Today, G.O.O.D. Music rapper Sean Michael Leonard Anderson aka Big Sean turns 26. He first made it into the music industry when he heard that Kanye West was doing a radio interview in his hometown of Detroit. Keen to make an opportunity of this, he headed over to the station in attempt to meet Yeezy. Whilst West was initially reluctant to hear Sean, he gave him 16 bars to prove himself. Impressed with Big Sean's spit game, Kanye took his demo tape and two years later signed him up to GOOD Music.
Since then, things have only looked up for Big Sean. His discography is still growing after releasing 2 albums, and 4 mixtapes, but with this alone, Sean has made impressive headway and created a great deal of success for himself since his days as an aspiring rapper in the D. Big Sean is responsible for some hot hip hop tracks and no doubt has provided some clever and funny verses. With Kanye West behind his career, his impeccable mic skills and "Glee" hottie Naya Rivera on his arm, Big Sean continues to succeed in hip hop.
We take look at 20 of Sean's best tracks, a lot of which came from his mixtape days (which may come as no surprise). Let us know what your favorite Big Sean cut is!
Happy Birthday Big Sean!
What U Doin (Bullshittin)
What U Doin (Bullshittin) (2010)
Finally Famous 3 Mixtape
Big Sean gives us four straight verses proving that he has got it going on when it comes to his grind. He takes a good look at his counterparts who seem to be doing nothing more than bullshitting!
Mula featuring French Montana
Mula featuring French Montana
Detroit Mixtape
The Detroit rapper told us all how he prioritizes success and money in "Mula." Big Sean was said to be inspired to make this track after meeting Birdman at SXSW one time, who gave him a great piece of advice which he then shared on this record: “Ain’t nothing more important than the mula.”
I Do It
I Do It (2011)
Finally Famous
Big Sean brought his confidence and some real braggadocio to this track giving his rivals some useful advice of how a true rapper does the job.
Supa Dupa Lemonade
Supa Dupa Lemonade (2009)
Finally Famous Vol. 3: Big
Sean Don gave us an epic freestyle over Gucci Mane’s "Lemonade" which proved to be a very popular cut on the mixtape, bringing new life to the instrumental. The rapper delivers the verse in his archetypal style – full of punchlines and wit.
Mr T
Mr T (2007)
Finally Famous: The Mixtape
The G.O.O.D. Music star talks about Mr T, and no he’s not referring to the A-Team. He’s talking about temptation which can hit the rising rapper at many angles. Big Sean points many of them out such as drugs, telling a story where his involvement only leads to him losing his girl, and leaves his mother disappointed.
Memories
Memories (2010)
Finally Famous Vol. 3: Big
Big Sean keeps it real on this reflective track as he looks back on his aspirations and his rise to success. He highlights the highs and lows of the game as he takes a big slice of humble pie. The popularity of this joint also led to the rapper including a second version of the song, "Memories 2" on his Finally Famous debut album.
Who Knows featuring Mike Posner (2009)
With Mike Posner (whom Sean collaborated with frequently during their come-up together) featured on the hook and on production, Big Sean lights up and takes a look into the future daydreaming about all the success he wants to be winning. Of course this is not so much of a problem for him now, but it just goes to show how rapper’s dream big to get where they want to be.
Too Fake
Too Fake (2010)
Finally Famous Vol. 3: Big
Xaphoon Jones brings some crazy production to this song which sees Chiddy Bang collaborate with Big Sean. Together they address the two-faced nature of being in the music industry. Whilst some choose to suck up to him due to his fame, behind Sean’s back they say something different.
Higher
Higher (2012)
Detroit
Big Sean pulled us into the deep end when he placed this intro into Detroit mixtape. Sitting on top, he takes a reminising journey of where he came from to become his own boss looking at how things have changed from back in the day. Working with trusted producer, Key Wane, Sean lets us into his emotional side on this.
Fat Raps Remix
Big Sean got together with a heavy group of rappers to provide his verse on this remix of the already-dope "Fat Raps". He’s joined by Asher Roth, Boldy James, Chuck Inglish, Dom Kennedy and King Chip to mix the whole thing up.
Getcha Some
Getcha Some (2009)
Finally Famous Vol. 2: UKNOWBIGSEAN
You like that Polo? That Louie? That Gucci? Well then you need to GETCHA SOME! Big Sean swags himself out in the finest designer clothing, but you’re probably going to need a pretty large pay packet if you’re going to be anywhere near his level.
Woke Up
Woke Up (2012)
Detroit
Big Sean explains his work ethic that has been responsible for his success on this track. The rapper wakes up everyday to get on his rap hustle, being thankful for the chance yet still remaining confident. Sean knows he’s “Living but it’s time to make a killing”. His message undoubtedly shows that the rise to the top doesn’t happen if you aren’t serious about putting in the grind.
Five Bucks (5 On It)
Five Bucks (5 On It) (2010)
Finally Famous Vol. 3
Along with Curren$y and King Chip, Sean pays tribute to the green herb. The Detroit rapper makes it clear that he loves to share his weed with girls, amongst other activities that he loves with the females.
High Rise
High Rise (2010)
Finally Famous Vol. 3
Waiting to officially blow up, Big Sean raps about his position in the game and being ready for the bright lights, the press, as well as getting all of that G.O.O.D. money. But the rapper was quick to warn us, while he was happy to take the money, the money wouldn’t be changing him anytime soon.
Beware
Beware featuring Jhene Aiko and Lil Wayne (2013)
Hall of Fame
Big Sean got together with one of hip-hop’s current favorite ladies, Jhene Aiko and favorite rapper's Lil Wayne on this track from his most recent album Hall of Fame. He gave us verses about those disputes that are all so familiar in relationships.
High
High featuring Wiz Khalifa and Chiddy Bang (2011)
Finally Famous
With Chiddy Bang and a very fitting guest for this track, Wiz Khalifa, Sean addresses that feeling of being high and caring about nothing else. Together they discuss the trippiest types. A big green fan? You’ll no doubt be able to relate to this.
RWT
RWT (2012)
Detroit
Yep, it’s Roll Weed Time!
Big Sean gives us some hard bars on an epic beat produced by Key Wane and Southside. Impressive is an understatement when it comes to Sean’s spit game on this and proves any of his doubters and haters wrong upon one listen.
Smoke and Drive
Smoke and Drive (2009)
Finally Famous: The Mixtape
Some of Big Sean’s earliest work, which featured on his first mixtape. The rapper with the help of Mike Posner and Pat Piff discusses his herb smoking habits whilst in the car. He shows he has quite a fine-tuned process when it comes to producing the perfect high.
I Get Money Freestyle
I Get Money Freestyle (2007)
Finally Famous: The Mixtape
Big Sean spits a freestyle providing effortless bars telling us something we are more than sure of today. With Kanye looking out for him, and his growing discography, we’re pretty sure Big Sean’s getting some decent paper.
Minds Playing Tricks On Me
Minds Playing Tricks On Me (2009)
Finally Famous Vol. 2: UKNOWBIGSEAN
The rappers presents us with a bit of a mind-fuck as he explains a scenario of fighting with his girl, to then getting into some trouble with some guys, to then seeing himself on a stretcher. A nightmare? Maybe. But Big Sean shows some real creativity here in a simple, but gripping verse, and displays his ability to story-tell on a rap.