Earlier this week, rapper Big Sean made a rare appearance on Twitter. Though he’s dialed back his social media presence in recent years, he took to the social media channel on Thursday (May 18) to share a special message, timely for Mental Health Awareness Month.
“To everybody stressed the f*ck out or overwhelmed cause y’all busy… just remember, It’s much more stressful when things ARENT happening versus stress bc they are,” he said. He continued, seemingly hinting that he was hard at work on new music. “Ok, back to work… but take care of you too.”
To everybody stressed the fuck out or overwhelmed cause y’all busy… just remember, It’s much more stressful when things ARENT happening versus stress bc they are. Ok, back to work… but take care of you too
Though it’s not clear that he specifically shared this sentiment in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, he and his longtime girlfriend Jhené Aiko are both advocates of mental health.
While Sean is of the mentality that keeping busy is indicative of having a lot going for oneself, he’s also a proponent of maintaining balance.
A month prior to the aforementioned tweet, he reminded his fans, “No matter how busy you are, you gotta live your life.”
No matter how busy you are, you gotta live your life
It’s been almost three years since Sean released a proper album, however, he’s recently been keeping fans satisfied with guest appearances. He is featured on Kaytranada and Aminé’s song, “Master P,” from their collaborative album Kaytraminé. He also collaborated with Larry June & The Alchemist on a song called “Palisades, CA.”
Everyone experiences stress and struggles with mental health, even famous artists. Rapper Big Sean took to social media to offer words of encouragement to his fans. On Thursday, May 18, Sean Don turned to Twitter to share a message filled with hope and inspiration for those going through challenging times. It came at a good time considering that May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Addressing those who may be stressed or overwhelmed due to their busy lives, Big Sean reminded them that it’s actually more stressful when nothing is happening. The stress caused by being busy, he thinks, is not as bad. He encouraged his followers to take care of themselves while also dedicating themselves to their work. He followed the message with several emojis. Many of Big Sean’s fans warmly received his uplifting message. Some even expressed how his tweet assisted them in their ongoing battle with mental health issues. You can check out his tweet below.
To everybody stressed the fuck out or overwhelmed cause y’all busy… just remember, It’s much more stressful when things ARENT happening versus stress bc they are. Ok, back to work… but take care of you too
Big Sean has always been open about the highs and lows he has faced in his struggle with mental health. In 2021, the Grammy-winning rapper courageously shared the harsh reality of his mental health journey. He honestly acknowledged that he had experienced thoughts of suicide on multiple occasions, even holding a firearm in his hand at times.
“I for sure contemplated suicide a lot of times, having guns in my hand, feeling it for real,” Big Sean said. “Because I was just stressed out and not happy. I realized that OK, I need to stop everything I’m doing and figure this out or I’m going to self-destruct.” The rapper went on to say that, in the end, things got better for him. However, he first had to learn to prioritize his own mental well-being. “I took the time off, canceled everything I was doing, sought therapy, connected with God more, spiritually grounded myself,” he shared, “and put myself first as a priority for the first time ever.” What do you think of Big Sean’s message of support? Let us know in the comments!
Jhené Aiko has become a staple of the contemporary R&B scene, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and ethereal presence. The sultry songbird has managed to carve out a unique space for herself in the music industry and has continued to dominate the charts since her debut in the early 2000s. Although her romance with Big Sean often overtook headlines, Aiko remained steadfast in her journey.
Her spiritual practices are reverberated in her music, and the singer uses her platform to help heal others. However, Jhené has also developed a reputation for putting it all on the table lyrically, and often, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Jump in and learn about Jhené Aiko’s rise to stardom.
From Humble Beginnings To R&B Sensation
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Singer Jhene Aiko performs onstage at BET AWARDS ’14 Debra Lee’s Pre-Dinner held at Milk Studios on June 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Jhené Aiko’s path to success began as a young girl, singing backup vocals for boy bands and providing vocals for several B2K tracks. Despite facing early setbacks, including being dropped from her label, Aiko never lost sight of her dreams. Her determination paid off when she released her mixtape, Sailing Soul(s), in 2011. The project, which featured collaborations with major artists like Kanye West and Drake, gained traction and led to her signing with Artium and Def Jam.
Aiko’s critically acclaimed debut EP, Sail Out, was released in 2013 and showcased her unique blend of R&B, Hip Hop, and Alternative music. The EP, which included the hit single “The Worst,” set the stage for her to solidify her place in the industry.
