9.22.2010
Big Sean: Interview
WRITER'S NOTE: This is an archived interview of mine with Big Sean, from 2008. I feel that posting this will be able to show the growth that Sean has made as both an individual and artist since the last time I've interviewed him. With the recent release of his Finally Famous: Vol. 3 Mixtape & this being the eve of a performance in Houston for him (where I currently reside, shout out to Danny Watts, Fat Tony), I thought it would only be fitting for this to be my 1st post.
image.in: Why do you rap?
Big Sean: I rap because of the way it makes me feel. There’s nothing better than when you are able to do your craft, and get respect & love for it. I do it for the people that love to listen to me and can relate to the music.
image.in: What do you think helped you the most in your efforts to become a rapper?
Big Sean: I think just believing that it would really happen. There is no guarantee, I know...but I’m a perfect example that anybody can do it. I knew no one- not a soul in the music industry, but I just knew that one day I would get my shot. So, I made music to the best of my ability and tried to get out in the streets the best I could, then I ended up getting a chance to rap for Kanye. Some people say I was lucky, but thousands of people get opportunities to rap for people like Kanye or anybody who can sign you. But it hardly ever happens unless you are ready. I was ready, I was prepared. Luck to me is when preperation meets opportunity, so if that’s the case then yeah...I got lucky.
image.in: What was it like the day you found out that you were signed to G.O.O.D.?
Big Sean: Unbelievable. I used to ride to school vibing out to Kanye West, Common, Consequence, GLC, etc. When Kanye called me and my momma up, it was unreal. I feel like my dreams stay awake for me. I’m just grateful for everything.
image.in: Is it intimidating being on the same roster as Kanye, John Legend, Common, etc.?
Big Sean: No, not at all. Keeps me on my game. They are all an inspiration, so it does nothing but make me better.
image.in: What would you say is your best verse?
Big Sean: You haven’t heard it yet. The best verse I have ever written is on my album dropping later on GOOD/Island Def Jam. I would spit it, but that would spoil it. The lyricism is amazing though. After hanging around people like Jay, Common, and Kanye, I've been nothing but inspired.
image.in: You were featured on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music mixtape, and that’s what introduced me (and a quite a few other people) to your music. You also dropped the Finally Famous mixtape, which gave people more of you
musically. Now that you’ve gained listening ears, what are some of the other projects are you pursuing as far as music goes?
Big Sean: Man...I’m finishing up the album now, which I think will change the sound of music. I really think it will change the game, and everything that comes along with it. I’m just really trying to make my time the right time to drop. I also appreciate everybody who does listen and enjoy the music I make. Please help spread the word!
image.in: "Change the game," is a pretty bold claim. In what ways do you think your
album will change the game?
Big Sean: I think it’s going to set a new standard for radio and for young artists as well. I’m only 19, ’bout to be 20, and I am putting forth quality music. I can’t wait to drop.
image.in: When can people expect for it (the album) to drop?
Big Sean: At the end of ’08, around September/October.
image.in: What’s the name of the album going to be, and what’ll be the focus behind it?
Big Sean: The name of the album will be FiNALLY FAMOUS. Basically, ’Finally Famous’ is a lifestyle. It’s the way I live, it’s who I am.
It’s also the name of my crew at home in the D (Detroit). There’s about 13 of us, and what we do is throw the best events and parties in the city. We do mostly 18 and up parties, some 21 and up. We just make our events memorable and classic. That’s what ’Finally Famous’ is all about, being memorable and classic.
image.in: That's pretty neat. What guest features can people look forward to hearing on your album?
Big Sean: Definitley Kanye, and a series of super-amazing features I don’t want to give away. The album is 90% done though, and just about ready to go...but I will tell you it is going to be classic.
image.in: What would you say is your most interesting story during the time of
your exploits as a rapper?
Big Sean: There are so many...one of the most interesting stories, among many, is when I was in LA with Kanye as he was working on Graduation in the studio. There were people like Common, Will I Am, Chad (neptunes), 50 Cent, etc. One time Kanye and I were working on some music, and when we started writing to the beat I pulled a notepad out. Back then I used to write on notepads and stuff. As soon as I pulled it out, Kanye said "You write on paper...aw man that’s wack. If you gotta’ write it down that means it’s not memorable!" That made me feel like shit. I was paranoid that he wasn’t going to sign me cause he thought I was weak. But then I got signed like two months later...and after that day in the studio I have never written a rap down on paper, ever!
image.in: It's conincidental that you mention the concept of not writing when creating a song. It reminded me of how Andre3000 doesn't usually freestyle, and how Jay-Z doesn’t write when "songwriting." Do you believe your newer method of crafting a song is better- and if so, how?
