E-40, Big Sean Hit Diamond Status

The iconic hip-hop track “I Don’t Fuck With You,” a powerful collaboration between E-40 and Big Sean, has officially reached Diamond certification status, as confirmed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This significant milestone represents the first time either artist has achieved a Diamond certification, underscoring the enduring impact and success of the 2015 hit. The song, released as the lead single from Big Sean’s third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise, has now sold over 1,268,000 copies in the US as of February 2015, with its diamond status signifying 10 million units sold or streamed.

A Career-Defining Achievement

Big Sean took to Instagram to express his elation over the achievement, noting the rarity of reaching Diamond status. He highlighted that only about 120 songs in history have reached this coveted level, placing “I Don’t Fuck With You” in elite company. “Going diamond one thing but u was really one of my favorite rappers growing up n my Step brother absolute favorite, i know he trippin right now,” Big Sean shared, emphasizing his long-standing admiration for E-40’s legendary career. This certification not only solidifies the song’s place in music history but also celebrates E-40’s remarkable longevity and consistent influence in the hip-hop landscape, proving his ability to craft career-defining hits across decades.

The Genesis of a Hit

“I Don’t Fuck With You” was released on September 19, 2014, and was produced by DJ Mustard, Kanye West, and Mike Free, with co-production by DJ Dahi and Key Wane. The track samples D. J. Rogers’ 1976 song “Say You Love Me One More Time” and features adlibs over a slowed-down version of Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1978 hit “September”. Originally, a snippet of the song was uploaded by Justin Bieber in March 2014, but due to a lack of communication with his management, producer DJ Mustard decided to give the record to Big Sean. The song’s cultural impact is further evidenced by its inclusion in three films: American Honey, Fist Fight, and Transformers: The Last Knight. The music video, released on November 6, 2014, directed by Lawrence Lamont, humorously portrays Big Sean as a high school quarterback with E-40 as a commentator.

Dark Sky Paradise‘s Stellar Performance

The song served as the lead single for Big Sean’s third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise, which was released on February 24, 2015. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 173,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. Critically, the album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Big Sean’s evolved production and more substantive lyricism. By August 2020, Dark Sky Paradise was certified double platinum by the RIAA. In addition to “I Don’t Fuck With You,” other singles from the album, such as “Paradise,” “Blessings” (featuring Drake and Kanye West), “One Man Can Change the World” (featuring John Legend and Kanye West), and “Play No Games” (featuring Ty Dolla Sign and Chris Brown), also achieved platinum certifications. “I Don’t Fuck With You” peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Big Sean’s third-highest charting single and E-40’s second-highest.

The Significance of Diamond Certification

Diamond certification, awarded by the RIAA, signifies that a song or album has achieved 10 million units in sales and streams. This makes it one of the highest accolades in the music industry. The achievement underscores the song’s massive popularity and its significant cultural footprint. For both E-40, a veteran artist known for his distinctive Bay Area sound, and Big Sean, a prominent voice in contemporary hip-hop, this Diamond certification is a testament to their lasting appeal and the commercial success they have achieved throughout their careers. It places “I Don’t Fuck With You” among a select group of songs that have achieved multi-generational listenership and commercial dominance.