Career Milestones & Artistic Growth
Jhené Aiko’s debut album, Souled Out, released in 2014, cemented her status as a leading voice in R&B. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured songs like “To Love & Die” and “The Pressure.” Her dynamic transcendental sound resounded deeply with fans and critics alike. In 2016, Aiko collaborated with rapper Big Sean on the joint project TWENTY88, which changed the game. The duo’s undeniable chemistry resulted in a sound that blended their respective styles to create a memorable experience for listeners.
Her 2017 sophomore album, Trip, marked a turning point in Aiko’s career. The album dove deep into self-discovery themes, and later, Aiko would release a poetry book. She continued to make waves in the industry by releasing her third studio album, Chilombo, in 2020. The album was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It also boasted collaborations with artists like H.E.R., Ab-Soul, and Nas.
Life With Big Sean & Their Creative Synergy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: (L-R) Jhené Aiko and Big Sean attend the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards at Los Angeles Convention Center on March 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy )
The singer’s relationship with Big Sean has been a significant part of her life and career. The two began dating in 2016, and their chemistry was evident in their collaborations. While they briefly split in 2018, their love story continued when they reconciled in 2019. Since then, they’ve remained a powerful musical force, collaborating on multiple tracks, including “None of Your Concern” and “Body Language.”
In November 2022, Aiko gave birth to her second child. She and Sean welcomed their son, marking their first child together. However, Aiko is already the mother of a daughter she shares with entertainer O’Ryan. He happens to be the brother to former B2K frontman Omarion.
Jhené Aiko’s Lasting Impact
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Singer Jhene Aiko performs on Day 2 of Sol Blume Festival 2022 at Discovery Park on May 01, 2022 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)
Throughout her career, Aiko has been a trailblazer in the world of R&B. She’s consistently pushing the boundaries of the genre and introducing new themes. She has become a role model for many with her candid approach to discussing mental health and personal growth. Additionally, her openness about her spirituality and incorporating healing sounds, such as singing bowls, into her music has brought these practices to the forefront.
Her determination, artistic growth, and willingness to explore new territory have solidified her place in the industry and helped redefine R&B for a new generation of fans. As Aiko continues to evolve as an artist and influence pop culture, her impact on R&B and beyond will undoubtedly endure.
Aminé and Kaytranada’s upcoming joint album Kaytraminé has been exciting fans on the internet since it was announced, and lead single “4eva” drove the buzz to a deafening pitch. After Kaytranada brought out Aminé during his Coachella set, the wait for their album became borderline unbearable, but today, they’ve shared some information that should ease the impatience of their ravenous fans: the cover, tracklist, and release date, which isn’t too far off now.
Both artists appear on the cover in summery outfits lounging on deck chairs, with Kaytra dressed for the pool and Aminé holding a glass of champagne. The pool theme continues on the tracklist, with sun umbrellas and beach balls dotting the blue background between the track titles. The whole thing gives the vibe of a late ’80s/early ’90s catalog, with bright colors and oversaturated photo processing imitating the film photography and glossy pages of the two artists’ early youth.
Meanwhile, the tracklist includes some impressive features, with Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs, Pharrell Williams, and Snoop Dogg all putting in some appearances, while Kaytraminé gives a leg up to rising singer Amaarae. In the comments, fans are already calling Kaytraminé the album of the summer. It’s due on May 19.
We got a taste of what Kaytranada and Aminé have in store for us on their upcoming album when they performed together during the former’s Coachella set last month. Since then, fans of the producer and lyricist have been eagerly waiting for more updates on Kaytraminé. Thankfully, they arrived via Instagram on Tuesday (May 9), revealing not only the upcoming release’s cover art but also the release date and tracklist, which includes an impressive roster of collaborators.
The groovy duo previously shared their “4EVA” single with Pharrell, setting the tone for what’s to hit DSPs on the May 19th release date. Aside from linking up with Skateboard P, we’ll also hear from Freddie Gibbs on “Let’stalkaboutit” and on “Sossaup,” Amaarae. The most noteworthy names on the tracklist include Big Sean (“Master P”) and finally, Snoop Dogg, who appears on the second last title, “Eye.”
Aminé and Kaytranada’s music will certainly keep the vibes high this spring and summer, as does the 11-track album’s cover art. It depicts the creative friends kicking back on bright pink beach chairs, the latter seemingly holding a joint in his fingers while the other toasts his glass of what appears to be champagne towards the camera. The back side of the project zooms out from the Kaytraminê artists, revealing more chairs and people spread out around them, along with the names of all their upcoming songs.
