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.
Sacrifices
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So many (On my don shit)
So, so many
If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you
I done made sacrifices, so many sacrifices
I done gave up so much free time knowing time ain't free
Fuck it I sacrificed it
And if it's real real love then you make sacrifices
To get ahead man you gotta make sacrifices
Fuck it though that's how hungry my appetite is
Fuck what you telling me, I sense the jealousy
I got telepathy, I got the recipe
I got the streets and I don't got no felonies
Forward thinking yeah my mind is ahead of me
Momma said it's gonna be whatever you let it be
It's some homies I grew up with that's dead to me
It's some niggas that I just met in debt to me
What's in common is they both pay respect to me
I get it my way from Friday to Friday
My girl is a mix of Aaliyah and Sade
I came a long way from that Marvin and Chardonnay
I pull out the driveway like I'm in a car chase, speeding
And if my bitch cheat she know I'm leaving
No text no call, boy that bitch airplane mode code
No peacoat no time to change clothes, same clothes
Love if you living by the same code, G code, leave ho
Fuck it you dead to me, back to my destiny
Penthouse, birds eye view that's a nest for me
I got my self out of debt
So when you see me know you're somebody I'll never need
Sacrifices, so many sacrifices
I done gave up so much free time knowing time ain't free
Fuck it I sacrificed it
My girl show me love, she know I made sacrifices
And if it's real real love then you make sacrifices
To get ahead man you gotta make sacrifices
Fuck it though thats how hungry my appetite is
I cut the fuck shit drama out my energy
Focused on the inner me, never on the enemy
And I done sacrificed my own time
I done sacrificed my own mind
I done sacrificed the club life
I done sacrificed my love life
I cut the fuck shit drama out my energy
Focused on the inner me, never on the enemy
And I done sacrificed my own time
I done sacrificed my own mind
I done sacrificed the club life
I done sacrificed my love life
I done sacrificed the thug life
Diamonds shining ain't no dull life
Drop my top to get my mind right
Pull up in the 'Rari, loud pipes
Bitch I'm the don, my wrist a hundon
Ooh yeah Gucci python ooh yeah
She play with her tongue
Yeah, I bought that bitch a new charm
Lil nigga pop when I told him come see about me (Come on come see me)
The devil had entered my soul, my momma had beat it out me
Remember my grandmama had told me you better be somebody
Hop in my seats massaging (aye)
Watch how I leave the posse
I made an M deposit
Paid all these dues with the game (yeah yeah)
Sacrificed yo stripes for that stain (Sacrifice)
Heard you sacrificed your life for that chain (yeah yeah)
She sacrificed that money for cocaine (white, phew, coco)
Left hand got three rings
That's Bron Bron, we up one
Bad bitch she a savage
Take her to the mall and buy her something
That's gonna wanna make your friends come
Make way with the Tommy gun
Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice?
Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice?
Ten toes yeah you gotta stay down aye
Just some young niggas looking for a way out, ayy
People watchin', yeah I gotta skip town, ayy
Hit my phone if you need a whole pound, ayy
I done made sacrifices, so many sacrifices
I done gave up so much free time knowing time ain't free
Fuck it I sacrificed it
My girl show me love, she know I made sacrifices
And if it's real real love then you make sacrifices
To get ahead man you gotta make sacrifices
Fuck it though that's how hungry my appetite is
I know my great, great, great aunty was a slave
I could only imagine all the sacrifice she made
I could only imagine all the shit she had to take
I'mma make sure all the blood she gave wasn't in vain
I sacrifice for your entertainment boy
I'm Mr. Anderson in the Matrix
Check the last name it's all facts
And the human race is all about pacing
Look at all the ones I outlasted
I'm the one at the end like I count backwards
Never satisfied details classified
'Til the afterlife make a sacrifice, Don
(Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice)
(Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice)
In "Sacrifices," Big Sean and Migos talk about the sacrifices they've made in order to achieve their success. Sean talks about giving up his free time and his love life to focus on his career, while Migos reference sacrificing their "thug life" and "club life" to reach new heights. Throughout the song, both rappers stress the importance of making sacrifices in order to get ahead in life.
The lyrics highlight the struggles that come with achieving success, and how making sacrifices is necessary to achieve success. Sean also touches on the jealousy that often comes with success, referencing those who are jealous of his achievements. The lyrics also mention the sacrifices made by their ancestors, particularly Sean's great, great, great aunt who was a slave, and how they aim to make sure their sacrifices were not in vain.
