6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj’s “FEFE” RIAA Certification Receives Historic Revision

6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj’s 2018 hit “FEFE” has undergone an unprecedented change in its RIAA certification. Once certified 8x platinum, the track now officially holds five million units sold, according to Pop Fusion. Experts have called this move historic, noting it is the first occurrence of this kind this century.
The RIAA update was posted on Monday, December 15. Historical chart data shows “FEFE” had sold eight million units as of September 5, 2019. The collaboration, released in July 2018, quickly became a commercial powerhouse, dominating radio, streaming platforms, and social media. Its music video alone has accumulated over 1.1 billion views, and the song debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
While this adjustment does not erase the impact “FEFE” had at its peak, it does raise questions about the factors behind the revision. Some speculate that artificial streaming or botting could have inflated the song’s initial numbers. The RIAA has not provided an explanation for the drastic change, leaving fans and industry insiders awaiting clarification.
Another surprising element is Nicki Minaj’s absence from the updated RIAA listing. Her name is not included, meaning that if “FEFE” eventually reaches diamond status, she may not receive a plaque despite her feature and writing credits on the track. The situation could change, but it is noteworthy at present.
This development comes at a challenging time for 6ix9ine. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to three months in prison following probation violations linked to his Nine Trey Bloods RICO case. During the sentencing, the judge described him as a “dumpster fire,” though he avoided a longer prison term pushed for by prosecutors.
The revised certification of “FEFE” has stirred conversations about accountability in streaming metrics and the recognition of artists’ contributions. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely for any statement from the RIAA regarding the reasoning behind this historic update.



