In a revelation that has fans buzzing, Big Sean recently shared that his iconic track “IDFWU,” a song that has teetered on the brink of Diamond status, almost never made it to the public ear. During an appearance on the podcast hosted by NFL brothers Equanimeous and Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sean disclosed a pivotal moment in his career: he had to choose between advice from Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and he ultimately sided with Hov.
The Mustard-produced anthem, released in 2014, is widely recognized as a thinly veiled diss aimed at his ex-girlfriend, the late Naya Rivera, following their breakup. Beyoncé, a close friend and collaborator in the industry, suggested that Big Sean add Nicki Minaj to the track. Her reasoning? She believed it would create a more balanced perspective by giving female artists a platform to express their side of the story.
However, Jay-Z had a different take. He encouraged Sean to embrace the raw emotion of the song, insisting that he was “losing out” every day he hesitated to release it. Hov’s influence proved invaluable, as he urged Sean to “talk his ish” rather than dilute the impact of his message.
Taking Jay-Z’s advice, Big Sean ultimately decided not to include Nicki Minaj, but instead brought in E-40 as a guest star. This decision turned out to be a game-changer. When “IDFWU” dropped on September 19, 2014, it catapulted not only Sean’s career but also his album “Dark Sky Paradise” to the top of the Billboard 200, solidifying it as a double platinum classic.
Today, “IDFWU” boasts an impressive nine platinum certifications, a testament to its widespread acclaim and the powerful impact it has had in the hip hop landscape. Big Sean’s candidness about this critical moment highlights the delicate balance artists must navigate between creative expression and industry advice, showcasing how pivotal decisions can shape careers.
Reflecting on this insight, it’s clear that the right guidance can make all the difference. While Beyoncé’s suggestion might have offered a unique twist to the track, Sean’s choice to follow Jay-Z’s instincts ultimately led to one of the defining hits of his career. As fans celebrate the success of “IDFWU,” it serves as a reminder of the collaboration and mentorship that often underpin the music industry.
With new music on the horizon and a growing legacy, Big Sean continues to prove that he is not just a talented artist but also a shrewd decision-maker in a competitive landscape. This story reinforces the importance of trusting one’s instincts and the value of surrounding oneself with influential figures who can guide you in the right direction.
