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.
Overtime
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just been feeling like, it's all clickin', you know?
(Hit-Boy)
Like it's all working out, and I'm 'bout to work out
Colossal
B.I.G, look
The universe been throwing me all the signs except stop it
I can't throw fists no more unless it's profits
Lord, why you keep boxing me in, 'cause I'm God's gift?
I might set my mic back up in the closet, though
Just to give myself that same feeling from '04
When my hunger was more, advice to you and yours
They say it's over for you, that's when you go overboard, okay?
Shit, I didn't take a break, my nigga, I broke
Broke my heart, broke my soul, don't cry for me though
If you don't break nothing down then it's no room to grow
One mental block lead to another, shit it's dominos
Mixtape Sean, but I'm in album mode, ooh
She give me praise, I love her angel face
Ass so fat she could work at TSA (damn)
I went to school at Cass, Aaliyah went to DSA a mile away
Just letting you know the types of kings and queens my city make and I probably need a parade
All the soldiers with me, this shit like green beret
So legendary, I'ma probably need a day (June 29th)
Forgot I already got one, be dammed if I'm not one
You talking 'bout the hottest in the city, most influential rappin' ass niggas and I'm the top one
Me and Em' knocked down doors for y'all that was locked once
I know they might never get me, I still put on for the city like the Lions first round picked me
I ain't been fucking I been too busy, I got two phones they both business
I got fake ones tryin' to end me
I got real ones gon' defend me like a fucking co-defendant
I got Don Life on my pendant, I'm conditioned to do the distance
And I just set up the pensions, family set like my intentions
Been balancing trying to keep my company with the girls who wanna keep me company
You know the ones who claim they over me but would much rather be under me
Is confident and been through too much just to be done with me
And you know that shit gets stressful right?
Shit taxing, the same thing that got Wesley Sniped
And you know how I'm rocking, rocking Elvis Presley white
You know highlight reelin'
All highlights like we sitting on top of museum ceilings
No more resisting
If you ain't on my frequency, you out of tune and not tuned in
To break the unbreakable, escape the unescapable
'Til you push your fucking limits, you don't even know what's capable
Fuck that shit that you believe in, I believe in me
Talkin' on they phones and PC like they off that PCP
Bitch, I spit that Eazy-E, face to face, Smack DVD
I don't got no time for hanging out and all that E-T-C
Just cut the check, C-T-C, Godbody my physique
I can look inside your eyes and know exactly what you mean
Fuck you mean? Energy the first language that I speak
No facade, I belong in the Palace of Versailles with a queen by my side
In this hot girl summer, I'm just trying to find a wife
Visualizing from every island that's on Hawaii
With my team on each side, like ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
With the last laugh like Kawhi
And you know that you that one when you beat all the other odds
I keep one foot planted at home and the other one on swivel though
Gotta keep 'em both 'cause this shit get way too pivotal
All the work is analog, all the payment digital
When tempers tend to flare up, I'm the one to be cool since preschool
I know which ones that's been rocking with me, dawg, since the prequel
Just be cool
I know your favorite one, dawg, I'm 'bout to drop the sequel
Nigga, this just the preview
Don
Strike to claim it, a strike to claim it
And he got it
Goddammit, yes, that is why I did it
Another five, are you kidding me?
That's right
Who do you think you are?
I am
Big Sean's "Overtime" is an introspection that deals with Sean's current outlook on life and career. The intro, produced by Hit-Boy, explains how Sean feels everything in his life is clicking and how things are all working out for him. Sean's introspection features a number of themes, including needing to take action and grow, the challenges of preserving relationships, and the challenges of fame. Above all, the lyrics highlight a sense of empowerment Sean's grown to experience in his life.
The song also features Sean's appreciation of his hometown, Detroit. He boasts about the types of legends the city has produced, and his ambitious goal of fueling it with more energy by putting on for the city. Throughout the song, Sean reflects on his past mistakes and lessons, and proclaims his dominance in the rap game.
Overall, "Overtime" is an introspective track that displays Sean's growth and changing perspectives over time. His lyrics encapsulate both the positive and negative pressures that come with his success and how he is managing them.