This marks one of Kaytranada’s first albums since 2019’s BUBBA, on which he made music magic alongside Kali Uchis, Masego, Estelle, and many more. As for Aminé, we last heard from him in late 2021 with his featureless TWOPOINTFIVE project. Which feature are you most looking forward to hearing on this month’s Kaytraminé project? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Larry June’s an interesting case study in hip-hop . His unique strain of luxury raps and versatile production choices have helped him develop a cult-like following. Projects like Orange Print and the Cardo-produced Into The Late Night played like the perfect 4/20 soundtrack but all of these releases have led to his highly anticipated joint project with The Alchemist, The Great Escape, which finally hit streaming services this morning.
June’s ‘lax matter-of-fact flow detailing real estate and green juices shines over The Alchemist’s dreamy production. Laced with 15 songs in total, The Great Escape brings Larry June’s baritone delivery and The Alchemist’s hypnotic loops for a body of work that will undoubtedly stand as one of the best releases of 2023 so far. Throughout the tracklist, the two enlist a strong roster of collaborators, largely from the blog era. Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Action Bronson, Curren$y, Joey Bada$$, and more appear across the tracklist for The Great Escape.
“The Great Escape” Is A Perfect Union Of Larry June & The Alchemist
In the past few weeks, Larry June and The Alchemist shared a promising series of singles to lead the campaign for The Great Escape. First, they unveiled “60 Days,” and then, “Porsches In Spanish.” However, the release of “Palisades, CA” ft. Big Sean left fans thrilled for what’s to come on their joint project. The record marked Big Sean’s first time rhyming over The Alchemist’s production but the Detroit rapper and June’s similar focus on health and wellness turned the record into an immediate highlight that fans hope will lead to further collaborations in the future.
The new project extends The Alchemist’s impressive run over the past few years that includes Alfredo with Freddie Gibbs, The Elephant Man’s Bones with Roc Marciano, and several projects alongside Boldy James. However, in an interview with Billboard, he explained that he hopes Great Escape with Larry Juneis discussed in the same regard. “I don’t want this to be like a slept-on record, or it gets just credibility — we need to push this s–t on,” says Alchemist. “Put it up next to all the other s–t that’s out there on the high level and let it compete.”
Larry June and The Alchemist are getting ready for the release of their highly anticipated new album The Great Escape coming later this month. So far, “60 Days,” “89 Earthquake,” and “Palisades, CA” were released with music videos, but people are looking forward to a lot of other tracks on the record, especially because of all of the features.
Some notable guests on The Great Escape include Action Bronson, Big Sean, Ty Dolla Sign, Joey Badass, and more. Meanwhile, June recently announced a tour called Larry’s Market Run Tour, a 47-date North American journey that’s sure to be a great time. Hopefully, some of the artists appearing on The Great Escape will surprise fans by joining him onstage.
Check out the full tracklist below.
1. “Turkish Cotton”
2. “89 Earthquake”
3. “Solid Plan” Feat. Action Bronson
4. “Palisades, CA” Feat. Big Sean
5. “Summer Reign” Feat. Ty Dolla Sign
6. “Orange Village” Feat. Slum Village
7. “Porsches in Spanish”
8. “Art Talk” Feat. Boldy James
9. “Ocean Sounds”
10. “Left No Evidence” Feat. Evidence
11. “What Happened To The World?” Feat. Wiz Khalifa
12. “Éxito” Feat. Jay Worthy
13. “60 Days”
14. “Barragán Lighting” Feat. Joey Badass & Curren$y
15. “Margie’s Candy House”
The Great Escape is out 3/31 via Empire.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
“Palisades, chillin’ in the shade, might take the Bent,” June coolly raps toward the end of the first verse. “Bettin’ on myself, and every time, n***a, it’s a hit.” Junes passes the flow off to Big Sean, who delivers a spoken interlude: “We off in the Palisades / Bettin’ on myself, every time, n***a, it’s a hit / You know, we talkin’ armed guards, gated communities, man / Royal family-type sh*t.”
Big Sean added on Instagram, “My dawgs @larryjuneftm n @alanthechemist ft. Me song + video ‘PALISADES, CA.’ Sh*t make me wanna count some money n take my vitamins, healthy! GOOD JOB LARRY [orange emoji, fire emoji, Earth emoji].”
“Palisades, CA” is the latest in a string of ambitious and indulgent singles from June and The Alchemist ahead of their collaborative project, The Great Escape. “60 Days,” “’89 Earthquake,” and now, “Palisades, CA” perfectly marry escapist visuals with brutally honest lyrics depicting the harsh journey necessary to bask in such luxuries.
“I show a different side of the city,” June told Uproxx last fall, speaking of his native San Francisco. “I’m from Hunter’s Point. I didn’t see too much of the Pier, or the nice avenues. I’ve never been to Alcatraz. I was just biking and sh*t. Now I’m just showing that a person of my color can do different sh*t. And I definitely belong.”
