Big Sean’s album Better Me Than You is no longer going to drop on August 9 as he initially announced. After an astute fan noticed the conspicuous wording of Sean’s latest post about the album on Instagram and left a comment wondering about the change, Sean gave an explanation for the delay.
The fan asked, “Why u saying album soon like it’s not suppose to drop on the 9th?” In response, Big Sean wrote back, “I gotta push it back just a lil bit. Music done but jus organizing listening events, shows, etc. Might need a extra week or 2 to plan.”
Big Sean has officially delayed his upcoming album ‘Better Me Than You’ …
So, it seems the album will likely still release in August, just not this Friday as originally expected (at least that frees up this writer’s weekend to focus on releases from Latto and Larry June).
Sean initially teased new music in March with the release of “Clarity,” which had the bad luck of being timed after Kendrick Lamar’s inflammatory “Like That” verse detonated like a bomb on hip-hop, drawing focus to his and Drake’s impending war. However, that didn’t stop Sean from releasing “Precision,” along with a slew of appearances to remind fans he’s on the same level. Features with Jessie Reyez and Eminem, and a Tiny Desk Concert, kept Sean’s buzz alive, but his freestyle for On The Radar almost landed him in the middle of the beef.
Better Me Than You leaked online, and while some fans think Kanye West is trying to sabotage his old artist, Sean thinks that theory is “bullsh*t.” His latest single, “On Up,” focused on the positives of his life — specifically, fatherhood — so it looks like he’s keeping it positive as we wait for that extra two weeks to hear what he’s got planned.
Big Sean has not had luck on his side. The rapper was supposed to be basking in the goodwill from his comeback after four years of silence. Then, his teaser single got stepped on by the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef. His album got leaked by a vengeful Kanye West stan. Big Sean took it all in stride, assuring fans they will get to hear the finished product on August 9. Well, the date is almost here, and now the ex GOOD Music rapper has revealed plans to delay its release. Rather Me Than You has suffered another setback.
The rapper took to Instagram on August 6 to announce the music video for his single “On Up.” He said that the accompanying album is “coming soon,” which confused a lot of fans. One of them took to the comment section to inquire about Big Sean’s plans. “Why u saying album soon like it’s not suppose to drop on the 9th?,” they wrote. The rapper then confirmed that Rather Me Than You would be getting a multi-week delay. “I gotta push it back just a lil bit,” Sean wrote. “Music done but jus organizing listening events, shows, etc.” The rapper then gave a rough estimate as to when fans can expect it. The glass half full take? At least it’s coming in August. “Might need a extra week or 2 to plan,” Big Sean concluded.
Big Sean seemingly backed up these claims on Twitter. He threw out the idea of doing “end of summer” shows in select cities once his album drops. “Think im a do some end of summer bbq’s in a few cities,” he wrote. “‘On Up’ gimme that cook out feel. Any suggestions?! Local food vendors, merch, performance that the whole family can come to.” Big Sean is definitely leaning into the family man image, so the desire to promote a wholesome concert environment makes perfect sense. The low effort, laid back appeal is a feel that the Detroit rapper wants to convey on Better Me Than You.
He said as much during a recent Essence interview. When asked to explain the album, Big Sean made it clear that it’s his most authentic. “[It’s] just me having fun and expressing myself,” he stated. “The only thing I’m going for is just authenticity. I don’t like putting too much pressure on an album anymore. I just want to get my art off, do my thing.” Hopefully fans get to (officially) hear the album sooner, rather than later.
If this doesn’t make you tear up at least a little bit, then we don’t know what will. Big Sean’s “Out Of Context” interview with Charlamagne tha God has been making the rounds online thanks to a few viral soundbites from the Detroit artist. Out of all of the topics covered, his perspective on his rocky relationship with Kendrick Lamar and his exclusion in “Big Three” talks drew in a lot of ears. However, we feel that there is something that trumps all of that. At the 26:55 mark in their talk, Sean reflects with Charlamagne about the beginning stages of what has turned into be quite the successful career in music.
