Big Sean: I wanted to ‘give up on my life’ before rediscovering passion

Rapper Big Sean opens up on his mental health following the release of his new album, 'Detroit 2'

Sep 8, 2020

Big Sean shares details about his mental health on social media following the release of his latest album Detroit 2.

The Motor-City bred rapper took to Twitter on Monday to open up on the personal highs and lows he felt while making the project. While he reveals a lot of his mental health struggles through the music, the 32-year-old rapper prefaced the Twitter flood with a warning.

Big Sean thegrio.com — Big Sean performs on the main stage on Day 1 of Wireless Festival 2018 at Finsbury Park on July 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images)

“Lotta things I learned making this album… I feel a like I should share a couple on my heart, a lot of it is in the music tho. Feel like I’m finna tweet a lot right now,” he tweeted before sequence of posts to follow.

The My Last rapper went through anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and had to rediscover his passion while writing and recording Detroit 2. Big Sean, born Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, assured readers that the feelings are of the past but felt the need to share this part of his journey.

“I don’t feel like this currently, but I had never gone through wanting to kill myself, give up on my life until the past few years and I didn’t realize how important it was to embrace the ups n downs of life and enjoy (in joy) taking active steps to better it. it’s the Journey!” he tweeted.

I don’t feel like this currently, but I had never gone through wanting to kill myself, give up on my life until the past few years and I didn’t realize how important it was to embrace the ups n downs of life and enjoy (in joy) taking active steps to better it. it’s the Journey!
— Sean Don (@BigSean) September 7, 2020

He went on to explain how he grew tired of his work as a rap artist, although creating music is what he loved. The rapper shared how he had to rediscover his passion as a form of growth.

“…Later i realized I was just growing n had to gain a new mentality and foundation on many levels n re-discover my passion! And try new things..” he shared.

I thought doing what I loved would always make me happy and satisfied, so when I got tired of it, I was confused and it drove me insane. Later i realized I was just growing n had to gain a new mentality and foundation on many levels n re-discover my passion! And try new things..
— Sean Don (@BigSean) September 7, 2020

These feelings impacted Big Sean while working on his latest album release Detroit 2, a follow up to his 2012 mixtape Detroit. He shares the anxiety around making the album including timing.

“I was worried that it was taking too long, and adding extra stress to my life worrying if people will even still want to hear from me, but even then I still…,” he tweeted.

While I was working on me and figuring things out (still am everyday but I just mean while I was making the album) I was worried that it was taking too long, and adding extra stress to my life worrying if people will even still want to hear from me, but even then I still…
— Sean Don (@BigSean) September 7, 2020

I couldn’t rush it. I listened to God and myself for when the time was right. That’s one of the hardest things to do as an artist was be on my time, and not the time everyone kept telling me is right for me. I had to learn MY timing isn’t everyone else’s timing n that’s fine.
— Sean Don (@BigSean) September 7, 2020

Overall, the rapper is pleased with his work and is thankful for the community he finds in his fans, listeners and other artists who enjoy his music. Whether or not Detroit 2 reaches No. 1 on music charts, the IDFWU rapper is satisfied with the impact.

To the fans, listeners, even other artist who feel me through the music, or share it, or mention it on their platforms have inspired me to be more supportive of art and speak up. I feel a sense of community in music and less competition and that feels amazing! So thank you!
— Sean Don (@BigSean) September 7, 2020

Detroit 2 released on September 4 features 21 songs and stories with the assistance of some iconic names. Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, and Dave Chappelle all tell stories about their relationship with the midwest city the rapper calls home.

The album also features the late Nipsey Hussle, Jhene Aiko, Lil Wayne, Anderson. Paak, Travis Scott, and more. Big Sean made an effort to include multiple Detroit-bred rappers of all levels of hip-hop fame and career levels from Kash Doll to Eminem, for Friday Night Cypher.

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