Detroit, Michigan rapper Big Sean has made a return with his sixth studio album, “Better Me Than You,” released on August 30, 2024. This marks his first album since 2020’s “Detroit 2,” which achieved RIAA platinum status. The 21-track album is packed with features from prominent artists like Gunna, Charlie Wilson, Kodak Black, Bryson Tiller, DJ Premier, Cash Cobain, Teyana Taylor, Larry June, and Eryn Allen Kane. The album also includes contributions from Ellie Goulding, Syd, The Alchemist, and Thundercat. One of the album’s highlights is a special cameo from WWE superstar-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on the track “Break the Cycle,” where he shares a heartfelt message with Big Sean about fatherhood, adding a personal touch to the album.
Releasing “Better Me Than You” was not without its challenges, the album faced many delays. One included a push from its original August 9 release date due to a leak. During an emotional Instagram Live, Big Sean opened up about the difficulties he encountered while working on the project, admitting that he struggled with creative insecurities. He credited his mother for helping him navigate these challenges, describing her as his “guardian angel.”
The album includes a mix of new singles and tracks that have been heating up the charts so far, such as “Together Forever,” produced by The Alchemist, and singles like “On Up,” “Yes,” “Ya Don’t Stop,” and “Precision.” Additionally, Big Sean made a notable appearance on Eminem’s single “Tobey,” featuring BabyTron, from “The Death of Slim Shady.”
“Better Me Than You” is a testament to Big Sean’s growth as an artist and as a person, reflecting the influence of his nine-month-old son on his creative process. To celebrate the album’s release, Sean shared a music video for the standout track “Who You Are (Superstar),” featuring appearances by Amine, Dylan Patel, Jazz Cartier, Mark Phillips, and Taye Diggs. He also participated in a conversation at the Grammy Museum’s Clive Davis Theater, discussing the album and his creative journey.
Beyond music, Big Sean is expanding his influence with a new book, “Go Higher,” which is released through Simon & Schuster. “Go Higher,” is an interactive guidebook that outlines five essential practices for inner work and self-acceptance aimed at enhancing daily mental wellness. This book is a culmination of over a decade of Sean’s personal experiences and methods, including journaling, affirmations, agreements, and meditation, all designed to facilitate self-reflection and growth. “Go Higher” challenges, readers, to consider the impact of consistent self-care, asking how much further we could progress if we prioritized our mental health regularly rather than only in times of crisis. Through step-by-step instructions and reflective prompts, the book serves as a spiritual guide for contemporary readers, emphasizing that investing in oneself is energizing and crucial for reaching their full potential.
He continues to give back through the Sean Anderson Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the education, health, safety, and well-being of school-aged youth in underserved communities across the United States.
“Better Me Than You” solidifies Big Sean’s status as a leading figure in the hip-hop community, continuing his legacy with a mix of self-reflection, resilience, and star-studded collaborations.
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