Big Sean has undeniably etched his name into the annals of hip-hop, crafting a discography that reflects his evolution from a promising talent to a seasoned artist. Across six distinct studio albums, he’s consistently delivered projects that capture his larger-than-life personality, marked by witty wordplay, introspective moments, and a knack for crafting catchy anthems. From his early days signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music to his current independent ventures, Big Sean has cultivated a dedicated fanbase that consistently shows up on release day.
Let’s explore the crucial first-week sales figures of his albums, not just as a measure of commercial success, but as a lens through which we can trace his artistic journey and the shifting landscape of the music industry.
Finally Famous (2011) – 87,000 Units
Big Sean’s debut album, Finally Famous, was released on June 28, 2011. With hit singles like “My Last”, “Marvin & Chardonnay”, and “Dance (A$$)”, the album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, selling 87,000 copies in its first week. This was a solid start for the Detroit rapper, marking his arrival in the mainstream.
Hall of Fame (2013) – 72,000 Units
His sophomore album, Hall of Fame, dropped on August 27, 2013. Despite featuring standout tracks like “Beware” and “Fire”, the album underperformed compared to his debut, selling 72,000 copies in the first week and debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200. While it didn’t meet commercial expectations, it showed Sean’s growth as an artist.
Dark Sky Paradise (2015) – 173,000 Units
This is where Big Sean hit his stride. Dark Sky Paradise, released on February 24, 2015, became his first #1 album on the Billboard 200, selling 173,000 units in its first week. With hits like “IDFWU”, “Blessings”, and “One Man Can Change the World”, this album solidified Sean’s status as a top-tier rapper.
I Decided. (2017) – 151,000 Units
Continuing his momentum, Big Sean dropped I Decided. on February 3, 2017. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, moving 151,000 units in its first week. Songs like “Bounce Back” and “Moves” helped drive strong sales, proving Sean’s staying power in the industry.
Detroit 2 (2020) – 103,000 Units
Big Sean’s latest solo album, Detroit 2, arrived on September 4, 2020. The highly anticipated sequel to his 2012 mixtape Detroit debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 103,000 units in its first week. Despite being lower than his previous two albums, it still marked another successful release, with standout tracks like “Deep Reverence” featuring Nipsey Hussle.
Better Me Than You (2024) – 22,000 Units
Following a long hiatus, Big Sean’s highly anticipated return with Better Me Than You, his first album since leaving G.O.O.D. Music and Kanye West, fell short of expectations. The album’s subdued sales, 22,000 units in its first week, represented the lowest debut of his career, placing it at No. 24 on the Billboard 200.
