It was probably in third grade - I had a super-fake gold

There are passions that awaken in the most humble and unassuming moments of life. Big Sean, reflecting on his journey, said, “It was probably in third grade—I had a super-fake gold herringbone chain. Yeah man, it was, like, super fake. I don't remember if it was my mom's or how I got it, but ever since then, I've loved chains. The first real chain I got was from Kanye. It was a Jacob the Jeweler Kanye West Jesus piece.” In these words, we see the origins of desire and the spark of identity—a moment when a simple object became a symbol of aspiration, creativity, and personal expression. The chain was not merely jewelry; it was the seed of aesthetic passion and self-recognition.

Even a “super-fake gold herringbone chain” holds meaning when it touches the heart. From the ancients to modern times, human beings have adorned themselves with symbols that reflect inner life and status, hope and aspiration. Egyptian pharaohs wore gold to signify divinity, Roman senators draped themselves in togas and rings to signify authority. For Big Sean, a child of modest means, the chain represented not wealth alone, but the desire to participate in a world of style, presence, and recognition. The false gold of youth was the precursor to authenticity later achieved.

The story of receiving a real chain from Kanye West, a symbol of mentorship and achievement, illustrates the power of validation and progression. The transition from imitation to authenticity is a journey familiar to all who pursue mastery. Like an apprentice receiving the first genuine tool from a master, Big Sean’s gift marked both acknowledgment of his talent and the opening of new possibilities. In it, he saw the intersection of personal ambition, artistry, and communal recognition—the recognition that his passion had substance and direction.

This trajectory mirrors stories throughout history where early fascination became lifelong vocation. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, who as a child marveled at the natural world—its light, its shadow, its mechanics—and eventually transformed that awe into genius. The spark may be humble, a drawing in the sand or a toy in hand, but it foreshadows a life devoted to creation. So too did Big Sean’s love of chains begin with a simple, imperfect object that awakened his imagination and sense of identity.

Moreover, the chain is more than ornament—it is symbolic language. It represents connection, lineage, faith, and personal narrative. The Jesus piece he received from Jacob the Jeweler is a talisman, a marker of both spiritual awareness and cultural identity. Throughout human history, chains and adornments have told stories: medals worn by warriors, pendants carried by travelers, amulets passed from parent to child. Big Sean’s journey reflects this timeless principle—that the objects we cherish often carry deeper truths about our values, aspirations, and relationships.

There is also a lesson in perseverance and appreciation. The path from the “super-fake” chain to the authentic piece mirrors the human journey from imitation to mastery, from desire to achievement. It teaches that early passion, even if imperfectly expressed, is never wasted. Those initial sparks—however modest or clumsy—can guide a lifetime of creativity, ambition, and self-expression. Recognition by others, like the gift from a mentor, magnifies that spark, but the fire begins within.

From Big Sean’s story, we learn the importance of honoring our early fascinations, for they illuminate our path forward. Every child who is captivated by an object, an idea, or an art form carries within them the blueprint of potential greatness. To ignore that spark is to disregard the subtle guidance of the soul. The chain, humble or divine, reminds us that passion requires attention, nurture, and patience to mature into something meaningful.

Thus, let his reflection guide us: treasure the objects, mentors, and inspirations that awaken your imagination. From humble beginnings, from imitation and play, can arise mastery and artistry. And as the ancients would advise, let every symbol you cherish—whether chain, brush, or scroll—serve as a compass, pointing toward the full expression of your talent, identity, and purpose.