Overall, "Sacrifices" is an introspective track that shows the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve success. It stresses the importance of commitment and perseverance in achieving one's goals.
Line by Line Meaning
I look up
I aspire to achieve greater things
So many (On my don shit)
I have accomplished many things and am on top of my game
So, so many
Even more accomplishments and successes
If Young Metro don't trust you, I'm gon' shoot you
If a close associate doesn't trust you, I will sever ties with you
I done made sacrifices, so many sacrifices
I have willingly given up valuable time and opportunities
I done gave up so much free time knowing time ain't free
I have surrendered a significant amount of leisure time, understanding that time is precious and should not be wasted
Fuck it I sacrificed it
Despite the difficulty, I chose to forgo that time
My girl show me love, she know I made sacrifices
My partner understands and appreciates the sacrifices I have made
And if it's real real love then you make sacrifices
When you truly love someone, you are willing to make sacrifices for them
To get ahead man you gotta make sacrifices
In order to succeed, one must be willing to make sacrifices
Fuck it though that's how hungry my appetite is
Though it may be challenging, my determination and ambition drive me to make sacrifices
Fuck what you telling me, I sense the jealousy
I disregard the negative opinions and recognize the envy of others
I got telepathy, I got the recipe
I possess a deep understanding and a winning formula
I got the streets and I don't got no felonies
I have the respect and influence of the streets without any criminal records
Forward thinking yeah my mind is ahead of me
I am constantly strategizing and thinking ahead
Momma said it's gonna be whatever you let it be
My mother taught me that my future is in my hands and it depends on my choices
It's some homies I grew up with that's dead to me
There are people I used to be close with but have now cut ties with
It's some niggas that I just met in debt to me
Even people I recently met owe me a debt of gratitude
What's in common is they both pay respect to me
Despite the differences, they all show me respect
I get it my way from Friday to Friday
I live life the way I want, making my own choices and decisions
My girl is a mix of Aaliyah and Sade
My partner possesses the qualities of both Aaliyah and Sade, two iconic artists
I came a long way from that Marvin and Chardonnay
I have progressed significantly from the past when I used to enjoy different things
I pull out the driveway like I'm in a car chase, speeding
I leave my residence quickly and energetically, as if I am being pursued in a car chase
And if my bitch cheat she know I'm leaving
If my partner cheats on me, she is aware that I will end the relationship
No text no call, boy that bitch airplane mode code
I completely cut off communication with her, activating the airplane mode on my phone
No peacoat no time to change clothes, same clothes
I am too focused and busy to even change my clothes, wearing the same outfit
Love if you living by the same code, G code, leave ho
If you abide by the same principles and moral code, we can maintain a relationship. Otherwise, you need to go
Fuck it you dead to me, back to my destiny
I completely disregard and cut off anyone who has betrayed me, focusing on my future
Penthouse, birds eye view that's a nest for me
Living in a luxurious penthouse provides me with a comfortable and advantageous perspective
I got my self out of debt
I managed to free myself from financial obligations
So when you see me know you're somebody I'll never need
I don't rely on anyone else, so when you see me, know that I have no need for you
I cut the fuck shit drama out my energy
I remove all unnecessary and negative drama from my life and focus on positive energy
Focused on the inner me, never on the enemy
I direct my attention towards self-improvement and growth, rather than wasting it on enemies
I done sacrificed my own time
I willingly gave up my personal time for a higher purpose
I done sacrificed my own mind
I have forgone certain thoughts and desires for the sake of my goals
I done sacrificed the club life
I have chosen to abandon the party and nightlife scene
I done sacrificed my love life
I have made sacrifices in my romantic relationships
I done sacrificed the thug life
I have left behind a life involved with crime and violence
Diamonds shining ain't no dull life
I live an exciting and glamorous lifestyle, as evidenced by my sparkling diamonds
Drop my top to get my mind right
I lower the convertible roof of my car to clear my mind and relax
Pull up in the 'Rari, loud pipes
I arrive in a Ferrari with loud and attention-grabbing exhaust pipes
Bitch I'm the don, my wrist a hundon
I am the leader, the person in charge, and my wrist is adorned with a hundred thousand dollars worth of jewelry
Ooh yeah Gucci python ooh yeah
I proudly wear a luxury brand, Gucci, and boast about my python-patterned clothing
She play with her tongue
She performs oral sex skillfully
Yeah, I bought that bitch a new charm
