For Big Sean, working with Eminem was more than a career milestone. First of all, it was a personal dream come true.
In a new Billboard interview, the Detroit rapper opened up about how much their collaborations mean to him, from their studio talks to unexpected full-circle moments.
Their first link-up was on the all-star track “Detroit vs. Everybody”, but it was far from the last. Since then, they’ve worked on “No Favors” and, most recently, “Tobey” – a sharp three-way lyrical assault from “The Death of Slim Shady” that also features BabyTron.
Watching Cartoons and Talking Life with Em
Reflecting on their first sessions together, Sean recalled that Eminem was on something of a public break at the time. But he was still in the studio daily, keeping his skills sharp.
“I appreciated going into the studio with Em and talking with him”, Sean said. “That was probably the biggest moment of my personal childhood dreams”.
What stood out most, though, wasn’t the music. “I remember watching South Park and eating pizza in the studio. We’d debate what was better – Family Guy or South Park”.
They also talked about life. Sean shared how The Slim Shady LP was the first CD he ever bought with birthday money as a kid. “I still have it”, he said.
A Moment That Took Sean by Surprise
He had considered bringing the CD for Em to sign, but didn’t want to “be a lame”. Then, the moment flipped. “He took out Finally Famous, Hall of Fame, and asked me to sign them”.
Sean says it was a moment he’ll never forget. “That was the last time in my life where I said I would never try to be cool”.
Respect Between Two Generations
Back in 2022, Eminem told XXL that Sean is one of the artists who inspires him to stay sharp. “I don’t hyper-focus on charts”, he said. “What I hyper-focus on is people like Kendrick Lamar, Joyner Lucas, J. Cole, and Big Sean”.
Now, years later, that mutual respect shows every time they link up.
