Big Sean chalenges the perception that money equals success, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. The Detroit rapper reflects on his “surreal” year, which actually started in the fall of 2014 when he dropped “IDFWU,” arguably one of the best rap breakup records in ages.  

| CLICK FOR MUSIC MATTERS DAILY: BIG SEAN'S IDFWU VIDEO |

Ironically enough, Sean didn’t immediately realize that the single, produced by DJ Mustard, Kanye West, DJ Dahi and Key Wane, was a hit. "I didn't know until I started playing it for people," he said. "I played it for Jay Z and Beyoncé, and Jay told me, 'Every day that you don't drop this song you're missing out.'"

“IDFWU” dropped last September, alongside a music video (featuring West) two months later. The banger got fans that much more excited for Dark Sky Paradise, and when Sean’s third studio LP was released, it debuted at No. 1, taking his career to another level. "Since 2011, when my first album came out, there's been a lot of people who have come and gone — so many," explained the 27-year-old rap star. ”The fact that I'm still here and have a lot more to prove and say comes from my whole perspective changing with my music.  

“When I first started, I wanted to be famous," he added. "I wanted to be on the radio and be popular. It's cool having the song of summer … but I want to make songs that people can feel for years to come."  

| CLICK FOR THE RUNDOWN: BIG SEAN, DARK SKY PARADISE |

For a guy who came into the game dreaming of fame, now that he has it, recognition and money don’t hold the same meaning. Even if he’s unsure about “the future,” the last several months have shown him that prosperity doesn't depend on one's net worth. "You can't measure success in anything but happiness. It's not about how much money you make or anything. It's about how happy you are."    

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