Big Sean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Sean
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Big Sean in 2024
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Sean Michael Leonard Anderson |
| Born | March 25, 1988 Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Midwestern hip-hop |
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| Years active | 2007–present |
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Sean Michael Leonard Anderson (born March 25, 1988), who is known by his stage name Big Sean, is an American rapper. As a teenager, he met the famous artist Kanye West. In 2007, West signed him to his record label, GOOD Music. Big Sean became well-known after releasing his third mixtape in 2010.
His first two albums, Finally Famous (2011) and Hall of Fame (2013), were very successful. They both reached number three on the Billboard 200 music chart. These albums included popular songs like "My Last" and "Beware".
Big Sean's third album, Dark Sky Paradise (2015), was his first to reach number one on the Billboard 200. It featured the hit single "I Don't ... with You". His next two albums, I Decided (2017) and Detroit 2 (2020), also debuted at number one. The song "Bounce Back" from I Decided became his highest-charting song. In 2021, he left GOOD Music. His sixth album, Better Me Than You (2024), entered the charts at number 25.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sean Michael Leonard Anderson was born on March 25, 1988, in Santa Monica, California. His parents are Myra and James Anderson. When he was three months old, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan. He was raised by his mother, who was a school teacher, and his grandmother.
His grandmother, Mildred Leonard, was a captain in the United States Army during World War II. She was one of the first Black female captains. Big Sean went to the Detroit Waldorf School. He later graduated from Cass Technical High School with a high grade point average of 3.7.
Music Career
2005–2006: How His Career Started
While in high school, Big Sean often took part in rap battles on a Detroit hip-hop radio station. In 2005, he heard that Kanye West was at the station for an interview. Sean went to meet him and performed a freestyle rap.
At first, West was not sure he wanted to listen. But he gave Sean a chance to rap for him. West was impressed by his skills. Big Sean gave West his demo tape. Two years later, West signed him to his record label, GOOD Music.
2007–2010: Gaining a Following
On September 30, 2007, Big Sean released his first mixtape, Finally Famous: The Mixtape. His song "Get'cha Some" got a lot of attention from magazines like The Source. He even made a music video for the song.
He released two more mixtapes over the next few years. The third one, Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG (2010), featured famous artists like Drake and Mike Posner. This helped him become even more popular.
2011–2012: First Albums
Big Sean's first official album, Finally Famous, came out on June 28, 2011. It had three hit songs: "My Last", "Marvin & Chardonnay", and "Dance (...)". Many famous artists like Nicki Minaj and John Legend were featured on the album.
In 2012, he was featured on the song "Mercy" with Kanye West, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz. Later that year, on September 5, he released a mixtape called Detroit. It featured other popular rappers like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
2013–2015: More Successful Albums
Big Sean's second album, Hall of Fame, was released on August 27, 2013. It included guest artists like Lil Wayne and Nas. The album had several singles, including "Guap" and "Beware".
On September 12, 2014, he announced that he had signed with Roc Nation for management. He then released four new songs, including "I Don't ... with You".
His third album, Dark Sky Paradise, was released on February 24, 2015. It went straight to number one on the Billboard 200 chart. This was his first album to reach the top spot. By 2016, the album was certified platinum, meaning it sold over a million copies.
2016–2018: Group Projects and Solo Work
On March 25, 2016, Big Sean released a song to celebrate his 28th birthday. Soon after, he announced a joint album with singer Jhené Aiko. They called their group Twenty88, and their album was released on April 1, 2016.
On October 31, 2016, he released the song "Bounce Back". It was the main single from his fourth album, I Decided, which came out in 2017. This album also reached number one on the charts. For his work and contributions to his foundation, he received the official Key to the City of Detroit.
In December 2017, he released another joint album, Double or Nothing, with producer Metro Boomin.
2019–Present: Detroit 2 and Recent Music
In 2019, Big Sean released new solo music, including the songs "Overtime" and "Single Again". He also performed his song "Bezerk" at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.
On his 32nd birthday, March 25, 2020, he announced his next album would be called Detroit 2. It was released on September 4, 2020, and became his third number-one album. It featured collaborations with artists like Eminem and Lil Wayne.
In October 2021, Big Sean announced he was leaving Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label after 14 years. That same month, he released a project with producer Hit-Boy called What You Expect. In 2022, he re-released his mixtape Detroit on streaming services for its 10th anniversary.
In July 2024, he was featured on the song "Tobey" with Eminem and BabyTron. He then announced his sixth album, Better Me Than You, which was released on August 9, 2024. In September 2024, he revealed he was working on a new album with producer The Alchemist.
Personal Life
Big Sean has been in a relationship with singer Jhené Aiko since 2016. Their son was born on November 8, 2022.
In 2017, Big Sean bought a large home in Beverly Hills. The house was once owned by Slash, the guitarist from the band Guns N' Roses.
Big Sean has spoken about his struggles with his mental health. He has said that therapy, a healthy lifestyle, and taking breaks from touring have helped him.
Charity Work
Sean Anderson Foundation
In May 2012, Big Sean started a nonprofit organization called the “Sean Anderson Foundation.” The foundation helps children and families in his hometown of Detroit. It raises money for local schools and other community groups.
In 2015, the foundation started a program called Mogul Prep. This program connects high school students with professionals in the music industry. The foundation also donated a recording studio to his old high school, Cass Technical High School.
Since 2018, the foundation has hosted a yearly festival called D.O.N. Weekend. It offers free events and concerts for people in Detroit. The foundation also gives out turkeys and food to families every Thanksgiving.
In May 2021, Big Sean and his mother released a video series about wellness and mental health.
Other Projects
Big Sean has worked with many famous brands. He has an endorsement deal with Adidas and released his own line of sneakers. In 2013, he started his own clothing company called Aura Gold. In 2018, he worked with PUMA on a shoe collection.
In December 2020, he became the creative director of innovation for the NBA's Detroit Pistons. He helps design team clothing and works on community projects.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Finally Famous (2011)
- Hall of Fame (2013)
- Dark Sky Paradise (2015)
- I Decided (2017)
- Detroit 2 (2020)
- Better Me Than You (2024)
- Collaborative albums
- Twenty88 (with Jhené Aiko) (2016)
- Double or Nothing (with Metro Boomin) (2017)
- SeanChemist (with The Alchemist) (2025)
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Animals. | Terrence | Voice |
| 2019 | Trouble | Trouble | Voice |
| 2020 | Justin Bieber: Seasons | Himself | Episode: "The Finale" |
| 2020–2021 | Twenties | Tristan | Recurring character |
| 2023 | House Party | Himself |
Tours
- Headlining
- I Am Finally Famous Tour (2011)
- Detroit Tour (2013)
- Hall of Fame Tour (2014)
- I Decided Tour (2017)
- Supporting act
See also
- List of awards and nominations received by Big Sean
