In a recent interview on The Need to Know podcast, Elliot Wilson provided an in-depth analysis of Big Sean’s career trajectory and the hurdles the rapper faced over the past year. From issues with timing to struggles in cultivating a loyal fanbase, Wilson offered valuable insights into why Sean’s latest project didn’t gain the traction it deserved.
Wilson revealed that there was significant indecision surrounding the timing of Big Sean’s album release. According to him, Sean sought feedback from various people, including Wilson himself and his mother. While Wilson advised Sean to delay the release in anticipation of other major records dropping, Sean ultimately decided to move forward after consulting his mother. Despite the album receiving positive feedback, it failed to resonate widely, which Wilson attributed to poor timing and a lack of promotional momentum.
One of the key issues Wilson highlighted was Sean’s difficulty in establishing a dedicated, unified fanbase. Unlike artists like Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar—who have cultivated loyal followings—Big Sean hasn’t developed a similar “hive” of supporters who rally behind his work. Wilson suggested that Sean’s reliance on GOOD Music’s infrastructure early in his career may have stunted his ability to independently build a strong, mobilized fanbase.
Wilson noted that the business struggles within GOOD Music also played a role in slowing down Sean’s career momentum. As the label faced internal issues, Sean’s music output diminished, leading to a decline in visibility and engagement. This inconsistency further complicated Sean’s efforts to maintain relevance in the fast-paced music industry.
Wilson also addressed a common misconception in the industry—the idea of overnight success. He pointed out that while artists may claim that numbers don’t matter, low first-week sales often lead to disappointment and a reluctance to continue promoting the record. He cited Big Sean’s reaction to underwhelming sales as an example, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. “You can’t give up on your record just because the first week didn’t go as planned,” Wilson said.
Drawing comparisons to other artists, Wilson advised Sean to keep pushing his projects and continuously add new material rather than abandoning them prematurely. He pointed out how other successful artists have managed to extend the life of their albums through persistent promotion, ultimately changing public perception despite initial setbacks. “People forget first-week numbers over time. What matters is how you sustain and build on your work,” Wilson explained.
