When Sean Garrett steps into a room, the air shifts. Known throughout the industry as “The Pen,” Garrett holds the distinction as Billboard’s fastest hitmaker in history, accumulating more #1 singles in a shorter timespan than anyone else. His fingerprints are on some of the most iconic songs of our generation – the anthems you’ve cried to, the tracks you’ve screamed along with in your car, the soundtracks to countless memories.
During this raw, unfiltered conversation, Garrett opens up about the duality of his musical journey. Despite crafting hits for superstars like Beyoncé, Usher, Nicki Minaj, and Ludacris, he reveals the persistent undercurrent of industry hate he’s faced throughout his career. “They’ve been hating on me my whole career,” he admits, speaking to the competitive nature of the music business that often tries to diminish even its most successful contributors. Yet that same competitive spirit fuels his excellence – as evidenced by his memorable (and somewhat controversial) Verzuz battle with fellow hitmaker The-Dream.
The conversation takes us around the world, from Atlanta’s profound influence on music culture to Garrett’s recent musical expeditions across Africa and South Korea. He shares his philosophy on staying relevant: “Being current is just being yourself really. A lot of times, people don’t know themselves, and not knowing yourself can date your ass.” This authenticity has kept him at the forefront of sound evolution for decades. As we wrap up, Garrett exclusively announces his upcoming single “Girlfriend Me” featuring Quavo and Plies, proving once again that his ability to create and collaborate across genres remains unmatched.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a music industry professional, or simply a fan of the songs that define our culture, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and staying true to yourself. Share, subscribe, and join the conversation – because as Garrett demonstrates, real recognizes real.
