Over the course of the past few years (and albums), Big Sean has certainly matured. We’ve caught him talk about the books he read that changed his life and how he’s used the ideas of certain authors to manifest his own destiny. With the release of I Decided already in the rearview mirror, Sean Don is looking back at some of the lessons he’s learned and writing to his younger self.
In the letter written for MIC, he reflects on some of the mistakes he thinks he’s made, has a few words for his family and talks to young Sean Michael Leonard Anderson with more wisdom. He’s looking at life in a completely different light lately and sharing the lessons.
Listen, I know you’ve spent your whole life trying to push back those telling you to not be so hard on yourself. Relax, come hang, chill more. You didn’t listen to them then, and I doubt you’re going to listen to me now, but I want to tell you this from the heart — our heart: There is more to your life than your future.
You’ve been telling yourself that by 21 you have to be on, and at 22 you have to have a song on the radio. Rapping’s been your job since before it was your job, before you were out of high school, before you faced the decisions that would change everything. That hustle will create your path for you and be a testament to the light you have to share. But it will leave you with a lot more to work on.
Being present takes as much effort and talent as killing a verse, or writing a good song. I know it doesn’t feel as natural, but remember those times when you gave yourself the opportunity to live and feel free — to enjoy your friends, enjoy your family, enjoy young love. That’s where you found the inspiration to write and go harder. At 28, this is what you’re working on now. The high won’t last.
Not everyone around you now is going to make it all the way with you. You’re gonna wish they were there to see your success, but it’s not your fault they’re not there. You’re going to lose people, family members, your grandma and you’re going to wish you spent more time with them. This is what I’m talking about being present. As for your friends, you’ll hold their arms and give them the opportunities. You can only put the people you love in positions to succeed. There will be people who won’t hold up their end. They’ll fall back. Never blame yourself.
Read the entire letter over at MIC.
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