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 Jhenรฉ 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 โSean Anderson Foundation,โ 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 โMoguls in the Making.โ
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 Jhenรฉ 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 Jhenรฉ 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, Jhenรฉ 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, Jhenรฉ 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.
Sanctified
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just worship thee, for all he's done for me
It's a new day, I have been born again
I've been born again, I've been born again
In His spirit, and His name
I'm sanctified!
Lord I testify
He's right by my side
His word is so clear to me
Yeah, yeah
OK all I want is 100 million dollars and a bad bitch
Plus that paper chasin', it done turn me to a savage
Groupies in the lobby they just tryna get established
God, I've been guilty, fornicatin' from my status
All I wanted was 100 million dollars and a bad bitch
Plus that paper chasin', it done turn me to a savage
Groupies in the lobby they just tryna get established
God, I've been guilty, fornicatin' from my status
Niggas be lovin' the old Ye, they sayin' the new Ye, that nigga be spazzin'
But when Ali turn up and be Ali, you can't ever take that nigga back to Cassius
So you can gon' and make them lies, but I'm so sanctified
I don't sweat it, wipe my forehead with a handkerchief
And wash my sins in the blood of Jesus
People sayin', "Ye we need another Yeezus"
Lames try to tell me, "Cut the wilin' out, out"
But who the fuck is you reachin'
Pass me 30 bottles, champagne procession
That's that Holy water, sanctified refreshments
God sent me a message, said I'm too aggressive
Really!? Me!? Too aggressive!?
Feel his blessings wash away my sins
I'm sanctified and, I have been born again
Now I proclaim, hallowed be thy name, oh
All I want is 100 million dollars and a bad bitch
Plus that paper chasin', it done turn me to a savage
Groupies in the lobby they just tryna get established
God, I've been guilty, fornicatin' from my status
Keys to my success, I get new keys and new address
Bitches that I date don't get degrees but they can dress
Felatio's amazin', make grilled cheese for you, the best
Major coke figure, I'm the fresh David Koresh
Soldiers all in Al-Qaeda, new Mercades for cadets
Balmain uniform, you know Donda designed the vest
Double M, that be the Army, better yet the Navy
Baby seen me in that Wraith, wanna have my baby
All I wanted was a hundred million dollars and a bad bitch
Now I want two hundred and menage in my palace
Walkin' out the jeweler with no mothafuckin' balance
Somewhere in Jamaica I'm still holdin' on my chalice
Rims on my Ferrari, my bitch said that I went childish
'Til I fucked the girl, the girl tweeted that I was stylish
When we fucked again, she said "That was just some foul shit"
I walk into the room, you can even hear all the silence
Feel his blessings wash away my sins
I'm sanctified and, I have been born again
Now I proclaim, hallowed be thy name, oh
The lyrics to Big Sean's song Sanctified is a mix of religious themes and materialistic desires. The song starts with a religious tone as Big Sean sings about being sanctified and worshiping God for all that he has done for him. He refers to the spirits around him and testifies to his faith in God. However, as we get to the chorus, the focus changes to Big Sean's worldly wants of 100 million dollars and a bad bitch. He confesses to indulging in fornication despite his status and seems to justify it with his pursuit of money and success.
Kanye West's verse continues with the theme of materialistic desires as he talks about his success and wealth. He compares himself to boxing legend Muhammad Ali, saying that like Ali, he can't be taken back to his past. He talks about spending money on luxury items like champagne, designer clothes, and cars. However, he also refers to feeling guilt and getting a message from God about being too aggressive.
The final verse is by Jay Electronica, who raps about his rise to success and the sacrifices he made to get there. He talks about his luxurious lifestyle, but he also acknowledges his faith and belief in God. He asks for forgiveness for his sins, and the song ends with a repeating chorus of being sanctified and born again.
Overall, the song Sanctified is a complex mix of religious themes and materialistic desires, with each artist exploring their relationship with faith and success.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a few million angels movin' around me
I feel the presence of angels around me.
I just worship thee, for all he's done for me
I worship God for all that he has done for me.
It's a new day, I have been born again
I feel like I have a fresh start and have been reborn.
I've been born again, I've been born again
I have been reborn in spirit and faith.
In His spirit, and His name
I live and act according to my faith in Him.
I'm sanctified!
I am made pure and holy by God.
Lord I testify
I bear witness to the glory and grace of God.
He's right by my side
I feel that God is always with me.
I believe it be
My faith is strong and unwavering.
His word is so clear to me
I understand and follow God's teachings.
OK all I want is 100 million dollars and a bad bitch
I have worldly desires for wealth and companionship.
Plus that paper chasin', it done turn me to a savage
The pursuit of money has turned me into a ruthless person.
Groupies in the lobby they just tryna get established
I am surrounded by women who only want to be with me for my success.
God, I've been guilty, fornicatin' from my status
I have sinned against God by engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage.
