Big Sean has officially revealed the release date for his upcoming sixth album, “Better Me Than You,” just one day after an unfinished version of the album was leaked online. The Detroit rapper shared the news on social media on July 18, announcing that the album will be available on August 9.
Insight into the Album’s Meaning
Along with the announcement, Sean provided insight into the album’s meaning through a psychedelic trailer featuring an unreleased track characterized by a funky bassline, ethereal synths, and driving percussion. He expressed on X (formerly Twitter), “The PRESSURE of life—being a new dad, growing as an artist, and navigating personal development—led me to clarity about what I need to focus on to find happiness. The past few years creating this album have been quite a journey, but I’m just glad we’re finally here.”
To coincide with the album announcement, Big Sean released a new single titled “Yes,” where he asserts his dominance over the competition with hard-hitting production. In the track, he raps, “I would rather give y’all my soul, I don’t have to sell it / Might take a piss off your rap Mount Rushmore after I scale it,” and even mentions JAY-Z.
The 𝙋𝙍𝙀𝙎𝙎𝙐𝙍𝙀 of life (being a new Dad, being a artist thats growing, being a human in development etc) and embracing it all led me to a lot of 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 on what i needed to 𝐅𝐎𝐂𝐔𝐒 on to find a piece of 𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝑰𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺. The past few years making this album have… pic.twitter.com/A3D9HQkM80
— Sean Don (@BigSean) July 18, 2024
Dramatic Album Rollout
The album rollout has been dramatic for Big Sean, especially following the leak of an unfinished version of “Better Me Than You.” The leaker claimed to have released the project early in response to Sean’s recent criticisms of Kanye West during his “On the Radar” freestyle. The leaker stated, “Since he wants to disrespect Ye so much, here’s the album, forget him and his whole team,” and added that “Ye told me to leak it.”
BETTER ME THAN YOU 🌍
Album August 9th
Pre save + Vinyl now https://t.co/A6iVPHNgQq pic.twitter.com/248pcRfIYo— Sean Don (@BigSean) July 18, 2024
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The leaked files included 14 tracks featuring collaborations with artists such as Nas, Brent Faiyaz, Charlie Wilson, The-Dream, and Sean’s girlfriend, Jhené Aiko. While it remains unclear if Kanye was involved in the leak, Big Sean addressed the situation on social media, taking it in stride. “Might as well start dropping before they leak it all, got damn. BIG SEAN x THE ALCHEMIST soon,” he wrote, sharing a snippet of an upcoming collaboration with the renowned producer.
In his “On the Radar” freestyle, Sean took subtle jabs at his former G.O.O.D. Music boss, rapping over Aaliyah’s “If Your Girl Only Knew.” He remarked, “I had to switch the home team ’cause they committed treason… I got better things to do than to find someone to beef with,” seemingly referencing Kanye’s disparaging remarks about him on “Drink Champs.” He also commented on the industry, saying, “Man, this industry is terrible, I can’t even vouch,” which many interpreted as a critique of Kanye’s matching tattoos with Lil Uzi Vert and Steve Lacy in 2022.
As anticipation builds for “Better Me Than You,” Big Sean is poised to make a significant impact with his new music, navigating the challenges and changes in his career and personal life.