According to HipHopDX, he tears up remembering a point in which he was unsure about pursuing this dream of becoming a rapper. He starts off by going back to his high school days when he made a list that had the top five labels he would want to be on. “I had found this list before I rapped for Ye that I wrote down. I was lightweight into it, but I was just busy… [The] list said ‘G.O.O.D. Music, No.1. 2 Roc-A-Fella. No. 3 Shady Records. 4 Grand Hustle. No. 5 Interscope.’” Sean later added, “G.O.O.D. Music was number one, and I saw that, and I was on that path. It was one of them omens, it was just one little thing I needed to realize, ‘I can do this, bro. I met Ye and rapped for him. He said he wanted to sign me.’”
However, that is when things took a turn for the worse. Sean mentioned that depression began to settle in, causing him to rethink. “I just manifested and visualized the paperwork coming in. In that time, bro, in that one year, I was so depressed that I just wanted to give up bad”. Because of this, he even began to consider community college, and his grandma was in agreement. However, things changed in his head once his mom convinced him to keep pushing. “I just remember my mom being like, ‘What are you doing?’ It was a moment, dawg”. That’s when Sean began to tear up and thank her for being a believer. “I’m just thankful I had these guardian angels in my life, like my mom, just coming in the form of anything”.
What are your thoughts on Big Sean revealing that he was thinking about quitting rap early into his career? Looking at where he is now, how do you view his run in the industry? What was your favorite moment from his conversation with Charlamagne tha God? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Big Sean. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Big Sean SZN is officially underway. The rapper’s unveiled a handful of singles since the top of the year in anticipation of his forthcoming album, Better You Than Me, due out on August 9th. This morning, he unveiled the new single, “One Up” and its music video. This came after the release of “Yes,” “Precision,” and “Shut Up,” along with his stellar guest verses on Eminem’s “Tobey” and DJ Premier’s “Ya Don’t Stop” alongside Lil Wayne. Sean Don has been getting busy. After a four-year wait, his upcoming project sounds like it could be his best to date.
Within that four-year window, much has happened in his life, including the birth of his first son, who appears in the “One Up” video. Sean sat down with Charlamagne Tha God for the latest episode of Out Of Context, where they addressed everything from his relationship with Ye and G.O.O.D Music to nearly giving up on rap. Below, we’ve rounded up five of the biggest takeaways.
In September 2023, a leaked version of Kendrick Lamar’s “ELEMENT” surfaced online containing direct shots at Big Sean. In the song, Kendrick raps, “Big Sean keep sneak dissin’, I let it slide/ I think his false confidence got him inspired/ I can’t make them respect you baby, it’s not my job/ You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme/ Cute ass raps, get your puberty up/ Then make you a classic album before you come at us/ Drake and Meek Mill beef might got you gassed up/ But I’m a whole ‘nother beast, I’d really f*ck you up.”
Sean explained that Joe Buddenprimarily pushed this narrative that the two had beef. However, prior to the leak coming out, Sean was assured by Dave Free and Punch that there was no smoke. Moreover, Big Sean said his verse on “Deep Reverence” ft. Nipsey Hussle was inspired by a text exchange he had with Kendrick Lamar, who he claimed apologized for the misunderstanding. It should be noted that he didn’t think Kendrick would’ve done him worse than Drake. Ultimately, he felt he was ready for whatever came with a potential feud.
(Photo by Leon Bennett/WireImage via Getty Images)
Big Sean expressed gratitude for the opportunity he had with G.O.O.D Music. First, he said that the $6 million discrepancy has been handled. However, he said he took a cut compared to what he was owed for the sake of avoiding courtrooms. “With the deal I signed, he made more money off of my music than me,” he explained, adding that he wasn’t necessarily bothered by that. However, he audited Def Jam for the money and later learned that the money was actually sent to G.O.O.D Music.
“He said what he said [on Drink Champs]. I’m not into gossip and stuff but he said what he said and it made me realize that I couldn’t take all of what he was saying serious on that Drink Champs,” Sean told Charlamagne. “Very performative… that’s what I’m not. That’s what he’s good at.” Kanye allegedly tried to make sure that there was a picture of the two taken to squash the narrative.
