Big Sean
Mike CarsonBig Sean's collaborative What You Expect EP with Hit-Boy wasn't the only surprise he had in store for fans Friday (Oct. 29). The Detroit emcee also announced on Twitter that after 14 years, he has stepped away from Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label. After a fan asked, "Damn no more GOOD Music for Big Sean?" Sean responded in a tweet saying, "That’s a forever brotherhood, but business wise, I had to start getting a bigger cut! I worked my way out that deal."
In another tweet, he elaborated on his decision to release on his own label, adding "By the way this the first project where I’m on my own label as well, no more lil dawg s--t!!!! I bossed up! #DONLIFE"
What You Expect was released with credits to FF To Def Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group that also distributes G.O.O.D. Music. FF To Def is an LLC based in Detroit -- Big Sean's hometown -- according to public filings, suggesting this is his own new imprint with Def Jam. Big Sean is managed by Zeno Jones.
Reps for Def Jam, UMG and Big Sean did not respond to requests for comment at time of publishing.
The six-song EP features Lil Durk, Bryson Tiller and fellow Detroit emcees 42 Dugg and Babyface Ray and follows Sean's album Detroit 2, which was also executive produced by fellow former G.O.O.D. Music signee, Hit-Boy.
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During his time with G.O.O.D. Music, Big Sean released seven albums, three of which -- Dark Sky Paradise, I Decided and Detroit 2-- peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. In an earlier tweet dated Oct. 21, Big Sean reminisced on the "GOOD ol days," adding, "I also really miss the brotherhood I use to have with GOOD music, I don’t know what happened."
Since 2010, the once-rich G.O.O.D. Music roster has dwindled, with Common, John Legend, Kid Cudi, Desiigner, Mos Def, Teyana Taylor and now Big Sean leaving in the last decade. Ye himself, Pusha T and 070 Shake are among the handful of artists who remain.
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The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
