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.
Still I Rise
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
What about that part (two)
Ayy, yeah
Talk your shit, what?
Ayy
Look at all the souls I saved
Same outfit a couple days (yeah)
Listen to Big Sean (okay, praise, nigga)
This for my baby who comin' over to buss it open (buss it)
Who get an Uber but really deserve a dozen roses (damn)
Who got her hair done and didn't think I even noticed
She just happy she chosen
But she the ones who chose me, that's what's more important (whoa)
I give her more game than problems, she love how I coach her
Under unrealistic measures is the only way you can measure who's chosen
I realized my mind frame is too big for the portrait
That's why I'm steady tryna teach the whole hood corporate
Off psychedelics while a physic tryna read my fortune
But I know knowin' too much of anything can be a torture (yeah)
She like you suppose to meet me parents, you know that's important
How narcissistic you think I am (huh), you think I did when I didn't (what?)
You think I paid for everything and didn't paid attention
Like my head is as big as my name (come on)
Just tell a real nigga once, baby, never again (swerve)
And I'll put you and all my lovesd ones on like it's my only obligation
I made all they solid wins a loud proclamation
A little pressure and a lot of patience
They tell me you amazin', I say no, God amazin'
Look at all the souls I saved (straight up)
Look at all the O's I made (yeah)
Same outfit a couple days (what about that part?)
Listen to Big Sean (okay, praise)
But just remember it's easier for mufuckas to count you out than it is to count you in
So you gotta understand if they don't see where you comin' from
Or if they small minded and not thinkin' that it's enough for all of us to get it
That's why it's important to be your own boss
To some capacity you know, put yourself in control
Through the ups and downs, wins and losses, they all just chapters
Chapters in your life story and really some losses teach you how to win
You know, some losses teach you more than always winnin' ever could (ayy)
And I been there back against the ropes, against the wall
(I ain't tryna waste nobody time, don't waste mine)
That's just 'cause you the one who can handle it, you know?
(I ain't tryna waste nobody time, so don't waste mine)
Shit, man, you gotta prove yourself, you gotta rise the fuck up (up)
Show 'em who you are, man (yeah)
You ain't gon' give me a way, okay, cool, I'll make a way, you feel me?
(Look at all the roads I paved, nigga)
Ain't no mistakes, ain't no regrets
Regrets only there 'cause you ain't learned yo lesson or forgave yourself, either or
(All the times I ain't cave, yeah, ayy)
Yeah, (all we do is elevate) elevate
(Big Sean) And I'ma just gonna leave it right there
(Detroit 2, ayy, what's fuckin' with that, uh?)
In the song "Still I Rise" by Big Sean, the rapper confidently reflects on his success and journey to the top. He boasts about the souls he's saved and the money he's made, all while wearing the same outfit for a few days. Big Sean also gives a shoutout to his significant other, who is happy to be chosen by him, but he notes that he was the one who was truly chosen, as he provides her with guidance and wisdom. The Detroit rapper emphasizes that his mind and goals are too big to fit into a mere portrait, as he tries to teach the entire hood corporate skills. He acknowledges the benefits of psychedelics and how knowing too much can become a torture.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at all the souls I saved
Big Sean reflects on the impact he has had on people's lives, saving their souls by teaching them valuable lessons and elevating them to a higher level.
Look at all the O's I made (whoa)
Big Sean brags about the money he has made, using the letter 'O' to represent the zeros in his bank account.
Same outfit a couple days (yeah)
Big Sean acknowledges that he sometimes wears the same clothes for multiple days, emphasizing that his focus is on his work and not his appearance.
Listen to Big Sean (okay, praise, nigga)
Big Sean promotes himself and encourages his fans to listen to his music, praising himself for the talent he possesses.
This for my baby who comin' over to buss it open (buss it)
Big Sean dedicates this verse to his romantic partner who is coming over to engage in sexual activity with him.
Who get an Uber but really deserve a dozen roses (damn)
Big Sean acknowledges that his partner deserves more than just an Uber ride, comparing it to the gift of a dozen roses.
Who got her hair done and didn't think I even noticed
Big Sean recognizes the effort his partner put into her appearance, showing that he pays attention to the small details.
She just happy she chosen
Big Sean's partner is happy to have been chosen by him, showing that she values the relationship.
But she the ones who chose me, that's what's more important (whoa)
Despite being happy to have her in his life, Big Sean recognizes that his partner chose him, making him feel even more grateful for her presence.
I give her more game than problems, she love how I coach her
Big Sean provides guidance and advice to his partner, showing her that he cares about her and values her growth.
Under unrealistic measures is the only way you can measure who's chosen
Big Sean suggests that measuring someone's worth based on unrealistic standards is the only way to truly see who is the best fit for you.
I realized my mind frame is too big for the portrait
Big Sean understands that his mindset goes beyond traditional boundaries and expectations, making him a unique individual.
That's why I'm steady tryna teach the whole hood corporate
Big Sean wants to influence and inspire his entire community to become successful in the business world.
Off psychedelics while a physic tryna read my fortune
Big Sean is under the influence of psychedelics while a psychic is attempting to predict his future.
But I know knowin' too much of anything can be a torture (yeah)
Big Sean recognizes that too much information can be overwhelming and stressful, leading to mental torture.
She like you suppose to meet me parents, you know that's important
Big Sean's partner wants him to meet her parents, emphasizing the importance of family and relationships.