Big Sean: I definatley don’t think it’s any better or worse to write or not write music. All that matters is the end result. If it sounds good and touches you, then that’s all that matters.
image.in: What would you say is your greatest influence to your music, that isn’t
directly music related?
Big Sean: Having fun, partying, messing with my girl. That type of stuff always seems to inspire me. Real life issues inspire me too.
image.in: What’s your current opinion of your own music?
Big Sean: I’ve really been improving on that. I personally think my album is very well rounded and doesn’t really focus too much on one thing. With my mixtape I just wanted to show people I can actually rap and that I’m a lyricist. The album will really impress people. To me, it’s ten times better than the mixtape, and the mixtape is really good.
image.in: What is your greatest goal concerning your musical endeavors?
Big Sean: That people hear my music. To me, it’s undeniable...I don’t want people to think I’m better than anybody, cause I’m not- BUT I PUT THAT WORK IN. I go hard, day in and day out to make sure my music is the best I can make it.
image.in: Sounds great, the work ethic you have is really reassuring. What are some other things you hope to excel in besides music?
Big Sean: I definately somewhere down the line would want to do more in the entertainment field. Put other artist on, act. I just really want to inspire people. But for now, my main goal is this music and nothing more.
image.in: *reference to a Kanye song* Forrest Gump’s mom said, "Life is like a box of chocolates." What would you compare life to?
Big Sean: Life is what you make it. I compare my life to a block of clay. You can make clay into anything, just like I feel like I can make my life into anything. You have to believe in you.
image.in: Who’s your favorite old-school rapper? Who’s your favorite rapper currently? What do you think those two rappers have in common?
Big Sean: I’m only 19, so I grew up on people like Mase, Biggie, and Jay. My fav was proabably Mase. Now it’s either Jay or Kanye. I think all of those rappers were just lyricists. They all relate to the people like I want to.
image.in: Who do you think is the best-dressed rapper of all time?
Big Sean: It’s Gotta’ be a tie between Kanye, Pharrell, and me.
image.in: How would you say your style of dress and & style of rapping are
similar?
Big Sean: My styles are definately a mixture of many artist that are dope. I’d say all of my favorite rappers. A little Jay mixed with Kanye, Common, Eminem and my own style.
image.in: If you had to liken your style of rapping to an animal, what would it be, and why?
Big Sean: Hmm...probably a crocodile. You might look at a croc and not know that they can run 35 mph, or that they have been around since prehistoric times. I want to be around for a long time in music. Some people look at me and be like, "Damn, I didn’t know you could rap like that!" Just like they might look at a crocodile and be like..."Damn, I didn’t know crocs could run that fast!" Plus, I would lyrically bite somebody’s head off.
image.in: lol. Speaking of crocodiles, did you know the prehistoric ones could reach up to over 40ft in length?
Big Sean: Yeah, I heard that somewhere...that’s crazy though.
image.in: What’s the craziest amount of splurging you’ve done since you’ve
become a rapper?
Big Sean: None too much, I went to the bape store and splurged out once. Copped like 20 tees, a whole bunch of hoodies, jeans, and shoes. I also go buy stuff from Gucci and Louis from time to time.
image.in: What’s the best experience you’ve had doing a show?
Big Sean: Just people singing along cause they know the music. That’s the best feeling, when they know your shit and get excited when it comes on.
image.in: I’m sure you’ve been to tons of places, due to your occupation, but what’s a place you want to go that you haven’t been to yet?
Big Sean: Amsterdam!!!
image.in: Why do you want to visit Amesterdam? I have a pretty good idea of why, but yeah...
Big Sean: You know why, lol. Just 'cause I really want to see if it’s how people
say it is. I hear it’s wild, that’s all.
image.in: LOL. Have you ever experienced culture shock when touring in foreign countries?
Big Sean: Yeah it’s crazy. Overseas is a whole 'nother world. I love it over there.
image.in: What do you think are the main differences between foreign countries and the U.S.?
Big Sean: Just they way people are and how they act. Different places are, different...it’s funny how we can be on the same planet but in different worlds.
image.in: What’s the only way you’ll stop rapping?
Big Sean: If I die.
image.in: Who do you want to give a shout out to?
Big Sean: Shout out to God, My family, The whole Fianlly Famous, GOOD music, Island Def Jam, my girl Ashley F., and anybody who supports me. For more info & updates on Big Sean, you can visit: http://www.unknowbigsean.com
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