By Peter Bailey
For most, being 25 is just a scratch of a century, youth's glow still effervescent, not dimmed by the twilight of old age.
But already Big Sean's feeling the weight of maturity.
"I feel like an old man," joked the Detroit emcee during our most recent sit-down on South Beach.
It's sentiments like these from Kanye West's protege that have always put the emcee on my list of "artists to watch." Somehow amid the bright lights, bottles, bodacious beauties and the other usual suspects in a hip hop story, Sean stays grounded.
"The content in my upcoming album is going to be more mature," he affirms. "I'm realizing it's a responsibility to say something to inspire."
In light of the recent controversy surrounding Reebok's handling of Rick Ross, Sean argues artists shouldn't be censored -- but he's taking stock of the messages he relays to adoring fans.
"I've been making a lot of vlogs lately that show what makes me what I am and they've been inspiring a lot of people," he says.
And if the infusion of social conscience isn't enough, fans can expect a possible collaboration with Eminem upcoming as well.
A new, much publicized romance with "Glee" actress Naya Rivera may also be the inspiration behind the burgeoning superstar's coming of age.
Says Sean: "She's awesome. She makes me feel good."
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