How narcissistic you think I am (huh), you think I did when I didn't (what?)
Big Sean questions his partner's thoughts about him being narcissistic and denies any false accusations that he did something he did not do.
You think I paid for everything and didn't paid attention
Big Sean wants his partner to know that he paid attention to the details and did not just throw money around without thought or care.
Like my head is as big as my name (come on)
Big Sean denies having an ego that is as big as his fame, understanding that humility is important despite success.
Just tell a real nigga once, baby, never again (swerve)
Big Sean tells his partner to communicate her needs effectively and he will take care of it right away, never doing it wrong again.
And I'll put you and all my loved ones on like it's my only obligation
Big Sean feels a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility to his family and friends, providing them with opportunities and support to succeed.
I made all they solid wins a loud proclamation
Big Sean takes pride in the successes of his loved ones, publicly announcing their achievements to celebrate with them.
A little pressure and a lot of patience
Big Sean acknowledges the importance of experiencing pressure and practicing patience to achieve success.
They tell me you amazing, I say no, God amazing'
Big Sean humbly deflects compliments about himself and gives credit to God for his talents and successes.
But just remember it's easier for mufuckas to count you out than it is to count you in
Big Sean warns that it is easier for people to underestimate someone's abilities than to recognize and acknowledge their full potential.
So you gotta understand if they don't see where you comin' from
Big Sean advises that not everyone will understand your perspective or journey, and that's okay.
Or if they small minded and not thinkin' that it's enough for all of us to get it
Big Sean denounces small-minded people who believe that success is limited and cannot be achieved by everyone.
That's why it's important to be your own boss
Big Sean encourages people to take control of their own lives and become their own boss.
Through the ups and downs, wins and losses, they all just chapters
Big Sean recognizes that life is full of highs and lows, successes and failures, and each experience is a chapter in one's life story.
Chapters in your life story and really some losses teach you how to win
Big Sean emphasizes that one can learn valuable lessons from losses and mistakes, ultimately leading to success in the future.
And I been there back against the ropes, against the wall
Big Sean has faced difficult situations in his life where he felt like he had no other options or resources.
(I ain't tryna waste nobody time, don't waste mine)
Big Sean values his time and does not want it to be taken for granted or wasted by others.
That's just 'cause you the one who can handle it, you know?
Big Sean acknowledges that he can handle the tough times, but not everyone can.
(I ain't tryna waste nobody time, so don't waste mine)
Big Sean reiterates that he is not willing to waste time with anyone who does not value his time or efforts.
Shit, man, you gotta prove yourself, you gotta rise the fuck up (up)
Big Sean encourages people to prove themselves and rise up to the occasion, working hard to achieve their goals.
Show 'em who you are, man (yeah)
Big Sean wants people to show the world who they truly are and what they are capable of achieving.
You ain't gon' give me a way, okay, cool, I'll make a way, you feel me?
Big Sean will not let anyone stand in his way of achieving his goals, he will find a way to make it happen.
(Look at all the roads I paved, nigga)
Big Sean acknowledges the work he has done to build a successful career, paving the way for future generations.
Ain't no mistakes, ain't no regrets
Big Sean lives his life without regret, believing there are no mistakes, only lessons to be learned.
Regrets only there 'cause you ain't learned yo lesson or forgave yourself, either or
Big Sean believes that regrets only exist when one has not learned from their past mistakes or has not forgiven themselves for past actions.
(All the times I ain't cave, yeah, ayy)
Big Sean reflects on the times where he did not give into pressure, standing firm and staying true to his beliefs.
Yeah, (all we do is elevate) elevate
Big Sean emphasizes his focus on elevating himself and others, becoming the best version of himself and lifting others up in the process.
(Big Sean) And I'ma just gonna leave it right there
Big Sean ends the song by leaving his message and advice for listeners to reflect on and consider.
(Detroit 2, ayy, what's fuckin' with that, uh?)
Big Sean gives a shoutout to his hometown Detroit and promotes his latest album.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Darhyl Camper, Dominic R. Hunn, Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sean Michael Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miabrianna7915
I’ve literally been listening to this on repeat 😤😭🔥
Big Sean be straight slayin' the game, no doubt! AUTHENTIC VIEWS gave him a boost, but his raw talent remains unchanged. He's holdin' it down like a true boss! Drop a thumbs up if you're vibin' with it, fam!
@HDoBEAST
Listened to this when I graduated college yesterday. Life put me through plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns, brought and lost people in my life... times where I was ready to end it all... but I'm grateful to have persisted through it all. STILL I RISE
@dwayneballard2053
Keep goin!!
@Golgo_NuWave
This your world GET EVERYTHING OWED TO YOU no days off until daylight
@wesleywalls3567
"Regret's only there cause you didn't learn your lesson, or forgave yourself, either or"
~ Big Sean💯🔥
@abrahamkyoma9823
Really felt this bar🔥🔥🔥
@flavorofthemonth1499
such real shit. needed to hear that
@michaelindeku
"Some losses teach you more than winning ever could!!!" That line there......
That line there!!! Thank you Big Sean, all the way from Africa
@LucarioDXAuraStorm
Feels fantastic to be a Big Sean fan. TONIGHT, WE EAT!!!
@anthonymartire2036
WE EATIN BOYS!!!