Niggas be lovin' the old Ye, they sayin' the new Ye, that nigga be spazzin'
People appreciate my earlier work but criticize my recent behavior.
But when Ali turn up and be Ali, you can't ever take that nigga back to Cassius
When someone changes, they cannot be reverted to their previous state.
So you can gon' and make them lies, but I'm so sanctified
People may speak against me, but I am pure in the eyes of God.
I don't sweat it, wipe my forehead with a handkerchief
I do not worry about the criticism and simply wipe the sweat from my brow.
And wash my sins in the blood of Jesus
I rely on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to cleanse me from my sins.
People sayin', 'Ye we need another Yeezus'
My fans are calling for me to create another album like 'Yeezus.'
Lames try to tell me, 'Cut the wilin' out, out'
People criticize my wild and unpredictable behavior.
But who the fuck is you reachin'
I do not care about the opinions of those who criticize me.
Pass me 30 bottles, champagne procession
I indulge in an excessive and luxurious lifestyle.
That's that Holy water, sanctified refreshments
Even though I party and drink excessively, I still view it as holy and purified.
God sent me a message, said I'm too aggressive
God has communicated to me that my behavior is too aggressive.
Really!? Me!? Too aggressive!?
I am surprised that God has given me this message.
Feel his blessings wash away my sins
I feel blessed by God and that my sins are washed away.
Now I proclaim, hallowed be thy name, oh
I express reverence and honour to God.
Keys to my success, I get new keys and new address
I am successful and constantly acquiring new assets.
Bitches that I date don't get degrees but they can dress
I date attractive women who are not necessarily knowledgeable or educated.
Felatio's amazin', make grilled cheese for you, the best
I receive excellent sexual pleasure and have great food made for me.
Major coke figure, I'm the fresh David Koresh
I am a major figure in the drug world, a modern-day cult leader like David Koresh.
Soldiers all in Al-Qaeda, new Mercades for cadets
I am financially supporting terrorists and rewarding soldiers with luxury cars.
Balmain uniform, you know Donda designed the vest
I wear expensive designer clothing and my mother designed this vest.
Double M, that be the Army, better yet the Navy
I have connections to both the Army and Navy.
Baby seen me in that Wraith, wanna have my baby
A woman wants to bear my child after seeing me in an expensive car.
Now I want two hundred and menage in my palace
My desires have grown to having two hundred million dollars and a threesome in my mansion.
Walkin' out the jeweler with no mothafuckin' balance
I buy expensive jewelry without caring about my bank account balance.
Somewhere in Jamaica I'm still holdin' on my chalice
I have smoked marijuana, possibly while in Jamaica.
Rims on my Ferrari, my bitch said that I went childish
I have childish tastes and my partner is not impressed by my flashy car rims.
'Til I fucked the girl, the girl tweeted that I was stylish
After having sex with me, a woman tweeted that I was stylish and desirable.
When we fucked again, she said 'That was just some foul shit'
On a subsequent sexual encounter, she criticized our actions as dirty and inappropriate.
I walk into the room, you can even hear all the silence
I have an imposing presence and can command silence just by walking into a room.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SEAN MICHAEL ANDERSON, BETTY WRIGHT, KANYE OMARI WEST, WILLIAM LEONARD ROBERTS II, DIJON ISAIAH MCFARLANE, MIKE DEAN, KEN LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DjMtoto
Thanks for the support Everyone โค๏ธ
This mix is for the OG followers โฌ๏ธ
https://youtu.be/Zl-q4uBhC5c
JEFFY
Thank you for uploading the BEST version of this song, when nobody else would
Mexico
why anybody can't create music like this, this is beautiful moment for rap music
2015898
lol you have no idea how much effort went into this song. DJ mustard worked on the beat for like 3 months, then brought to Kanye who slowed it town to 1/4x the tempo, then went to Syleena Johnson (the singer from all falls down) and had her record the sample in FOUR SEPARATE studio sessions, then SCRAPPED her to go with legendary soul singer Betty Wright at the literally the last minute, and she only did it cuz she's so close with DJ Khaled who begged her on the phone โliterally BEGGED her to do it โ and she came in at midnight to sing for 15 minutes. That's 3 of the top hip hop producers of all time working together on one beat, plus a singing ICON. Why anybody can't create music like this? That's why
Mexico
@2015898 u kill me bro
jared smith
@2015898 you
dude mcstuff
Here in 2021 and this song will not leave my head. I found it looking through Kanye featrues and it's just unbelievable. That David Koresh line gets me every time and got me listening to all the Rick Ross I can find
Thomas Thompson
Yeah that line was sick
Noah Johnson
MAJOR CULT FIGURE IโM THE FRESH DAVID KORESH these kinds of Rock Ross verses are why Iโm such a big fan
Emilio Rodriguez
This record is timeless. Underrated to say the least.