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.
Lithuania
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm too fleek to take off all my shit at TSA (fleek)
I know we met today, but I'ma need that shit today (straight up)
Might go extra-extra just so I can see they face (Hit-Boy, straight up, damn)
Keep X's and O's and interchange, yeah
Hit three in a row, that's just a game
Big rings in a row all down my fingers
Tryna snatch you home, my Lithuania
Pass, do you mind? (Yeah) One of a kind
Get you to sign (sign), I took the fine (cash)
Mulholland Drive (skrrt), I hesitate and weave
And hit that line, I hit more, say the least (it's lit)
Got stacks aside, keep that for bro and peeps
With all the 'Raris (straight up), wrist eight, ain't a nigga could tell you
Risqué lil' hoes keep tryin', by the end of the day my M's gettin' wired
My own rims for every time we tried
I'm sensei and senseless, same time
Two drank, two cups poured up
I'm insanely down, slowed up
She built round, butt bubbled up
Don't inflame me now, go nuts
I keep flame right by my guts
It was out, but now it's tucked
Know back home they proud of us right now
Bitch, I'm back and it's up, PSA (whoa, whoa)
I'm too fleek to take off all my shit at TSA (fleek)
I know we met today, but I'ma need that shit today (straight up)
Might go extra-extra just so I can see they face (straight up, damn)
Keep X's and O's and interchange, yeah
Hit three in a row, that's just a game
Big rings in a row all down my fingers
I can't even hold my baggage claim
Tryna snatch you home, my Lithuania
(Psycho, whoa, whoa)
Lil' bitch, don't talk to me like I'm not me (no)
Graveyard, up late, shit, I'm with the zombies (up)
Goin' insane, hard to contain, can't miss a beat, my heart is the same
You know it's flame if I'm in this ho with Scottie (yeah)
Long list of problems, long list of blessings (woah)
Makin' sure the first one never out weight the second, yeah
Military with the tactics, multi-million, multi-facet
She like Prince and Michael Jackson, Purple Rain and mirrors dancin' (woah, woah, woah)
Savage Fenty matchin' with the lingerie socks
Didn't know they made them 'til I took 'em off and I popped
Her mama sixty but look twenty-nine and that's a great sign (woah)
Could take over any tri-state without even tryin' (boy)
And I'm prayin' for my exes and my enemies (straight up)
'Cause they gone need all the help they can get if it isn't me (I swear)
Success is a chain reaction, I'm the fuckin' missin' link (uh-huh)
In the world where niggas would do anythin' for everythin', damn (damn)
Keep X's and O's and interchange, yeah
Hit three in a row, that's just a game (game, bitch)
Big rings in a row all down my fingers (whoa)
I can't even hold my baggage claim
Tryna snatch you home, my Lithuania
Yeah
I had to reset it, my credit on venery and go 'head and vet it
I pullin' her hair, talkin' shit in her ear, yeah, I got a lil' fetish
In “Lithuania,” Big Sean explores the perks and challenges of life as a successful rapper. He boasts about his wealth and fame, making it clear that he’s too fly for mundane tasks like going through TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checkpoints. He also plays with cultural references, comparing himself and his love interest to Prince and Michael Jackson and referencing Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls. Despite all the glamour, Big Sean acknowledges that he faces challenges and prays for his enemies and exes. “Lithuania” is an upbeat track with catchy rhymes and a confident delivery.
