Big Sean has solidified himself as one of Detroit's finest. Garnishing the attention of the hip-hop community with his Finally Famous mixtape series, Sean has remained consistent not only with all of his releases but with the quality as well. Sean’s incomparable flow and assertiveness lead to his eventual connection with Kanye West and G.O.O.D Music and from there, his fame and success only grew year after year.
In the last decade, we’ve seen Sean become an evergrowing successful MC, earn five Grammy nominations and collaborate with the likes of Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Drake and Wale to say the least.
Big Sean has often flexed his versatility, more recently in a collaboration with his leading lady, Jhene Aiko, and their Hip-Hop and Alternative R&B group TWENTY88, and alongside Metro Boomin’ in their December release of Double Or Nothing. There’s no denying the deep depths of Big Sean’s catalogue. We’ve managed to bring a few fire features back into the light as we take an extensive look at some of his most hype verses.
Peep the list below and let us know some of your favourite Big Sean features.
Meek Mill f/ Big Sean "Burn"
Album: Dreamchasers and Nightmares
Producer: Jahlil Beats
A lot of hate comes with the level of success Big Sean and Meek Mill have achieved, but they wouldn’t be in their position if they took the time to listen. They're aware of those praying for their downfall but it only fuels them into getting bigger and better. Laced over Jahlil Beats production, Meek Mill and Big Sean flex the results of years of dedication.
Quotable Lyrics:
Oh that's your girl? Damn nigga you ain't learn shit
She naked in my studio I'm on that Howard Stern shit
I swear that mac 10 is my barbell, Finally Famous the cartel
Hit your girl in my whip and now that pussy got the new car smell
Kanye West f/ Pusha T, 2 Chainz & Big Sean “Mercy”
Album: Cruel Summer
Producer: Mike Dean, Mike WiLL Made-It, Kanye West & "Lifted" Mike Dean
Are we really expecting anything less than heat from any G.O.O.D Music release? As veterans in the game creating at such a high caliber, Kanye West, Pusha T, 2 Chainz & Big Sean’s different style compliments one another rather than compete for a dominant position.
Quotable Lyrics:
Okay, drop it to the floor, make that ass shake
Make the ground move: that's an ass quake
Built a house up on that ass: that's an ass-tate
Roll–roll–roll my weed on it: that's an ass tray
Drake f/ 2 Chainz & Big Sean “All Me”
Album: Nothing Was the Same
Producer: Key Wane, 40
Being self-made or independent has always been held as high respect in hip hop. This proclamation by Drake, 2 Chainz, and Big Sean is in direct conversation with the history of artists being owned by their labels, and the opportunities that are easily presented with a larger network. There’s a sense of confidence in the security of the lifestyle they’ve been afforded, as all three rappers are anything but humble on this collab. In an interview with MTV News, Big Sean speaks on how the track came about stating: "I'm having fun and that very first line — that's what you feel like saying to some people. I don't know how many times a day I roll around feeling like, 'H--, shut the f--- up!' " That's just real."
Quotable Lyrics:
I’m the type to have a bullet-proof condom
And still gotta pull out
But that’s just me and I aint perfect
I ain't a saint but I am still worth it
Travis Scott f/ Big Sean & The 1975 “Don’t Play”
Album: Days Before Rodeo
Producer: Allen Ritter, Vinylz & Travis Scott
Travis Scott and Big Sean first premiered “Don't Play” in 2014 at the SXSW GOOD Music Showcase. As the hook goes, neither artist came to play, reminding you it’s best not to sleep on the two, and this warning was warranted. Neither Scott or Sean have shown signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Quotable Lyrics:
You forgot where I came from? I’m from where you ain’t from
Where you can’t come, where it ain’t none
Where these bitches is bitches and they ain’t nuns
Where they hate from
But as soon as you blow they act like they been down since day one
Chip Tha Ripper f/ Curren$y & Big Sean “Fat Raps”
Album: Finally Famous Vol. 3
Producer: Chuck Inglish
Chuck Inglish comes through on production with a wavy CoolKids era cut, and we can’t help but want to break out the huffy and ride slowly while this track slaps. Chip Tha Ripper, Curren$y and Big Sean nonchalantly ride the beat as though riding through their city, all too familiar with the turns and grooves.
Quotable Lyrics:
I get it from my dad cause I’m a chip off the block
Now I’m up in Cleveland to grab chip off the block
Now whip off the lots, with A bad bitch, ass thick, and tits
So I slipped off the top
Kanye West f/ Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco & Big Sean “Don’t Look Down”
Album: G.O.O.D. Friday
Producer: The Individualz & Swizz Beatz
Kanye West methodically composes not only a banger but one anchored in substance, enlisting veteran MC’s Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco. Rather than Kanye closing off the song himself, he places Sean on the final verse, and we hear him rise to the pressure of delivering when placed beside Mos Def and Lupe.
Quotable Lyrics:
Give me my feelings back, wish love came with a couple of receipts
Man our vacation was coming next week
Girl, I swear you was a trip, let's make it a couples retreat
Kanye f/ Jay-Z & Big Sean “Clique”
Producer: Hit-Boy
Kanye West keeps it all in the family for this posse-cut banger. Being very selective, Ye keeps his circle small enlisting only Jay-Z & Big Sean - a G.O.O.D. Music and Roc Nation affair. With two generations of hip-hop greatness, Big Sean holds his own, spitting a hot sixteen as if he was hungry for his spot, freestyling for Kanye yet again.
Quotable Lyrics:
My block behind me I’m coming out the driveway
It’s grind-day, from Friday, to next Friday
I been up straight for nine days, I need a spay day
Wale f/ Big Sean “Slight Work”
Album: Ambition
Producer: Diplo
Being both young and established, Wale and Big Sean bring an ardent energy to this trippy Diplo production. Speaking with MTV News, Wale touched on the creation of “Slight Work” and “wanting to do something special amongst the young guys” to "make beautiful music and do important things for our culture.” With a lively collaboration such as this, we’re hoping the two have more in the vault.
Quotable Lyrics:
Under 25, living the fuckin life
White America said I’d be doing 25 to life
And just for that, I’mma blow 25 tonight
You make 25 a year, I make 25 a night
A$AP Ferg f/ Big Sean “Ja Rule”
Album: Ferg Forever
Producer: Stelios Phili
Last quarter of Ferg Forever comes crazy with another banger hearing Big Sean lay down a verse in praise of Ja Rule. Over Stelios Phili’s menacing production, the Trap Lord and Sean Don pay homage to the New York rapper, wasting no time. Big Sean attacks the beat with one of his nastiest flows, making sure you heard right if you’re wondering why his name buzzing.
Quotable Lyrics:
It's the player you heard of, the young and assertive
I came from the dirt up, and did the unheard of
Hoes say I'm the man, mm-hmm I concur it
I'm young and perverted
If I don't get the pussy or the payment, what the fuck is the purpose?
Wiz Khalifa f/ Big Sean - “Gang Bang”
Album: Cabin Fever
Producer: Lex Luger
While neither Wiz Khalifa or Big Sean are newcomers in the game, we see they never had a novice mindset. As both bosses in their own lane, they came together just to fuck our speakers up real quick, unapologetically flexing their carefree lifestyle.
Quotable Lyrics:
Money in my hand I don’t need no handout
And they all got they hands up
Cause they fuck with me hands down