Big Sean has never been one to forget the people who helped him get where he is. In a recent appearance on The Rap Caviar Podcast and UPROXX’s Sound Check, the Detroit rapper opened up about two of hip-hop’s most iconic names — Eminem and Lil Wayne — and the deep personal impact they’ve had on his journey.
“They both went out of their way for me,” Sean said, his voice carrying the weight of genuine appreciation. “That meant more than a co-sign. That was like… being told by your heroes, ‘You belong here.’”
Sean reflected on moments when both rap titans gave him not just opportunities, but belief — the kind that reshapes a young artist’s confidence and validates their place in a cutthroat industry.
Eminem, in particular, has been a guiding force in Big Sean’s career. Their collaborations on “Detroit vs. Everybody,” “No Favors,” and the powerhouse “Detroit Cypher” from Detroit 2 stand as testaments to their shared roots and mutual respect. Sean spoke about Eminem not just as a rap legend, but as someone who looked out for him when it mattered most.
And yet, Lil Wayne also holds a special place in Sean’s story. From mixtape inspiration to style influence, Weezy’s imprint is all over Sean’s early hustle.
During a round of musical “Would You Rather,” Sean was asked to choose between Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” It wasn’t just a question — it was a conflict of loyalty, influence, and gratitude.
Sean paused. You could see the emotion behind his eyes as he answered.
“It’s crazy the impact they both have had on me. I want to pick both. But if I had to choose right now… Imma go Em.”
He explained that “Lose Yourself” didn’t just inspire him musically — it inspired his life. A track about grabbing opportunity and not letting go, it became a guiding mantra for a young kid trying to break into the rap game in the shadow of giants.
Fans were quick to applaud Sean’s vulnerability and integrity, praising him for refusing to separate music from personal meaning. After all, in a genre built on stories, few things hit harder than an artist who remembers where he came from — and who helped him along the way.
“Respect to Big Sean for giving flowers while legends are still here,” one fan wrote.
“This is how hip-hop moves forward — with gratitude, not ego,” another added.
As Sean continues to carve his own legacy, it’s clear he does so with his feet planted firmly in Detroit’s soil, and with the wisdom passed down from two of rap’s greatest — one bar, one verse, one life-changing co-sign at a time.
From student to star, Big Sean’s journey is a reminder: real legends build more than careers — they build bridges.