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.
Wolves
Big Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, uh, that's right, uh, yeah
Yeah, uh
I was raised by the wolves (I was raised by)
I was raised by the wolves (I was raised by)
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full (I was raised by)
Run through the night, playing with ya life
Better play it right, yeah, you better play it right
I got loyalty and blood, I do anything for love
And everything for us, doing everything like everything ain't been too much
You know my favorite time to come through for ya is the clutch, last second, what a rush
Look, I'm the type to talk to the stars (I look up)
Straight up, these ain't tattoos these are scars
My young dogs will tear you and the witnesses apart (straight up)
They care about starving more than they do about a charge (whoa, whoa, whoa)
Me, I can't break a commitment (no)
I done seen people fuck up the whole team 'cause they couldn't play they position
Talking about they didn't mean it, bitch
You know the road to hell was paved with good intentions
I see myself in my nemesis, I contemplated forgiveness, I think I lost all my innocence
Ho, my life depend on this, this ain't no simple sucka shit
Try and steal and you get bit, that's what you mothafucking get
I feel safer taking risks and I can't eat this on my own life
Put my back against the wall just to see how much I've grown, dawg
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full (I was raised by)
Run through the night, playing with ya life
Go against the pack, that's risking ya life (I was raised by)
Better play it right, better play it right
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full
Run through the night, playing with ya life
Go against the pack, that's risking ya life
Better play it right, yeah, you better play it right
I was raised by the wolves, paid all my dues
Always in the game and never played by the rules
Try to make me leave, fell down to my knees
Picked myself up and turned my back to the breeze
Oh, oh-oh
Spent a milli on a milli, mama look at me
With all these diamond chokers, man, it's getting hard to breathe
Now that you are family, cut some branches off my tree
But if you in my circle, know I'll always be around
Don't let me down, you said you'd die for me, well, there's the ground
Ice on my wrist, ice in my veins
But it's a cold, cold world, and you can be predator, you can be prey
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full
Run through the night, playing with ya life
Go against the pack, that's risking ya life
Better play it right, better play it right
'Cause I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full ('til they full)
Run through the night, playing with ya life (with ya life)
Go against the pack, that's risking ya life (risking ya life)
Better play it right, yeah, you better play it right
I was raised by the wolves (I was raised by)
I was raised by the wolves (I was raised by)
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full (I was raised by)
Run through the night, playing with ya life
Go against the pack that's risking ya life
Better play it right, yeah, you better play it right (woo)
The song "Wolves" by Big Sean is filled with metaphors and vivid descriptions of loyalty, survival, and taking risks. The title itself is used as a metaphor to describe the rapper's upbringing and how he was raised to be strong and resilient, much like a wolf. The repeated phrase "I was raised by the wolves" reinforces the theme of survival and the idea that actions have consequences. The lyrics also mention the importance of loyalty, with lines such as "I got loyalty and blood, I do anything for love, and everything for us" highlighting the fact that sacrifice is necessary in order to thrive in life.
The song takes a dark turn as Big Sean raps about his willingness to take risks and his belief that one should not shy away from danger. This is reflected in the line "I feel safer taking risks and I can't eat this on my own life," which suggests that in order to truly live life to the fullest, one must take risks and be willing to face the consequences. The song ends on a powerful note, with the repeated chorus urging listeners to "better play it right" as they navigate through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh
The song begins with a vocalization that sets the tone and mood of the song.
Yeah, uh, that's right, uh, yeah
The artist affirms his message and validates his own thoughts and feelings.
I was raised by the wolves (I was raised by)
The artist claims to have been brought up with a wild and savage nature, suggesting that he is used to taking risks and fighting for what he wants.
I was raised by the wolves, ate 'til they full (I was raised by)
The artist continues to describe his upbringing, emphasizing that he was instilled with a survival mentality and that he worked hard to get what he wanted.
Run through the night, playing with ya life
The artist describes how he and his pack would do dangerous tasks while risking their lives, emphasizing the feeling of adrenaline and excitement that comes with such activities.
Go against the pack, that's risking ya life (I was raised by)
The artist explains how straying from what his pack was doing was a dangerous and potentially fatal decision, stressing the importance of loyalty and staying true to one's roots.
Better play it right, yeah, you better play it right
The artist warns others who may be looking to take risks, suggesting that they should proceed carefully and not underestimate the dangers that come with such behavior.
I got loyalty and blood, I do anything for love
The artist describes how he is fiercely loyal to those he cares about and will risk everything, including his own life, to protect them.
And everything for us, doing everything like everything ain't been too much
The artist emphasizes his dedication to his loved ones, suggesting that he will always be there for them no matter what, even if it takes a lot of effort.