But at the root of their issues is Drake, apparently. “I think he was just pissed because he thought I chose Drake over him. I only bring that up because he brought that up to somebody who told me something,” he said. Sean explained that Ye demanded a verse on “Blessings,” which the Detroit MC helped him write. However, he gave him a deadline, and Ye basically ignored that. “For some reason, he thinks – Drake didn’t even want him on that song but I was like, ‘I’m putting Ye on the song anyway because Ye put me on. If he wants to be on the song, he’s going to be on the song,” Sean explained. Apparently, even though Ye failed to pull through, he felt like Sean was not being loyal.
Coming To Terms With The Big 3
IPhoto by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)
In another Kendrick-related excerpt, Big Sean explained that he understood why he’s not mentioned in the same vein as his peers, namely Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole. “I hear my name every time people talk about this Big 3 stuff,” he said. Then, he acknowledged that his inconsistency as an artist played a significant role in people’s perception of him. “My consistency is where I lack. I say that in that too. It’s like, I haven’t put out music in four years, bro, essentially, I haven’t put a project out. I can’t expect to be in that conversation when I haven’t been consistency feeding hip-hop, feeding the fans.”
However, that might change in the future. Sean said that he feels like he has the potential to release more music while keeping it on “God’s time.” “I think the way my life is going, that’s one of my priorities is to put more music out with meaning, though,” he said, “I do feel like when it comes to rapping abilities, I have no limit on my rapping abilities… I can hang with anybody on any song… I’ve proven that with all of them. He added, “Even with ‘Control,’ the next song we did, I made sure I had a better verse on ‘Holy Key.’”
Nearly Giving Up On Rap Dreams
(Photo by Arik Mazur/FilmMagic via Getty)
An emotional point in the interview came when Sean started reflecting on his high school years where he wrote down a list of labels that he wanted to sign to, which included G.O.O.D Music at #1. “It was one of them omens. There’s just one little thing I needed to realize ‘Nah, I can do this, bro. I met Ye and rapped for him. He said he wanted to sign me.’ I just manifested and visualized the paperwork coming in all this time. In that one year, I was depressed, I just wanted to give up bad,” he said, explaining that he felt that he was “done.”
His grandma encouraged him to apply for community college as a backup plan. “I remember my mom being like, ‘What are you doing?’ And it was… it was a moment, dawg,” he added as he tried to fight back tears, explaining that she pushed him to keep following his dreams. “I’m just thankful I had these guardian angels in my life, like my mom, just coming in the form of anything – a book.”
Big Sean Discusses The Possibility Of Marrying Jhene Aiko
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
After being together for so long, many have wondered whether Big Sean and Jhene Aiko will ever get hitched. Sean denied that they had a secret industry wedding before divulging his thoughts on marriage in general. With the two sharing a child together and working together as a musical duo, there’s another layer of complexity to their relationship. “We’ve had our ups and downs and I think it’s still finding the right navigation through it all. I don’t know if like – to me, marriage symbolizes the best relationship,” he explained. “I feel like having a relationship is first and foremost and marriage is a byproduct of that.”
Sean added that the pressure of getting married creates a level of fear in the decision, especially with the divorce rates. While he added that they could get married in the future, it’s not necessarily the priority in their lives. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, I feel like, in general. We have so many relationships. It’s like being peers, being in a group together, parents, romantic – it’s a crazy connection because no matter what we’re always going to be tied together. No matter what,” he said.
“She and me have to be on the same page. Not to say that we aren’t but I feel like – I can only speak for myself that there needs to be more work done so we could keep going because there’s a lot of focus on our family, there’s a lot of focus on careers and everything and that’s something I feel like has not been the main focus.”
GRAMMY®-nominated multiplatinum artist Big Sean has released a heartfelt new single and music video titled “On Up,” available now via Def Jam Recordings. This breezy, buoyant track, which samples Jodeci’s classic hit of the same name, celebrates fatherhood and is the third release from his eagerly awaited sixth studio album, Better Me Than You.
On “On Up,” Sean gets introspective, sharing his experiences and emotions during his first year as a father. Backed by handclaps and an upbeat groove, he reflects, “I look into my son’s eyes and still see his innocence,” and cherishes moments with his son, “Close my eyes, picture heaven, and it’s where I’m at.”
