When Kanye West introduced Sean Michael Leonard Anderson as a member of the cipher on B.E.T.’s Hip Hop Honors Awards Show, many became familiar with Big Sean. When he visited Prairie View A&M University Wednesday, he made his official introduction to Pantherland as well.
Sponsored by Boost Mobile, the event featured many opening acts including, Zoo Life, A.P., Just Brittany, and Prairie View’s own Bone.
The 22-year-old Detroit native signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music /Island Def Jam label in 2007 and has been grinding it out on the scene ever since. Momentum seems to be in favor of Sean’s career, with two mix tapes, Finally Famous (2007) and “U know Big Sean- Finally Famous Vol. 2 (2008) under his belt, and the release of his new album, “Finally Famous Vol. 3,” debuting this March.
Although many Prairie View students were unfamiliar with the newly-found sensation, they appeared to be very accepting of him and his electric stage presence.
“I love PV man, I think it’s nice to come do a show, especially when people aren’t as familiar with you as you’re used to them being. I thought I was really cool to show people what I have to offer. I was expecting it to be crazy, but it was a great experience and, honestly, I’m honestly I came.”
Although his physical stature may not be cohesive with his alias, his attitude and self-confident swagger certainly make up for it. Cool, poised, urbane, and social, Big Sean hit the stage with a burst of energy, demanding the attention of his audience. He seemed very adamant about chasing dreams and having the self motivation and be driven to make them come to reality.
“It took me a lot of work and long nights in the studio, taking advantages of opportunities, and having the right people around. I ran into Kanye, and a lot of people were like said that it was luck that got me to that point. But I’ve been with Kanye and have witnessed whack artist rap for him and not get on. So if I’m lucky, luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
If the students of Prairie View were unfamiliar with him before, they definitely know him now.