Line by Line Meaning
The universe been throwing me all the signs except stop it
I feel like everything is coming together and progressing smoothly, except for the negative things that keep happening, but it doesn't stop me.
Niggas been plotting on me, but here's the plot twist
People have been trying to take me down, but they don't know that the unexpected will happen.
I can't throw fists no more unless it's profits
I can only fight if it is going to bring me money, not just because I'm angry.
Lord, why you keep boxing me in, 'cause I'm God's gift?
I feel like I'm being restrained or limited, despite feeling like I have a lot of potential.
I might set my mic back up in the closet, though
I may go back to my humble beginnings, to get the feeling of when I was first starting out.
Just to give myself that same feeling from '04
I want to take myself back to my initial goals and motivations when I first started out.
When my hunger was more, advice to you and yours
I was more driven and passionate back then, and I would advise others to chase their dreams with that same high level of intensity.
They say it's over for you, that's when you go overboard, okay?
When people believe that you can't do it or that it is the end for you, that's when you should strive even harder.
Shit, I didn't take a break, my nigga, I broke
I wasn't resting, I was burning out from overworking myself.
Broke my heart, broke my soul, don't cry for me though
I sacrificed my emotional wellbeing for my art, but I don't want pity.
If you don't break nothing down then it's no room to grow
If you don't challenge yourself or break down your own barriers, you won't be able to develop and mature.
One mental block lead to another, shit it's dominos
One obstacle or setback can quickly lead to more and more difficulties.
Mixtape Sean, but I'm in album mode, ooh
I am focusing on creating a full-length album, despite my past of writing mainly mixtapes.
She give me praise, I love her angel face
She gives me compliments, and I appreciate her sweet and kind face.
Ass so fat she could work at TSA (Damn)
Her butt is so large that she could work for TSA, and make those airport security lines more enjoyable.
I went to school at Cass, Aaliyah went to DSA a mile away
I went to school at Cass, while Aaliyah went to a similar performing arts school not too far.
Just letting you know the types of kings and queens my city make and I probably need a parade
I want to celebrate and showcase the amazing talents that come from my hometown.
All the soldiers with me, this shit like green beret
I have a strong team with me, and it feels like we are a elite and powerful military unit.
So legendary, I'ma probably need a day (June 29th)
I am such a powerful figure that I need at least a day to celebrate my accomplishments (June 29th is his birthday).
Forgot I already got one, be dammed if I'm not one
I already have recognition as a legendary figure, and I will continue to maintain this reputation.
You talking 'bout the hottest in the city, most influential rappin' ass niggas and I'm the top one
I am considered to be the best rapper in my city, the most influential, and most talked-about.
Me and Em' knocked down doors for y'all that was locked once
Myself and Eminem paved the way and opened up opportunities for others that previously were not available.
I know they might never get me, I still put on for the city like the Lions first round picked me
I may not be understood or fully appreciated, but I still represent my city in the best way possible.
I ain't been fucking I been too busy, I got two phones they both business
I have been focused on work more than dating, I have two phones for work purposes only.
I got fake ones tryin' to end me
I have people pretending to be my friends while secretly plotting against me.
I got real ones gon' defend me like a fucking co-defendant
However, I also have genuine friends who will defend and support me like they are on trial with me.
I got Don Life on my pendant, I'm conditioned to do the distance
I have a Don Life chain that represents my work ethic and mindset of always pushing myself to succeed.
And I just set up the pensions, family set like my intentions
I have set my family up with financial stability for the future and my intentions are to provide for them for a long time.
Been balancing trying to keep my company with the girls who wanna keep me company
I am trying to balance time with my work and spending time with women who also want to spend time with me.
You know the ones who claim they over me but would much rather be under me
These women say they are over me, but still want to be physically intimate with me.
Is confident and been through too much just to be done with me
These women have been through a lot in their lives and they have enough confidence to not fully depend on me.
And you know that shit gets stressful right?
This situation can be very stressful.
Shit taxing, the same thing that got Wesley Sniped
This situation can be very tiring and it reminds me of the character Wesley Snipes played.