I purchased a new piece of jewelry as a gift for her
Lil nigga pop when I told him come see about me (Come on come see me)
I challenged a young individual to confront me face-to-face when he had a problem with me
The devil had entered my soul, my momma had beat it out me
I temporarily lost myself to negativity, but my mother helped me regain my focus and positive mindset
Remember my grandmama had told me you better be somebody
My grandmother always reminded me to strive for success and to make a significant impact
Hop in my seats massaging (aye)
I take a comfortable seat in my car with built-in massaging function
Watch how I leave the posse
Observe how I depart from my group of friends
I made an M deposit
I deposited a million dollars into my bank account
Paid all these dues with the game (yeah yeah)
I have paid my dues and learned important lessons through my experiences in the music industry
Sacrificed yo stripes for that stain (Sacrifice)
You traded your reputation and dignity for material things or status
Heard you sacrificed your life for that chain (yeah yeah)
I heard that you put your life on the line to obtain a valuable necklace
She sacrificed that money for cocaine (white, phew, coco)
She spent her earnings on drugs instead of using it wisely
Left hand got three rings
My left hand is adorned with three rings, representing significant achievements
That's Bron Bron, we up one
That is LeBron James, our team is winning
Bad bitch she a savage
An attractive and confident woman who is fearless and bold
Take her to the mall and buy her something
I take her on a shopping spree and purchase items for her
That's gonna wanna make your friends come
The things I buy her will make your friends envious
Make way with the Tommy gun
I demand respect and attention with my powerful presence
Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice?
Why do you fail to acknowledge that we have all experienced sacrifice and hardship?
Ten toes yeah you gotta stay down aye
You need to stay committed and loyal, never giving up
Just some young niggas looking for a way out, ayy
We are young individuals trying to escape our current circumstances and find success
People watchin', yeah I gotta skip town, ayy
With people constantly observing and judging me, I have to leave and start fresh somewhere else
Hit my phone if you need a whole pound, ayy
Contact me if you need a large quantity of drugs
I know my great, great, great aunty was a slave
I am aware that my ancestor several generations ago was enslaved
I could only imagine all the sacrifice she made
I can only imagine the hardships and sacrifices she endured
I could only imagine all the shit she had to take
I can only imagine the mistreatment and abuse she had to tolerate
I'mma make sure all the blood she gave wasn't in vain
I will ensure that the sacrifices and pain she went through were not worthless
I sacrifice for your entertainment boy
I make sacrifices and endure difficulties to provide entertainment for others
I'm Mr. Anderson in the Matrix
I am the artist who identifies the truth in a complex situation, just like the character Mr. Anderson in the movie 'The Matrix'
Check the last name it's all facts
Examine my surname, which represents my family and reputation, and you will find it all to be true
And the human race is all about pacing
The progress and success of humanity relies on the right timing and pace
Look at all the ones I outlasted
Take a look at all the people who couldn't keep up with me and dropped out along the way
I'm the one at the end like I count backwards
I am the last one standing, just like when counting backwards
Never satisfied details classified
I am never content or complacent, keeping the specifics and details of my success private
'Til the afterlife make a sacrifice, Don
I will continue making sacrifices until the end of my life, as a person of influence
(Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice)
Why don't you all understand and acknowledge that we all have experienced sacrifice?
(Why can't y'all recognize that we all came from sacrifice)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN RITTER, KIARI CEPHUS, LELAND WAYNE, QUAVIOUS MARSHALL, SEAN ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@clementrose5993
"focus on the inner-me, never on the ennemy" best sentence ever
@aureliadaniels5268
Clément Rose yeah, that stood out to me, too!💯
@301larussomusic
Translation he dont want no smoke from Kendrick
@ayeshaharris5122
@@301larussomusic Asthma Attack Kendrick Ain't Got NOTHING on Big SEAN.....#DETROIT VS.EVERYBODY
@301larussomusic
Ayesha Harris I’m actually a big fan but he went out like a coward. A lot of ppl don’t take him serious and that was his chance.
@ayeshaharris5122
@@301larussomusicBig Sean Last Album was Fire! He said,he would Rather have Believers, Than Fans...As He Mention.." This Thing Is Bigger Than Me"
@jadenpatton9615
LMAO Quavo and Offset the type of people to secretly unplug the mic before takeoff does his verse and then act surprised when he's not on the track
@2ndhokage970
Big Hustler chilllllll😂
@yunkinto
Big Hustler 💀
@ethanprendergast
Big Hustler 😂😂😂😂 it's probably true as well