When we look at beefs in hip hop, we often think of rivalries that are loud, public, and dramatic. But sometimes, the most tragic and complicated beefs are the ones that stem from miscommunication, loyalty, and broken expectations. The fallout between Kanye West and Big Sean is one of those tragic stories. On the surface, it might look like another typical rap feud, but when you dive deeper, it reveals the complex nature of mentor-mentee relationships, business pressures, and the emotional toll of fame.
Big Sean’s rise to fame was largely fueled by Kanye West. Kanye discovered Big Sean early in his career and signed him to his label, G.O.O.D. Music. At the time, Kanye was one of the biggest names in hip hop, and Big Sean was just getting started. Like any young artist, Big Sean was grateful for the opportunity and went all in, dedicating his time and energy to Kanye’s vision. However, as Big Sean’s career grew, tensions began to build.
One of the main problems was Kanye’s unpredictable behavior. As Kanye’s protege, Big Sean was often at the mercy of Kanye’s whims. Whether it was late-night studio sessions or last-minute requests to write verses, Big Sean had to drop everything to work on Kanye’s projects. This was part of the mentorship dynamic, but over time, it started to feel more like a one-sided relationship. Kanye, who was known for his erratic and sometimes egotistical behavior, would push Big Sean to his limits.
Things started to get more complicated when Big Sean began collaborating with other artists, including Drake. Drake and Big Sean were part of the newer generation of rappers, and their careers were on the rise. As Big Sean’s popularity increased, he started making moves independently of Kanye, which created a rift. The most significant moment came when Big Sean was preparing to release his highly anticipated album.
Big Sean had a song, “Blessings,” that he wanted both Kanye and Drake to feature on. Kanye agreed, but when it came time to finalize the track, Kanye’s unpredictable nature kicked in. With only a day left before the album’s release, Kanye hadn’t recorded his verse yet. Big Sean had already committed to a release date and couldn’t afford to delay the album. So, despite Kanye’s late arrival, Big Sean still went ahead with the release, but the situation caused major tension.
Kanye’s response was harsh. He was furious that Big Sean hadn’t waited for him, even though Big Sean had been loyal to him for years. Kanye began making personal attacks on Big Sean, accusing him of disloyalty and of choosing Drake over him. This backlash was not just limited to private conversations; Kanye started to publicly criticize Big Sean, even going as far as saying that signing Big Sean was the “worst decision” he ever made.
For Big Sean, this was a huge betrayal. Kanye had been a mentor, someone he looked up to, and now Kanye was throwing him under the bus for something that seemed trivial in the grand scheme of things. Big Sean had helped Kanye write verses and supported him through thick and thin, but none of that seemed to matter when Kanye’s ego was bruised. The worst part was that Kanye’s public comments were a shock to Big Sean. He had no idea that Kanye felt this way until it was aired out in the media.
To make matters worse, Big Sean later discovered that he was being financially exploited by Kanye’s label, G.O.O.D. Music. After a detailed audit, it was revealed that Big Sean was owed millions of dollars in unpaid royalties. The money trail led directly back to Kanye’s label, further straining their already fragile relationship.
The issue wasn’t just about money—it was about trust. Kanye, who had once been a mentor and friend, now seemed more like a business partner who was taking advantage of Big Sean. While Kanye might not have personally orchestrated the financial mishandling, the fact that it happened under his watch only added fuel to the fire.
Fast forward a few years, and Big Sean, despite all the drama, had become one of the top artists in hip hop, but his relationship with Kanye had soured. Kanye’s erratic behavior continued, from his failed presidential run to his controversial comments, and Big Sean began distancing himself. However, the drama didn’t stop there. In a 2020 interview, Kanye, once again, publicly called signing Big Sean the “worst thing” he’d ever done. This was the final straw for Big Sean, who finally spoke out about the entire ordeal.
Big Sean revealed that, despite everything Kanye had done to him, he still respected Kanye for changing his life. But he also said that Kanye had changed, and it wasn’t in a way that he could continue to support. Big Sean’s maturity and level-headedness were evident when he refused to stoop to Kanye’s level. Instead of fighting fire with fire, Big Sean simply expressed the truth about their relationship and how it had gone downhill.
This story is not just about two big names in hip hop having a beef. It’s about the consequences of unchecked ego, broken trust, and the power dynamics in the music industry. Big Sean and Kanye were once close, but over time, the pressures of fame, money, and personal differences caused their bond to fracture.
The tragic part of this beef is that it didn’t have to happen. If Kanye had been more understanding, if both men had communicated better, they could have avoided the fallout. Instead, it became a story of miscommunication, betrayal, and ego. Both Kanye and Big Sean have moved on with their careers, but their relationship will never be the same.
In the end, Kanye’s and Big Sean’s story is a cautionary tale about the complexities of mentor-mentee relationships in the cutthroat world of hip hop. It shows how fame, money, and ego can get in the way of what could have been a lasting friendship. And it’s a reminder that sometimes, even the most promising connections can be ruined by pride and miscommunication.
