the women who inspired big seans dark sky paradise
Dark Sky Paradise is the biggest solo project of Big Sean's career, and like big brother Kanye West, the women in his life played a major role in the final product. Sean's mentioned women in his music before;  his grandmother, mom, and girlfriends - but it was his tumultuous 2014, filled with a roller-coaster of emotions that brought everything together.
Naya RiveraMentioned in: "Blessings", "IDWFU" & "Win Some, Lose Some".
Memorable lyric: "And everyday I wake up celebratin' shit, why? / Cause I just dodged a bullet from a crazy bitch".
Naya Rivera and Sean met on Twitter, and only dated for six months before announcing their engagement. A short time later, it was reported Sean called off the wedding because of Naya's "fits of rage and jealously". The breakup was arguably the catalyst for Dark Sky Paradise, and has spurred some of Sean's best music to date, including mega hit "I Don't Fuck With You" - his first platinum song since 2011. Sean initially denied claims it was a "break up" track, but later admitted Rivera influenced parts of the song.
Mildred V. LeonardMentioned in: "Blessings" & "One Man Can Change The World".
Memorable lyric: "My grandma told me if you write your name in stone you'll never get the white out".
Sean's grandmother was one of the first African-American women in WWII to serve as a captain, and also served as a police officer, teacher, and counselor in Detroit. The two were very close, and in December 2014 her passing hit Sean hard. She was his greatest inspiration - he's previously mentioned her words of wisdom in the Finally Famous mixtape series, his debut album: Finally Famous, and 2011's Detroit mixtape.
Ariana GrandeMentioned in: "Blessings", "All Your Fault", "I Don't Fuck With You", "Paradise", "Stay Down" & "Outro (Dark Sky Paradise)".
Memorable lyric: "I ain't even gonna lie, I got a million dollar chick / With a billion dollar pussy / Every time I cum, I swear to God I feel like I be rich".
Ariana Grande and Sean first met in 2012, and  collaborated on "Right There" a year later. Sean also provided un-credited vocals on Grande's hit single "Problems" around the same time he broke up with Rivera. Four months later, Ariana & Sean were officially an item. While the "Dark Sky" component of the album is inspired by a poorly received sophomore album, a failed engagement, and the loss of his grandmother - Grande is without a doubt the "Paradise" shining through the storm clouds.
Myra AndersonMentioned in: "Blessings".
Memorable lyric: "The family never going anorexic / I pay mom mortgage and electric".
Myra Anderson is Big Sean's mom, mentor, and motivation. She moved to Hollywood to purse an acting career and instead got married, had Sean, and became a teacher. Sean was actually born in Santa Monica, and moved to Detroit before his first birthday.
Throughout his career, Sean's cited her just as many, if not more times than mentor Kanye West; once rapping "Remember the first time I was rhyming for Kan’ / Almost as nervous as the first time I rhymed for my mom" on "Memories" in 2010. His music isn't just filled with references to providing her with a better life and making her proud - Sean's intent on passing down her knowledge & wisdom to his listeners.
What's your favorite song on Dark Sky Paradise, was it inspired by a woman in Sean's life? Let us know in the comments.