“On Up” follows the hard-hitting track “Yes,” debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the pummeling comeback single “Precision.” Better Me Than You promises to be a significant milestone in Big Sean’s career, showcasing his growth both as an artist and as a person.
Big Sean’s latest interview with The Breakfast Club‘s Charlamagne tha God is generating quite a bit of buzz. During their chat, they divulge in numerous topics, with perhaps the biggest surrounding him and Kendrick Lamar’s relationship. However, there is another section that is causing some debate amongst the viewers. Over each decade of hip-hop, you can point to three artists who have defined their respective periods. The one that gets perhaps the most traction is for the 2010s. Most throw in Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole in there, something that each MC has addressed several times as of late.
Other names you can debate are Future, Travis Scott, and Kanye West. The former of those names is someone that Charlamagne is willing to create a “Fantastic Four” for. Additionally, he tells Sean that the aforementioned “Big Three” is essentially unanimous, to which Sean rebuttals that he hears his moniker thrown around in those conversations. Additionally, though, the Detroit rapper can understand where people, including Charlamagne, are coming from. He cites that his “consistency” really isn’t there, mentioning how he hasn’t dropped an album in almost four years. Although, that dry spell will be ending on August 9 when Sean comes out with Better Me Than You.
Big Sean Notes “Consistency” Is Holding Him Back From “Big Three” Status
Big Sean says he understands why people wouldn’t put him in the ‘Big 3’ conversation with Drake, Kendrick, and J Cole
“my consisteny is where I lack I haven’t put out music in 4 years… I’m not delusional… but… I feel like I can hang with anybody on any song… even… pic.twitter.com/qhjzyrWZSA
While the “Precision” rapper does show some humility, he does make clear that he can hang with the best of them on any track. He boldly mentions his verses on two Kendrick Lamar collabs, “Control” and DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key”, as his biggest flexes. In fact, he even claims he made sure he put together the stronger performance on the latter. This prompted fans to react. “He didn’t have a better verse on holy key though lol”, one user on X says. Overall, there were some fans that put Sean in the same air as three aforementioned pillars of the past decade and some that don’t. Maybe, though, he can convince the critics next Friday.
What are your thoughts on Big Sean knowing that he isn’t in the big three conversations like Drake, Kendrick, and Cole? Do you think he belongs in these debates, why or why not? Can his next album catapult him back toward the top of the heap if not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Big Sean. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Over the last decade or so, Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar’s relationship has been very up and down. They have worked together, but they have also sneak dissed each other on a multitude of occasions. However, based on a recent sit-down with Charlamagne tha God, it seems the Detroit MC felt there has never been any animosity. So, when Sean heard Lamar’s leaked “ELEMENT.” verse prematurely around the time of Nipsey Hussle’s passing, he felt absolutely blindsided. To backtrack a little, the first time the hip-hop community learned about this was back in late 2022. Then, about a year later, the “OG” version of the DAMN. cut would make its way onto the internet, leaving the rap world stunned.
“Big Sean keep sneak dissin’, I’ll let it slide / I think his false confidence got him inspired / I can’t make them respect you baby, it’s not my job“, Lamar’s diss on Sean began. You finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme (Boy) / Cute a** raps, get your puberty up / Then make you a classic album before you come at us“. He would then wrap things up, leaving Sean off with a warning. “Drake, your Meek Mill beef might got you gassed up / But I’m a whole ‘nother beast, I’d really f*** you up“. Sean then reveals to the Breakfast Club interviewer that him and Dot text back and forth.
Big Sean Is Taking The High Road When It Comes To Kendrick Lamar
Big Sean tells Charlamange the moment he heard the leaked version of Kendrick Lamar’s ELEMENT and says Kendrick Lamar texted him to apologize. pic.twitter.com/rXWz1L6mEG
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) August 2, 2024
They don’t read the messages aloud, but essentially Kendrick apologized to him, mentioning how his ego was taking over his decision to pen such scathing bars. Sean also mentioned how Lamar thanked him for the shoutout on “Deep Reverence” off of Detroit 2. That track featured a late verse from Nipsey and Sean also says that his verse was recorded following his death and that they essentially reconnected around that time to hash things out. Before moving off the subject, the “Yes” MC wanted to address everyone who was clowning him for not responding to Lamar. He says that he’s not a “clout-chasing-a** n****” and that there is no bad blood between them. However, if he felt there was, then he was going to be ready to fire back.
