Big Sean Shares True Feelings About Big 3, Claims Better Verse Than Kendrick

Big Sean, the Detroit rapper known for his insightful lyrics and dynamic flow, recently participated in an interview with Charlamagne Tha God on The Breakfast Club’s Out Of Context podcast. The engaging discussion covered various subjects, including fatherhood, diss tracks, and his relationship with Jhene Aiko. However, the most standout moments revolved around Sean’s thoughts on his position in the rap game, particularly in relation to the so-called “Big 3” of the 2010s: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. He also reflected on his past tensions with Lamar and how they eventually resolved their differences.

Over the last decade, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole have often been celebrated as the “Big 3” of hip-hop, shaping the era with their unique styles and influential music. While Big Sean has frequently been linked with this group, he acknowledges that his name isn’t always mentioned in the same context. During the interview, Sean expressed gratitude for his opportunities with G.O.O.D Music but also drew attention to the financial gaps he faced. He mentioned that he sacrificed financially to avoid legal battles, stating, “With the deal I signed, [Kanye] made more money off of my music than me.” Despite these hurdles, he remains thankful for his tenure with the label.

Sean’s self-awareness about his career path and inconsistency prompted him to reflect on why he might not always be included in conversations about the “Big 3.” “I hear my name every time people talk about this Big 3 stuff,” he commented. Nonetheless, he admitted that his sporadic releases affected public perception. “My consistency is where I lack. I haven’t put out music in four years, bro, essentially, I haven’t put a project out.” He realizes that to maintain a spot in that elite tier, one must consistently “feed hip-hop, feed the fans.”

However, Sean’s humility doesn’t eclipse his confidence in his skills. He declared that he could “hang with anybody on any song,” referencing his verses on “Control” and DJ Khaled’s “Holy Key” as proof. He even asserted that he outperformed Lamar on “Holy Key,” sparking debates among fans. While some backed his claim, others disagreed, favoring Lamar’s verse. Regardless of public opinion, Sean stands firm in his belief in his lyrical prowess.

One of the interview’s most intriguing segments was Sean’s discussion about his relationship with Kendrick Lamar. The two have a history of perceived tension, especially after a leaked verse from Lamar’s Damn sessions emerged in 2019. In the verse, Lamar seemingly took jabs at Sean, rapping, “Big Sean keeps sneak dissing, I let it slide / I think his false confidence got him inspired.” The verse, which didn’t make the final cut of “Element,” stirred fans and fueled feud rumors.

Sean disclosed that he and Lamar addressed the issue privately years ago, long before the verse fully leaked. He explained that Lamar had actually changed the lyrics, indicating a change of heart. “The thing is, that some came out and he changed that bar, right? So that wasn’t on the song anymore,” Sean noted, adding that he had to “keep that in mind” when he first heard the verse. Although initially upset, Sean appreciated Lamar’s reconsideration of the line.

The two rappers eventually spoke, and according to Sean, Lamar “apologized in a sense” for the diss. Sean even showed Charlamagne text messages from their conversation, though he kept the exact contents private. He emphasized that there was no “real smoke” between them and that he wasn’t interested in chasing clout by addressing the issue publicly. “I’m not a clout-chasing-ass n****, bro. I’m solid and I stand on mine,” he declared. Sean reiterated that they had patched things up, making it clear that any continuing tension was more about public perception than actual animosity.

As Big Sean looks to the future, he expressed a desire to release more music and stay true to his artistry. He acknowledged that his past inconsistency might have kept him from being fully recognized alongside the “Big 3,” but he feels confident in his ability to create meaningful work. “I think the way my life is going, that’s one of my priorities is to put more music out with meaning,” he stated. Sean also mentioned that he believes he has “no limit on [his] rapping abilities,” suggesting that he’s ready to remind the world of his talent.

The interview showcased Big Sean’s reflective nature and his commitment to growth, both personally and professionally. While he may not always be mentioned in the same breath as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole, Sean’s contributions to hip-hop are irrefutable. With a new album, Better Me Than You, on the horizon, he’s poised to reassert his place in the rap game. As Sean himself put it, “I can hang with anybody on any song,” and it seems he’s ready to prove that once again.

Source: Rolling Stone