And you know how I'm rocking, rocking Elvis Presley white
I am dressing in all white like Elvis Presley.
You know highlight reelin'
I am showcasing my best moments and successes.
All highlights like we sitting on top of museum ceilings
Everything in my life feels like a highlight, as if I'm on display in a museum.
No more resisting
I am no longer fighting against anything.
If you ain't on my frequency, you out of tune and not tuned in
If you don't understand me or are not on the same wavelength as me, then you are out of the loop.
To break the unbreakable, escape the unescapable
I am determined to overcome obstacles that seem impenetrable.
'Til you push your fucking limits, you don't even know what's capable
You won't know what you're capable of unless you push yourself beyond your limits.
Fuck that shit that you believe in, I believe in me
I don't care about your beliefs, I only believe in myself.
Talkin' on they phones and PC like they off that PCP
People are talking on their phones and computers privately, as if they were on drugs.
Bitch, I spit that Eazy-E, face to face, Smack DVD
I am a great and legendary rapper, similar to Eazy-E being on Smack DVD.
I don't got no time for hanging out and all that E-T-C
I don't have time for endless socializing and doing extra things.
Just cut the check, C-T-C, Godbody my physique
Just pay me the money, my physique looks great thanks to my own hard work and determination.
I can look inside your eyes and know exactly what you mean
I am great at reading people and can understand their true intentions just by looking them in the eyes.
Energy the first language that I speak
The way I communicate with others is through vibes and energy.
No facade, I belong in the Palace of Versailles with a queen by my side
I am authentic and true to myself, but I still belong in the company of royalty.
In this hot girl summer, I'm just trying to find a wife
Despite the hot girl summer trend, I am still searching for a meaningful relationship.
Visualizing from every island that's on Hawaii
I am imagining and planning out my future from every part of the state of Hawaii.
With my team on each side, like ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
I have my team on either side of me, like a comedic group of friends.
With the last laugh like Kawhi
I'll be laughing last, similar to the way NBA player Kawhi Leonard is known to have the last laugh.
And you know that you that one when you beat all the other odds
You know that you're special when you're able to exceed expectations despite the odds against you.
I keep one foot planted at home and the other one on swivel though
I still have one foot grounded in my roots, while keeping my other foot moving forward and making progress.
Gotta keep 'em both 'cause this shit get way too pivotal
I have to keep both feet grounded while moving forward, because the situation can be unpredictable.
All the work is analog, all the payment digital
I put in a lot of hands-on, manual work, but I receive payment electronically on a computer.
When tempers tend to flare up, I'm the one to be cool since preschool
Since I was young, I have always been level-headed and calm, even in heated situations.
I know which ones that's been rocking with me, dawg, since the prequel
I know which people have been supporting me since the beginning and before my current success.
Just be cool
Just relax and don't stress over the little things.
I know your favorite one, dawg, I'm 'bout to drop the sequel
I know that you liked my previous work, and I am about to release something even better.
Nigga, this just the preview
This is just a sneak peek of what's to come.
Don
This is a nickname I go by.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chauncey A. Hollis, Dwane M. II Weir, Earl Patrick Taylor, Jesse Adrian Tucker, Kenneth B. Edmonds, Milton A. Tucker, Sean Michael Anderson, Stephen A. Tucker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bdice
Big sean's writing and sheer vocal tone is in his own lane.
You never mistake a Big Sean song for anyone else
Elite Sports Report
Deadass
Hope&Taylor Co
N A b
KittyCat Whispers ASMR
FACTS
Tre Sanders
right
RomeDCarlo
good point
Unknwn Spirit777
This song still puts me in go mode !!!! Year ago when this dropped I was struggling with alcoholism & this song really pulled me out of a cold dark place. Thank you Big !!!!!
Onouphrios
peace to you God!! out here tryna pull myself out the gutter with my demons as well
JJ Juinor
🙌🏼👊🏼💪🏼🙏🏼
Patrik Unibaso Urrutia
@Gregory Smith you too m8, lots of respect, have a good one