Rapper Big Sean released his third studio album "Dark Sky Paradise" and hosted a special listening party for Hot 97 and some die-hard fans in New York City. The Detroit native opened up about his track, "One Man Can Change The World" — the emotional single that he dedicated to his late grandmother, Mildred V Leonard, who passed away in December — as well as his relationship with singer Ariana Grande who is also featured on bonus track "Research."
A photo posted by @ambitiousmereb on Feb 23, 2015 at 6:35pm PST
The rapper told fans that he lost his 94-year-old grandmother over the holidays in an touching Instagram post, honoring the WWII veteran. He expressed to fans that she deserved to have singer John Legend sing the hook at the end of the emotional tribute.
"Most of my second verse is dedicated to my grandma. My grandma was a female black captain in World War II, she was on of the first female cops in Detroit, she was a counselor, a teacher, and she was an awesome grandmother. I'm talking about home cooked meals everyday after school, she would bake our favorite cakes. She was like the best grandma," he told fans.
The 26-year-old revealed that his grandmother was aware of the song, but was too late to let her hear the finish product.
"I told her I was working on this song, I told her about it, and she wanted to hear it. I was just finishing my album in December, and I went home for the holidays, and it was right when she passed."
He added, "It was a hard thing, but at the same time I feel her consciousness, I feel like she still was there, I feel like she heard it, I feel like she appreciated it."
When the rapper was asked about his personal relationship with the "Bang Bang" singer he confirmed their dating status and admitted that she has helped him in the recording process. He said that she critiqued his work and made it better.
With collaborations including Jhene Aiko, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Ty Dolla Sign, John Legend, Kanye West, E-40 and his lovely lady Ariana Grande, Big Sean may have a hit album in his hands!
A video posted by @ambitiousmereb on Feb 23, 2015 at 6:36pm PST
