Big Sean Claims ‘IDFWU’ Song Wasn’t A ‘Diss’ Aimed At Late Ex Naya Rivera

Big Sean recently revealed his feelings about his song “IDFWU” (short for “I Don’t F*ck With You”) in an interview with Vulture.

During the September 1 conversation, Big Sean discussed his new album, Detroit 2, as well as how “IDFWU” related to his former partner, Naya Rivera. The 2014 hit was believed to be a shot at Naya, and the rapper shared how “hurtful” it can be to connect the track with his ex, whose body was found in Lake Piru on July 13 after a suspected drowning.

During a turbulent twelve months, from April 2013 to April 2014, Big Sean and Naya dated, got engaged, and ultimately broke things off. Five months after their split, Big Sean dropped the track, causing many to question his motivations.

Vulture writer Craig Jenkins asked Big Sean if he had any regrets about the release. The rapper said the inquiry was “tough” to answer, and explained that he’s “still processing” Naya’s passing.

“I don’t feel comfortable talking about it because I want to respect her. She’s made such an impact on people, and she’s done so many great things in her life and her career that it was hurtful to even have that [song] be associated with her. It wasn’t a diss to her. I truly made the song and played it for her. She knew about it, and she liked it. We had a breakup that was very public, and we were young, and we forgave each other and moved on from that. If I would have known something this tragic would have happened, I would have never made the song,” he responded.

Naya responded to “IDFWU” during an appearance on The Real in 2016, Hollywood Life reported. The Glee star shared that she actually heard the track before the two split, but still asked Sean to “downplay” the speculation around it being about her. The actress later performed the hit on a 2018 episode of Lip Sync Battle.

After the couple broke off their engagement in 2014, Naya married Ryan Dorsey and gave birth to their son Josey, in 2015. After four years of marriage, Naya and Ryan finalized their divorce in 2018.

Although Big Sean also moved on — he dated Ariana Grande and Jhené Aiko — the rapper still expressed his love for Naya after her tragic drowning by making a tribute to her on Instagram. At the end of his post, he stated he was “still in shock” over the loss and was keeping her family and loved ones in his prayers.