STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Big Sean Talks the Importance of the Artist & Producer Relationship & Twenty88

"There’s a lot of people that don’t last this long at all so I’m just happy to be here."

Aside from a few features in 2018, it’s been a quiet year musically for Big Seanbut according to him that’s all about to change. With a majority of the biggest names in music dropping albums this year, Big Sean shared that he is gearing up to head back into the studio to work on some new music.

We caught up with Big Sean this past Thursday where he joined the House of Remy Martin to judge the season five finale of their hip hop competition series, the "Producers Series.”

The tournament-styled competition featured performances by several regional finalists who were competing for studio time with Big Sean and Mustard.

During the competition, Big Sean excitedly gave the producers feedback on their beats, not at all hiding his anxious energy to release new music. The judges gave the top crown to a Chicago-based producer named Milo, whom Big Sean immediately took under his wing after the competition.

  • One thing that isn’t talked about enough is the relationship between artist and producer, can you speak a little about the dynamics of that relationship?

    BIG SEAN: I mean, it’s the most important relationship there is in music when you’re talking about creating. That relationship that y’all have, it could make or break the session. There’s times where you may not click with that particular producer, but I guarantee those are not the sessions that the big songs come from or the songs that have changed your life or the songs that you’ve listened to when your grandma died or when you just want to put your favorite shit on. I think it’s the most important thing and I’m happy that [Milo] seems like a real cool dude. He seems like he’s happy to be here and it’s going to work well in the studio.

  • What’s one piece of advice you’d have for a new producer working with a seasoned artist?

    The advice is just be yourself. I’ve been in the same position, being a new artist in the studio with guys that I looked up to, you know, some of my favorite artists and when I look back on it I just wish I been a little bit more of myself. A little more comfortable. But it’s all apart of the process. My advice is just be yourself and let your talent shine through because it’s really God that’s controlling it all.

  • When do you know when you have a hit? Or do you know?

    I don’t know I just, it just happens for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to like have a few hits under my belt, you know? More than a few. I’m just blessed man, there’s a lot of people that don’t last this long at all so I’m just happy to be here. I feel the growth in my craft and I just want to keep expanding and keep growing up and keep having fun with it.

  • What do you think is the summer hit of 2018?

    Summer hit? Big Bank.

  • On Twitter there’s a bit of buzz about Twenty88 Part 2, can you speak to that a little bit? Yay or Nay is it happening?

    It is. It’s definitely on the radar. You just gotta wait and see really. One thing I can say is that, no matter what, Twenty88, the first project is so special. That’s always going to stand on its own to me.

  • For you and Milo, how do you plan to bring him into the studio and what are you guys going to be working on?

    We’re just going to get in the studio and see what happens. I don’t like to put that label on, “Hey this is for my album or this is for this or this is for that.” Whatever we collab on, whatever we feel, it’s just making something from nothing. Making something positive. I’m happy that Remy made this something possible, I’m happy that they were able to bring somebody hungry, somebody who deserves it, somebody who’s talented and I’m excited. I haven’t put out music in a long time so I’ve been really looking forward to making something special.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.