Big Sean’s ‘On Up’ Reflects on Fatherhood

Big Sean has shared an introspective new track. “On Up” reflects on the lessons of fatherhood and Sean’s desire to instill a sense of resilience in him: “I look into my son’s eyes and still see his innocence/I see my inner child in him and still the remnants.” The song is dedicated to his son, Noah Hasani, and samples Jodeci’s “Get On Up.” The accompanying visual, directed by the child’s godfather Lawrence Lamont, is filmed from the point of view of the baby. The video follows a day in the child’s life and features parents Sean and Jhené Aiko.

“On Up” is the third single from the Grammy-nominated multi-platinum rapper’s sixth album, Better Me Than You. The song follows the comeback single “Precision” and “Yes,” which debuted on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The album is out August 9 via Def Jam Recordings.

Ahead of the album’s release, Big Sean joined Charlamagne tha God for an in-depth conversation as part of the latter’s “Out of Context” series.

According to Big Sean, the album’s title touches on the idea of generational resilience. “It’s usually better you than me, but I realize when you that one that has to step up and endure it all – endure the extras, maybe break a cycle in your family or change your environment for your circle, or whatever the case may be – when you got to be that one, it’s like you realize that you’re only put there because you’re the one that can handle it. Because that’s the way God made it for you. So you realize that, alright, better me than you because I’m the one that can do it. I’m a better me than you could ever be, you feel me? When I hold my son I feel like, right now it’s on me. It’s on Dad to take the extras, and sometimes it’s on his mama to step up and be that. The person that has to endure it all, but one day, it’s going to be on him. And when it is, I hope he realizes that it’s not a burden. It’s an opportunity. It’s a responsibility that you’re meant for. Better Me Than You.”

Order Big Sean’s Better Me Than You now.