Line by Line Meaning
Bitch, I'm back and it's up, PSA (whoa, whoa)
I'm back and better than ever and you better pay attention
I'm too fleek to take off all my shit at TSA (fleek)
I'm too fly to take off all my clothes at airport security
I know we met today, but I'ma need that shit today (straight up)
I just met you, but I want you to give me what I want right now
Might go extra-extra just so I can see they face (Hit-Boy, straight up, damn)
I might go all out just to see the look on their face
Keep X's and O's and interchange, yeah
Play the game of love by keeping things interesting and fresh
Hit three in a row, that's just a game
Scoring three consecutive victories in the game of love is a fun challenge
Big rings in a row all down my fingers
I have lots of bling on my fingers
I can't even hold my baggage claim
I'm so loaded with wealth and success that I can't even carry my own luggage
Tryna snatch you home, my Lithuania
I want to take you home with me, my love
Pass, do you mind? (Yeah) One of a kind
Excuse me, can I get past you? I'm unique and special, one in a million
Get you to sign (sign), I took the fine (cash)
I got you to sign a contract and paid a hefty sum for it
Mulholland Drive (skrrt), I hesitate and weave
I'm driving on a scenic road, pausing and maneuvering
And hit that line, I hit more, say the least (it's lit)
I made a successful move and gained even more success
Got stacks aside, keep that for bro and peeps
I keep a lot of wealth aside for my close friends and family
With all the 'Raris (straight up), wrist eight, ain't a nigga could tell you
With all my fancy cars and expensive watches, no one can question my wealth
Risqué lil' hoes keep tryin', by the end of the day my M's gettin' wired
Women keep trying to seduce me, but at the end of the day, I'm getting rich
My own rims for every time we tried
I have a collection of fancy rims for every attempt I made in achieving my dreams
I'm sensei and senseless, same time
I'm a wise and knowledgeable teacher, but also reckless and impulsive
Two drank, two cups poured up
I'm drinking heavily tonight, with two cups filled to the brim
I'm insanely down, slowed up
I'm feeling really low and depressed tonight
She built round, butt bubbled up
She has a curvaceous body with a plump butt
Don't inflame me now, go nuts
Don't anger me now, go crazy and have fun
I keep flame right by my guts
I have a fire within me that keeps me motivated
It was out, but now it's tucked
My fire was extinguished but now it's back and burning strong
Know back home they proud of us right now
I know my loved ones are proud of me and my accomplishments
Lil' bitch, don't talk to me like I'm not me (no)
Don't disrespect me or talk down to me
Graveyard, up late, shit, I'm with the zombies (up)
I'm up late working hard, feeling like a zombie
Goin' insane, hard to contain, can't miss a beat, my heart is the same
I'm going crazy, but I can't stop working and pursuing success, as my passion remains the same
You know it's flame if I'm in this ho with Scottie (yeah)
You know I'm on fire and successful if I'm in this car with Scottie Pippen
Long list of problems, long list of blessings (woah)
I have a lot of issues, but also a lot of good things happening in my life
Makin' sure the first one never out weight the second, yeah
I'm trying to balance my problems and blessings and make sure the latter never get overshadowed
Military with the tactics, multi-million, multi-facet
I'm strategic and clever in my approach to success, and have multiple skills and interests
She like Prince and Michael Jackson, Purple Rain and mirrors dancin' (woah, woah, woah)
She's as iconic and legendary as Prince and Michael Jackson, and we're dancing in front of the mirror like in Purple Rain
Savage Fenty matchin' with the lingerie socks
I'm wearing Savage Fenty clothing and matching it with lingerie socks
Didn't know they made them 'til I took 'em off and I popped
I didn't know such socks existed until I saw them on myself and popped them off
Her mama sixty but look twenty-nine and that's a great sign (woah)
Her mother looks much younger than her actual age, which is a good sign for my partner
Could take over any tri-state without even tryin' (boy)
I'm so powerful and successful that I could take over three states without even trying
And I'm prayin' for my exes and my enemies (straight up)
I'm wishing the best for my past lovers and those who have wronged me
'Cause they gone need all the help they can get if it isn't me (I swear)
They will struggle if they don't have me or my support in their lives
Success is a chain reaction, I'm the fuckin' missin' link (uh-huh)
Success leads to more success, and I'm the key element to making that happen
In the world where niggas would do anythin' for everythin', damn (damn)
In this world, people will do anything for money and success, and it's shocking
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chauncey Hollis, Jacques Webster, Rafael Brown, Sean Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@King
Two Legends In One 🔥
@WhosSteps
L
@kylecraig8952
Neither of them are legends, people really be saying that about anyone these days
@akshatagrawal7261
Kingsclan OP!
@anthonycarlos2095
Set Steps L
@Dimiche
fo reall!!! 🔥🔥🔥 if you get time check out my music, hope you enjoy the rest of your day
@OMIMmusic
Big Sean: Why you wanna call this song Lithuania?
Travis: ...
...
It's LIT
@toniihughes8584
💕🥳
@ppoppi8937
https://youtu.be/ME0PWIyF_jU
@joeygallo9473
https://youtu.be/axfoxLKW5PQ Nas. Life’s A Bitch remix, apologies if it isn’t your thing.