Big Sean’s “Control” has become the most discussed song in hip-hop this year. Kendrick Lamar created a stir after name-dropping several of the top new rappers while only aligning him with hip-hop greats.
During a recent photo shoot and interview with Big Sean, the Detroit-based rapper responded to Kendrick’s verse on “Control” and what it means for hip-hop.
“It’s not on the level of Nas’ “Ether” as far as disrespect. Kendrick and I are still cool and I just talked to him yesterday. With us, it was more of a sport. Kendrick hit me up earlier and asked if I had anything for him to rap over. I hooked up with producer No I.D. and did my verse. I sent Kendrick the song with my verse on it. He hit me back and told me that I was spitting hard and my verse was crazy. He sent the verse back and I laughed. I listened and it was all about competition. Every rapper thinks he’s the best. I thought it was positive for hip-hop. I didn’t go back to change my verse. That would have been shady. I didn’t go back like LL Cool J did with Cannibus. I kept my verse how it was. The fact that Kendrick did the name-dropping took it over the top. I’m happy I made that play and was able to orchestrate that moment in hip-hop. I’ve never seen hip-hop so energized,” Big Sean said.
Big Sean’s rolling out cover story will hit newsstands soon.
