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Big Sean is still “processing” the death of his ex-fiancée and former Glee actress Naya Rivera. Ahead of the release of his highly-anticipated album, Detroit 2, Sean says it’s “hurtful” people associated Rivera with his hit single “IDFWU” from his multi-platinum album Dark Sky Paradise.
“I don’t feel comfortable talking about it because I want to respect her,” he revealed during a Vulture interview. “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.”
The I Decided rapper said Rivera knew about the song and liked it after he played it for her. The couple dated in 2013 and got engaged later that year. However, they didn’t make it to the altar and split up in April 2014, followed by the song’s release.
“We had a breakup that was very public, and we were young and we forgave each other and moved on from that,” Sean continued. “If I would have known something this tragic would have happened, I would have never made the song.”
Rivera’s death was ruled an accidental drowning by California officials. Her body was found in Lake Piru on July 13, just days after she was reported missing following a boat trip with her four-year-old son, Josey.
Detroit 2 arrives Friday, September 4. It includes Sean’s previous singles “Deep Reverence” featuring Nipsey Hussle and “Harder Than My Demons,” as well as another track titled “Don Life” featuring Lil Wayne.
By Rachel George
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