The “Underdog” Rises

With a New Perspective and Introspective Rhymes Serving as the Reflection, Rapper Big Sean Remains His Biggest Competition.

- Latoya Cross

Big Sean has that Detroit cool— completely unflappable, and even when the pressure’s on, he’s always smooth. And why not? When it comes to calculating the next move and building a legacy, there’s no time to sweat the next man. The only goal? Challenging himself to become better.

“Don’t let these n*****s see your emotions/Stick to the notion, stay in motion/ Remember soon as you stand still/So will everything else you notice,” he raps in “Stick to the Plan,” a two-part song along with “Voices in My Head” from his latest album, I Decided.

Armed with a jujitsu flow, Sean Anderson—known to the world as Big Sean—has been on a constant progression from hungry rapper to hip-hop hit maker and now outspoken artist committed to pouring back into the city that raised him.

“Ever since I could remember, giving back and being charitable was a part of my household,” the 29-year-old tells EBONY. “When you get blessed, you have to give the blessings back. My foundation is just one of the ways I can do that.”