What are your thoughts on Kendrick Lamar apologizing to Big Sean for the diss on his viral “ELEMENT.” verse? Do you think we will see them work together in the future again after this? How do you feel about Sean’s view of the situation? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
But not everyone wants to get caught up in an avoidable feud. Behind the scenes, it appears Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar were able to dodge a dust up (despite fans wanting the war of words).
Did Kendrick Lamar Apologize For Dissing Big Sean?
Today (August 2), Big Sean sat down with Charlamagne Tha God for his latest series, Out Of Context, to discuss his hot-and-cold working relationship with Kendrick Lamar. When addressing the unreleased version of the Compton native’s song “Element,” Sean revealed that Lamar privately apologized in a text message exchange for his the bars: “Big Sean keep sneak dissin’, I let it slide / I think his false confidence got him inspired / I can’t make them respect you, baby, it’s not my job / You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme, boy / Cute-ass raps, get your puberty up.”
Sean also opened up about where he believed the issue actually arose. “Joe Budden and made this, there’s a Kendrick and Big Sean beef,” he said. “To the point where I tried to ignore it. But he made that narrative so f*cking real that I think it really did become a thing.”
Watch Sean’s full interview with Charlamagne above.
A lot has changed for Big Sean. The rapper has become father since his dropped his last album, Detroit 2. He’s discussed the impact parenthood has had on his life in interviews, but never on record. Until now, that is. “On Me,” the second single from his upcoming album, is a meditation on what’s really important to the rapper. And it’s beautiful. The song is much slower and contemplative than “Precision,” but it’s a reminder that Big Sean is often at his best when he’s being earnest with his listeners.
“On Me” is the sort of big swing Big Sean has taken before, but there’s more tact on display here. Rather than making a broad plea for positivity, like he did on “One Man Can Change the World,” he narrows the focus. “On Me,” as the title suggests, is about the rapper making sense of his own life. The first thing we hear is a dedication to Sean’s son. “Ayy, I wanna dedicate this one to my son, Noah Hasani,” he explains. “Daddy love you, boy, yeah.” There’s not an ounce of braggadocio on the song, and it’s all the better for it. Big Sean instead dishes out bars about self-improvement and sacrifice. He also looks at his legacy as a man, rather than a rapper. “One day my baby going to have babies and I’m going to be gone,” he spits. “The way time moving, it really won’t be long.” It’s potent stuff. Great Jodeci sample.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Big Sean Takes A Sentimental Approach On Latest Single
Quotable Lyrics:
Finding their way but sh*t it got to be a better way The older that I get I’m feeling the resemblance I look into my son’s eyes and still see his innocence I see my inner child in him and still the remnants
Big Sean’s new album, Better Me Than You, is coming soon, and he keeps the rollout rolling with a video for his new single, “On Up.” The video is shot from the perspective of Sean and Jhené Aiko’s son as Sean reflects on — revels in, really — fatherhood.
Sean began the rollout for the new album back in March with the release of the “Clarity” freestyle, then quickly followed up with his single, “Precision.” Unfortunately for him, the buzz for the new project was overshadowed and derailed by the battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
After lying low for a bit, Sean rebooted the hype machine with an eyebrow-raising freestyle for On The Radar Radio. While some fans misinterpreted the freestyle as a shot at Kendrick Lamar, the supporters of the verse’s true target, Kanye West, allegedly retaliated by leaking the album early. Sean shot down the theory that Kanye did it himself, and with a new management team in place, seems confident that the album will return him to fans’ good graces and earn him the attention he deserves.
You can watch the video for “On Up” above.
Better Me Than You is out 8/9 via FF to Def Entertainment. You can find more information here.
(@big_business_)