6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj’s 2018 hit “FEFE” has undergone a surprising change to its RIAA certification.
The single, previously certified 8x platinum, now officially shows five million units sold, according to RIAA records updated on December 15. Sources say this is an unusual occurrence and may be the first time such a revision has happened this century.
When “FEFE” was originally released in July 2018, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. By September 2019, the track had reportedly sold eight million units, debuting at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
The music video has since accumulated over 1.1 billion views, and the song dominated radio, streaming platforms, and social media conversations. Despite the RIAA revision, the impact and popularity of the track remain undeniable. The certification change has sparked speculation among fans, and some question whether bots or streaming manipulation may have inflated the numbers initially.
RIAA has not yet explained why the certification was adjusted, leaving plenty of room for debate.
Adding to the controversy, Nicki Minaj’s name does not currently appear on the updated certification. This means that if “FEFE” eventually reaches diamond status, she would not receive a plaque, even though she holds feature and writing credits. There is still a possibility that her contributions could be officially recognized in the future.
While the numbers may have shifted, “FEFE” continues to be remembered as one of the most impactful hits of 2018.
