
You ain't alive if you ain't living that’s the motto
We must actively pursue our goals and dreams to truly live life to the fullest.
And I'mma’ probably wake up tomorrow sayin', sayin'
I will wake up tomorrow with the same determination and drive as today.
Lets get it, yeah be alright negro
Let's take action and make things happen. Everything will be okay.
It’s the motherfucking world negro
I am in control and ready to dominate the world.
Getcha some time to just do it how I done it
Take your time to pursue your goals the way I have done.
First up on the first cause’ first of all you gotta want it
You have to desire success and take the first step.
Re-up time for every penny, never fronted
I invest wisely and never spend money recklessly.
So room for, paid every penny then I stunted
I saved every penny and invested wisely, resulting in my success and ability to show off.
Stunted so hard you woulda thought I was a stuntman
I show off my wealth and success excessively, as if I am a stuntman.
TS4 with 23’s I’m talking jumpmans
My car has spinning rims and special edition Nike shoes.
Twos and thirds watch for the blitz, you know they rush
Be aware of the police and their efforts to arrest you.
Just don’t get caught in the coupe with them birds, end of discussion
Do not get caught in a car with drugs or other illegal substances.
Them boys round the corner wanna sell in that Cal Ripken
Drug dealers in my neighborhood are trying to sell their products.
If them niggas think I’m riding with that, them niggas tripping
I am not involved in the drug dealing and refuse to be associated with it.
Yeah I got a magnificent hustle, cause’ imma’ grinder
I have a great work ethic and am constantly hustling to achieve success.
Told my olds im hiding you here, so they won’t find you
I am keeping my loved ones safe by hiding them from harm.
What you know about a bag that’s heavy as anacondas?
Do you know the weight and value of a large amount of drugs?
Bet you one thing, I ain’t talking no marijuana
I am not talking about marijuana, but something much heavier and more valuable.
That’s whats wrong with these niggas they think it’s about shine
People are too focused on showing off their wealth and success instead of working hard for it.
You niggas get back to your grind, I think it’s about time
Get back to working hard and pursuing your goals.
They say it’s my time according to my Rolex
My watch is signaling that it is my turn to succeed.
I’m bout to fuck the game, then your ho next
I am going to take over the music industry and steal your girl in the process.
I used to talk dirty on my cell, no phone sex
I used to make illegal deals and discuss them over the phone rather than engage in phone sex.
No yoga boy I was making blow stretch
I was not practicing yoga, I was dealing drugs to make money.
Press the fast forward button, I’m pushing a foreign something
I am making progress quickly and driving a foreign car to show off my success.
All through my neighborhood, next stop is the haters hood
After showing off my success in my neighborhood, I will go to the neighborhood where I am not welcomed and impress them.
My bitch so bad, but you can bet that my paper good
My girlfriend is beautiful and my wealth is apparent.
I do this for real, you lil niggas just fake it good
I am truly successful and accomplished, while others are just pretending to be.
It’s time for a new crib, it’s time for a new chain
I am successful and ready to upgrade my living space and jewelry.
20 thousand on me homie that’s just loose change
I have so much money that $20,000 is a small amount to me.
Too many diamond chains that nigga a mess
People who wear excessive amounts of jewelry are tacky and foolish.
But if you knew bout my hood you’d say that nigga is blessed
My success and wealth is impressive considering where I came from.
Detroit in this bitch, Big Sean what it do bro?
I represent Detroit and am ready to show off what we have to offer.
Getting money four ways so I can buy a two-door
I am acquiring wealth through multiple streams to afford a two-door car.
Stash looking healthy but my jewelry got the flu though
My savings account is looking good, but my jewelry is too flashy.
The hustle’s who I represent, dope boys we in this bitch
I represent the hardworking individuals hustling to succeed, like drug dealers.
Detroit, once the backbone of this country
Detroit was once a vital and important city in the United States.
Now it’s the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy
Due to financial struggles, Detroit has had to file for bankruptcy, making it the largest city in the US to have done so.
Thriving neighborhoods are now vacant
Neighborhoods that were once prosperous and flourishing are now empty and deserted.
Going from a population of nearly 2 million
Detroit's population was once close to 2 million people.
To under 700,000 in a matter of years
In just a few years, Detroit's population has significantly decreased to less than 700,000.
The people of Detroit really going to have to stick together
To overcome the challenges facing Detroit, its people need to come together and support one another.
To make it through these tough times
Difficult times are ahead for Detroit, and its people need to work together to overcome them.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAY JENKINS, SEAN ANDERSON, DWANE II WEIR, DIOR GIOVANNI PETTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@superflysccerboii
this song is so underrated
@MikeLee-jb3zh
This is the dopest song ever I don't know why its underrated. We need MV for this song seriously
@oliverzettas8286
One of my favorite songs to this very day. Who’s listening in 2021?
@kenlikavo326
We here in 2023
@warriorx1144
@@kenlikavo326 same
@waynegolding14
This that track that amp you up for anything. We here in 2023 from NZ
@irene6956
d-d-d-detroit, once the backbone of this country , now the largest US city to file for bankruptcy. thriving neighborhoods are now vacant. going from a population of nearly 2 million, to under 700,000 in a matter of years : the people of detroit are really gonna have to stick together, to make it through these tough times
@KyleTheLEGOMaster
Detroit, once the backbone of this country
Now it’s the largest U.S. city to file for bankruptcy
Thriving neighborhoods are now vacant
Going from a population of nearly 2 million
To under 700,000 in a matter of years
The people of Detroit really going to have to stick together
To make it through these tough times
@edogg20
Payroll Snapped too
@tamikasmith4329
He did though!