Lil Wayne or Eminem? Big Sean’s Choice Sparks Heated Debate

Hip-hop has always been shaped by the influences of legendary artists, and even today’s stars often point back to those who inspired them. Recently, Big Sean opened up about the role that Lil Wayne and Eminem have played in shaping his career. During an appearance on Uproxx’s Sound Check series with host Jeremy Hecht, the Detroit rapper reflected on the legacies of both icons while making a tough choice between two monumental tracks: Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”

Big Sean on the Immense Legacy of Lil Wayne and Eminem

Big Sean has often been vocal about the artists who paved the way for his own success. Growing up in Detroit, he was immersed in Eminem’s rise to global superstardom while also experiencing the cultural shift sparked by Lil Wayne’s dominance in the mid-to-late 2000s.

During the interview, Sean acknowledged both rappers’ lasting influence on him. Lil Wayne, also known as Weezy F Baby, was praised for his relentless creativity, wordplay, and ability to reinvent himself over decades. On the other hand, Eminem, Detroit’s very own, represented a hometown hero for Big Sean—someone who proved that a local talent could make it to the biggest stage in the world.

Sean described both as “giants who reshaped rap in their own ways” and admitted that choosing between their music wasn’t easy.

The Choice Between “A Milli” and “Lose Yourself”

At the two-minute mark of the Sound Check episode, Big Sean was presented with the challenge of choosing between Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”

Both tracks are considered classics in hip-hop history:

“A Milli” (2008) was a defining single from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III, a song that became an anthem of wordplay, swagger, and unfiltered creativity. It showcased Wayne’s freestyle-like delivery and cemented his reign as one of the most dominant forces in rap.

“Lose Yourself” (2002) became Eminem’s most iconic record, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song after being featured in the film 8 Mile. With its motivational message and explosive energy, it transcended hip-hop, becoming one of the most recognized rap tracks worldwide.

Big Sean admitted it was a “tough call” but ultimately leaned toward Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”

Why Big Sean Chose Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”

Although Sean expressed great admiration for Lil Wayne’s “A Milli”, he explained that “Lose Yourself” resonates with him on a deeper level. The song’s message about seizing the moment and not letting opportunities slip away connects with his own journey in music.

“It was tough, because ‘A Milli’ is one of those songs that defined a whole era for me. But ‘Lose Yourself’… it’s just different. It’s motivation, it’s Detroit, it’s everything. That song represents where I come from.”

By choosing Eminem’s track, Sean reinforced the significance of his Detroit roots. He acknowledged that growing up in the same city as Eminem pushed him to believe that global success was possible.

The Impact of Lil Wayne on Big Sean’s Career

While Eminem may have been the final choice, Sean didn’t hold back on his appreciation for Lil Wayne.

Lil Wayne’s work ethic, creativity, and ability to dominate the industry during the 2000s left an indelible mark on Big Sean. From mixtapes like Dedication and No Ceilings to the Tha Carter series, Wayne was known for his prolific output and ability to reinvent himself.

Sean explained that Wayne showed him the importance of consistency and pushing lyrical boundaries.

“Wayne was someone we all looked up to. He was dropping music nonstop, pushing the limits of what you could say, how you could say it. His confidence, his swagger – it made us all want to step our game up.”

The Influence of Eminem on Big Sean’s Journey

Being from Detroit, Eminem naturally carried a unique weight for Sean’s development as an artist. Eminem’s rise during the late 1990s and early 2000s created a blueprint for Detroit rappers, showing that a local talent could become one of the greatest of all time.

Big Sean explained that “Lose Yourself” was more than just a song to him—it was a cultural landmark.

It represented Detroit grit.

It embodied perseverance and self-belief.

It reminded artists like Sean that “you only get one shot; do not miss your chance to blow.”

Sean described Eminem as a symbol of possibility, someone who showed young Detroit rappers that the world was listening.

Big Sean’s Career Path and These Influences

Big Sean’s own career trajectory reflects the blend of these influences. His music often balances Eminem’s storytelling intensity with Lil Wayne’s playful confidence. Tracks like Blessings, Bounce Back, and Moves highlight his ability to switch between introspection and bravado—much like the two legends he admires.

Sean’s signing to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label in 2007 catapulted him into the mainstream, but his lyrical development had already been shaped by listening to Wayne’s endless mixtape run and Eminem’s iconic Detroit anthems.

The Cultural Significance of “A Milli” vs. “Lose Yourself”

The discussion sparked by Sean’s choice isn’t just about personal taste—it highlights two pivotal moments in hip-hop culture:

“A Milli” was part of a new wave of rap where mixtapes, punchlines, and swagger ruled. It influenced a whole generation of rappers, proving that lyrical dexterity and charisma could dominate mainstream radio.

“Lose Yourself” transcended rap itself, becoming a motivational anthem used in sports, movies, and classrooms around the world. It proved that hip-hop could deliver universal messages of resilience and determination.

By choosing “Lose Yourself,” Sean aligned himself with the song that not only represented his city but also stood as one of the most globally recognized tracks in rap history.

Fan Reactions to Sean’s Choice

Fans quickly reacted online to Sean’s comments, with many debating which track had the bigger influence. Some sided with Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” as the song that defined an era of hip-hop swagger, while others agreed with Sean, pointing to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” as the ultimate anthem of motivation.

The debate highlights how both songs left indelible marks on the genre, proving that hip-hop is rich with moments that mean different things to different listeners.

Why This Debate Matters

Big Sean’s reflections go beyond simple song preference—they spark a larger conversation about the impact of hip-hop legends on today’s stars. The fact that a major artist like Sean still looks to Lil Wayne and Eminem as guiding influences shows the lasting power of their artistry.

It’s also a reminder that every new generation of rappers carries the torch from those who came before, blending influences to create something fresh while honoring the past.

Big Sean’s Legacy

As Big Sean continues to work on new music, his acknowledgment of Wayne and Eminem reinforces how important lineage is in hip-hop. He may have his own platinum hits, Grammy nominations, and sold-out tours, but he never forgets the artists who inspired him to chase greatness.

By choosing “Lose Yourself” over “A Milli,” Sean not only made a difficult personal decision but also reignited conversations among fans about which moments in rap history had the biggest cultural impact.

During his appearance on Sound Check, Big Sean reminded fans of the deep respect he holds for Lil Wayne and Eminem. While he ultimately chose Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” as the track that resonates most with him, he made it clear that both artists have shaped his journey in profound ways.

Lil Wayne’s consistency, creativity, and swagger, combined with Eminem’s storytelling, grit, and Detroit pride, have left permanent imprints on Sean’s music and mindset.

In the end, Sean’s choice wasn’t just about picking a song—it was about honoring the influences that continue to guide him as he carves his own path in hip-hop.