Overtime

Album: single release only (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Big Sean's first new solo material since 2017, "Overtime" explains the reasons for his hiatus. The Detroit rapper recounts that he didn't want to "take a break," but relationship problems initiated struggles with mental health, and he needed time out to re-examine certain aspects of his life.

    Broke my heart, broke my soul, don't cry for me though
    If you don't break nothing down then it's no room to grow


    The song's themes of heartbreak and development are likely connected with the ending of Sean's relationship with singer Jhené Aiko in late 2018. The pair had dated for two years and recorded an EP together under the moniker of Twenty88.
  • Sean later compares his own influence on his home city of Detroit to that of Eminem:

    Me and Em' knocked down doors for y'all that was locked once
    I know they may never get me, I still put on for the city like the Lions first round picked me


    Sean was the halftime entertainer during the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game in 2015.
  • The energetic, thumping production by Hit-Boy, Key Wane, and the Tucker Brothers simulates a growing excitement as Sean looks forward to the next stage of his career.
  • Jay-Z gets a credit as the latter portion of the song features a sample of his 2002 track "Hovi Baby."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Joe Ely

Joe ElySongwriter Interviews

The renown Texas songwriter has been at it for 40 years, with tales to tell about The Flatlanders and The Clash - that's Joe's Tex-Mex on "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Classic Metal

Classic MetalFact or Fiction

Ozzy, Guns N' Roses, Judas Priest and even Michael Bolton show up in this Classic Metal quiz.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.