You know my favorite time to come through for ya is the clutch, last second, what a rush
The artist explains how he feels alive and energized when he comes to the aid of those he loves, especially when it's at the last minute and the stakes are high.
Look, I'm the type to talk to the stars (I look up)
The artist describes how he is introspective and often looks within for guidance, even reaching out to the cosmos for inspiration and answers to life's questions.
Straight up, these ain't tattoos these are scars
The artist reveals that the markings on his skin are not just decorative, but also hold meaning and symbolize the struggles and hardships he has faced in his life.
My young dogs will tear you and the witnesses apart (straight up)
The artist warns listeners that he has a group of loyal followers who will do anything to protect him and his interests, even if it means using violence or intimidation.
They care about starving more than they do about a charge (whoa, whoa, whoa)
The artist describes how his followers are so devoted to him and his cause that they prioritize their own survival over facing legal consequences for their actions.
Me, I can't break a commitment (no)
The artist stresses the importance of keeping one's word and staying true to one's commitments, suggesting that doing otherwise could have serious consequences.
I done seen people fuck up the whole team 'cause they couldn't play they position
The artist describes how not fulfilling one's role in a group or team can have serious ramifications and even lead to the failure of the entire enterprise.
Talking about they didn't mean it, bitch
The artist admonishes those who make excuses for their mistakes or shortcomings, suggesting that taking responsibility for one's actions is important.
You know the road to hell was paved with good intentions
The artist warns listeners of the potential pitfalls of having good intentions but not properly following through or executing them.
I see myself in my nemesis, I contemplated forgiveness, I think I lost all my innocence
The artist reflects on his own past mistakes and how they have led to his current state of mind, suggesting that he has lost some of his innocence as a result of his experiences.
Ho, my life depend on this, this ain't no simple sucka shit
The artist describes how important his work and his lifestyle are to him, emphasizing that it's not something to be taken lightly or dismissed as childish.
Try and steal and you get bit, that's what you mothafucking get
The artist warns those who might try to harm him or take what's his that they will face serious consequences and that he will not go down without a fight.
I feel safer taking risks and I can't eat this on my own life
The artist reflects on his personality and how he feels more comfortable taking risks and living a dangerous lifestyle than living a mundane, safe life.
Put my back against the wall just to see how much I've grown, dawg
The artist explains how he often puts himself in difficult situations just to test his own limits and see how much he has grown in his personal and professional life.
I was raised by the wolves, paid all my dues
The artist emphasizes that he has worked hard to achieve his success and that he has paid his dues to get where he is today.
Always in the game and never played by the rules
The artist describes how he has always marched to the beat of his own drum and has never been one to follow societal norms or rules.
Try to make me leave, fell down to my knees
The artist describes how he has faced adversity and obstacles in his life but has always persevered, even when others have tried to stop him or hold him back.
Picked myself up and turned my back to the breeze
The artist emphasizes how resilient he is and how he has always been able to overcome challenges and setbacks, even when the odds were against him.
Spent a milli on a milli, mama look at me
The artist describes his own success and wealth, highlighting how he has achieved financial stability and has worked hard to get there.
With all these diamond chokers, man, it's getting hard to breathe
The artist describes how his success and wealth have come with their own set of problems and challenges, suggesting that his lifestyle and commitments can be suffocating and stifling.
Now that you are family, cut some branches off my tree
The artist explains how he has had to make tough decisions about who to bring into his inner circle and who he can trust, suggesting that he has had to cut some people out of his life in order to protect himself and his interests.
But if you in my circle, know I'll always be around
The artist promises that those who have earned his trust and have been brought into his inner circle will receive his loyalty and support, suggesting that he is a loyal friend and ally.
Don't let me down, you said you'd die for me, well, there's the ground
The artist warns those in his inner circle that they have made a commitment to him and that they will face serious consequences if they let him down or betray him.
Ice on my wrist, ice in my veins
The artist describes his own sense of coolness and confidence, emphasizing his style and demeanor.
But it's a cold, cold world, and you can be predator, you can be prey
The artist reflects on the harsh reality of the world and how people must always be on guard and ready to defend themselves or fall victim to others' desires and intentions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Austin Post, David Biral, Denzel Baptiste, Sam Austin, Sean Anderson, Travis Walton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@postmalone
🍻🍻
@lins8753
AMAZING Duo!
@stefanilic399
Those swords and padlocks are FIRE🔥🔥⚔️
@isaachernandez972
You are the best!
@lucifermorningstar3709
This song was actually awesome
@benh1451
YOOOO Posty!!
@johans1784
Am I the only one that thinks that this would fit perfectly in a Fast and Furious movie?
@tsvetanstoychev655
Yes, you are the only one that thinks a gay ass sissy song is fit for Fast and Furious movie...
@RandomSkyeRoses
I do
@jcol243624
It would