Big news out of Detroit right before Christmas. Big Sean has been named the Creative Director of Innovation for the Detroit Pistons. The Grammy-nominated rapper made the announcement on his Instagram Wednesday and expressed his excitement about furthering the legacy of his hometown team, recalling sitting in the nosebleed seats for the Pistons' 2004 championship run and the Grant Hill poster he had in his room as a kid.
"Growing up I knew I either wanted to rap or hoop for the Pistons lol," he writes, "crazy how life works. I look forward to creatively adding what I can to this iconic franchise!"
The first order of business is having Big Sean's Don Life logo featured on the Pistons' practice jerseys. Future ways his role will play out include having the G.O.O.D Music artist's influence in several areas on and off the court, including merchandise design, music playlists and community involvement with the Sean Anderson Foundation.
“Sean is an accomplished artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur," Pistons owner Tom Gores said in a press release. "Having spent time with him and his family I know how deeply he cares about the city of Detroit. We share a common desire to use the power of sports and entertainment to improve our community and make a positive impact on people’s lives. I’m excited to see what we can do working together.”
Big Sean released his fifth studio album, "Detroit 2," in September. It was his third consecutive project to go No.1 on the Billboard 200. It was produced by Hit-Boy and garnered Sean Don another Best Rap Performance Grammy nomination for "Deep Reverence," a track with the late great Nipsey Hussle.
This is his second project dedicated to the Motor City and the sequel to his 2012 mixtape, "Detroit." Although not a commercial release, "Detroit" was critically-acclaimed and help set Big Sean apart as an elite lyricist.
The Detroit Pistons have been embedded into hip-hop culture, especially due to the success of the Bad Boys who won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 led by Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Joe Dumars and a young Dennis Rodman. The Hall of Fame point guard shared a special message of congratulations to the latest member of the team.
"Not only are you a true representative of the 313, but we're happy to have you as a new Piston and family member," he shared in a social media video along with a gift of a bottle of his Cheurlin champagne. Cheers!
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