Released: 2015
“Blessings” by Big Sean, featuring Drake is a declaration of gratitude for their skyrocketing careers, while also a reflection on their personal journeys, challenges faced, hard work put in, and the mindset that propelled them to their current standings in the industry. With its gripping lyrics and infectious sense of hustle, they showcase the impact their success has had on their lives, and the trials they’ve had to endure to attain it.
The opening of the song sets the tone with Big Sean emphatically declaring, “Way up, I feel blessed”, acknowledging his rise to fame and feeling grateful for his accomplished status. When he spits, “Fuck a vacay I feel better at work”, he demonstrates an undying work ethic, suggesting that he finds solace in his grind rather than leisure.
As the chorus hits, Sean mentions “blessings on blessings on blessings” and “lessons on lessons on lessons”, further emphasizing that his current prosperous situation is a result of hard work, resilience, and consistent learning. The line “I treat the beat like it’s a reverend” subtly resonates that Sean venerates his craft, treating his beats with the reverence accorded to a religious leader.
Amid declaring his success and feeling of blessedness throughout the song, Sean doesn’t shy away from dealing with the downside of fame. His lines “I done lost homies who been with me since Ed, Edd n Eddy / Who flip like confetti”, show his concerns about the fickleness of relationships in the face of success and fame. He also sheds light on the grueling work that contributed to his success: “This is that late night working after three, man.”
When Drake joins in on the second verse, it brings a different flavor to the track, reinforcing the themes already explored. Drake, like Sean, brushes the glamour of the industry aside. Saying “I could give two fucks ’bout where the Grammys go”, he trivializes external validation and showcases his focus on the work rather than the accolades.
As the song draws to a close, Big Sean turns the focus back onto his family, expressing accountability and responsibility for his loved ones. When he spits “My grandma just died, I’m the man of the house / So every morning I’m up ’cause I can’t let them down,”, he signifies the added pressure of being the family pillar.
Through “Blessings”, Big Sean and Drake provide a critical examination of the nuances of fame, demonstrating that behind the glitz lie an unwavering work ethic, personal sacrifices, and the burden of taking care of those who’ve been there from the start. It’s a rooted, grounded perspective that is often overlooked in the hip-hop industry.
