Big Sean Reveals Personal Growing Pains on ‘I Decided’

Char Little

Big Sean has proven once again why he is the man that we just can’t get enough of with in his new album, “I Decided.” The Detroit native’s fifth studio release is another intricate piece of his inspiring story. The album is surely one that filled fans with anticipation, gaining success even before it was released due to hit singles like “Moves” and “Bounce Back,” which received gold status just last week.

Big Sean, originally named Sean Anderson, was one of the first artists signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label shorty after he rapped for West at a Detroit radio station. At the time, Sean was as an aspiring musician sleeping on his then girlfriend’s couch after he decided to turn down his acceptance to Michigan State University and pursue music instead.

“I Decided” opens with Sean having a conversation with God, which tells fans how he came to the decision to follow his dreams. The second song “Light”, featuring Jeremih, explains Big Sean’s stance on staying true to his self. “Bounce Back” is up next followed by “No Favors” with Eminem. “Jump Out The Window” appears to describe one of Big Sean’s previous relationships, while songs like “Sunday Jetpack” with The-Dream details his faith.

“I Decided” featured hits like “My Last” with Chris Brown, “Marvin & Chardonnay” with West and Roscoe Dash, and “Dance”, with Nicki Minaj featured on the remix. He also worked with John Legend, Wiz Khalifa and The-Dream on his debut album. Six years later, Big Sean has proven he is on his way to being on the list for hip-hop’s golden children despite comparisons to the success of J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Drake. His often works with Jeremih, Jhene Aiko, The Migos, Eminem and The-Dream, who even makes an appearance again on “I Decided.”

Fans that follow Big Sean know that he is passionate about philanthropy and giving back. He has already given $100,000 to help out the struggling city and raised $50,000 for the Heal Flints Kids charity after giving away $10,000 of his own money. Therefore, it’s not surprising that he featured a choir from Flint, Michigan after the city was plagued with a water crisis. The Flint Chozen Choir is heard on Big Sean’s final song on the project, “Bigger Than Me”. “Starrah” is also on the song that possibly makes “I Decided” the most impactful project of Big Sean’s career to date. Big Sean’s maturity also shines in cover art that features two men at different phases in their lives.

“I Decided” is available Feb. 3 on Apple Music.