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Big Sean Leonard was originally born in Santa Monica, California, but grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he was raised by his mother and grandmother. Already with a keen interest in rap music, Big Sean practiced his rhyming skills until he became confident enough to show them off at weekly rap battles on a Detroit radio station. In 2005, Big Sean boldly met up with Kanye West, whom he learned was doing an interview at one of the city’s radio stations. After convincing the reluctant rap star to hear a demo of his freestyle talent, this became the big break Big Sean needed to officially start his own recording career and join the big league of professional-level entertainment.
Hitting Big
Since Kanye West officially brought Big Sean under his wing, the rap artist has recorded and released five studio albums, four mixtapes, eight promotional singles, and forty-eight official singles. So far, four of Sean’s studio albums have received certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America, namely with 2015’s Dark Sky Paradise becoming the most successful by becoming double-platinum. Finally Famous, his 2011 debut album, and I Decided, his fourth studio album that was released in 2017, also became certified platinum by the RIAA. 2013’s Hall of Fame, his second studio album, became certified gold. Big Sean’s most recent album, Detroit 2, was released in 2020 may not be officially certified yet, but is well on its way to earning recognition by the RIAA as well.
Best Big Sean Songs
# 9 – Beware (featuring Lil Wayne and Jhene Aiko)
From Big Sean’s second studio album, Hall of Fame, “Beware” was its third single release, which came out in 2013. He, as well as Lil Wayne and Jhene Aiko, played off each other’s vocal talent as they discuss the topic of infidelity’s devastating impact on relationships. On the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Beware peaked at number ten. On the US Billboard Hot 100, it charted at number thirty-eight. Among the music critics, as well as the fans, the song was seen as the genius of three different artists who mesh their own individual talents to make it become addictively tense with its rhythmic content.
# 8 – All of Me (featuring Drake and 2 Chainz)
Drake’s second studio album, Nothing Was the Same was released in 2013. The double RIAA platinum single, “All of Me” featured 2 Chainz and Big Sean contributing their rap talent to Drake’s that made this song an urban contemporary favorite. Slightly comedic, the self-proclamation of success was the theme behind All of Me, saw it reach number six on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at number twenty on the US Billboard Hot 100.
# 7 – Clique (featuring Kanye West and Jay-Z)
In 2012, “Clique” charted as high as number two on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at number twelve on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it peaked as high as number four on its Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart and at number twenty-two on the UK Singles Chart. The combined performance of Big Sean, Kanye West, and Jay-Z performed Clique with a slightly darker twist to its hip-hop beat. It was the final single from the compilation album, Cruel Summer, which Kanye West, used to combine the talents of a number of rap artists as a means to bring out the best from each of them. The song earned a triple-platinum certification from the RIAA.
# 6 – Blessings (featuring Drake and Kanye West)
In 2015, from Dark Sky Paradise, is the pulsating hit, “Blessings.” The powerful and soulful combination of talent between Big Sean, Drake, and Kanye West brought forth a soulful powerful performance by all three artists. There is also the original version of this song that’s strictly performed by Big Sean, but it was the triple-punch styles from all three that earned the most recognition. On the charts, Blessings peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and at number twenty-eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. The USA’s RIAA certified Blessings as triple-platinum while with Music Canada it’s single platinum and as silver with the UK’s BPI.
# 5 – Dance (featuring Chris Brown)
Big Sean’s debut album brought forth the first of his singles, “Dance,” to become a top ten hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number ten. It also peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and since became certified platinum four times by the USA’s RIAA. Chris Brown’s performance combined with his own showcased how much talent the then-newcomer to the elite class of rap artists could do. The flow of Big Sean’s vocals, combined with Brown’s, easily made “Dance,” a favorite among hip-hop fans.
# 4 – Mercy (featuring Kanye West, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz)
From the Kanye West compilation album, Cruel Summer, which was released in 2012, “Mercy” was its heavy rap lead single. The fusion of Southern rap meeting the dance floor performance between himself, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz brought forth this immensely successful song to the very top of the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, as well as earning a number of nominations and wins from a variety of awards ceremonies. In 2012, it won Reese’s Perfect Combo Award with the Bet Hip Hop Awards. Also in 2012, it won Collaboration of the Year by the HipHopDX, and Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year by the Soul Train Music Awards. In 2013, the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards recognized Mercy in its Award-Winning Songs category, and the XXL Awards chose Mercy as the winner for Record of the Year and Best Posse Cut.
# 3 – Feels (featuring Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams, and Katy Perry)
From Calvin Harris’s fifth studio album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, 2017 single, “Feels,” was a collaborated performance that featured the combined vocal talent of Big Sean, Katy Perry, and Pharrell Williams. It became a top ten hit among many nations, including the top spot on the UK Singles Chart and on the US Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. On the US Billboard, it peaked at number twenty. New Zealand’s RMNZ certified the single as platinum due to the number of copies sold in that nation, while in the UK it became double-platinum. USA’s RIAA and Australia’s ARIA, the single became triple-platinum certified. Rich with electro disco-funk, as well as the hip-hop genius Big Sean and Pharrell Williams made an ideal complement to Perry’s soul-reaching lyrics she’s trademarked for.
# 2 – Bounce Back
From Big Sean’s album, I Decided, “Bounce Back” peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2016, as well as number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. It received a 2017 Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance but lost to Kendrick Lamar’s Humble. The inspirational, no-holds-barred Bounce Back was one of Big Sean’s best-selling singles as it became certified platinum five times over by USA’s RIAA, as well as double-platinum with Music Canada. Australia’s ARIA certified the single at gold while the UK’s BPI certified it silver.
# 1 – As Long as You Love Me (featuring Justin Bieber)
Certified platinum five times by the RIAA, as well as a platinum certification from Australia’s ARIA and New Zealand’s RMNZ, and certified silver by UK’s BPI, “As Long as You Love Me” became one of the best-selling singles credited to Justin Bieber and Big Sean. The electro-pop single came from Justin Bieber’s third studio album, Believe, which was released in 2012. Bieber’s emotional performance that fueled the soul behind the song received a well-timed, rhythmic jab by Big Sean’s guest vocals. On the US Billboard Hot 100, As Long as You Love Me peaked at number six and was a top-forty hit on a global scale.
Best Big Sean Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
