Brooklyn’s 6ix9ine has earned his first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart thanks to a much-discussed collaboration with Nicki Minaj. The two New York rappers' single “FEFE” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week despite being available for less than one full tracking week, as Billboard reports. What’s even more amazing (and likely infuriating for hip-hop’s old guard) is that he has explicitly admitted to not putting any effort into the song.
In a recent interview with Angie Martinez, the Brooklyn MC explained that he doesn’t take the craft of hip-hop seriously at all. “We go in the studio and just be having fun and then it’s a hit,” he said, reciting the lyrics of “FEFE.” “I didn’t put no effort into that shit. I know J. Cole sits back, Kendrick Lamar sits back and be like, ‘This kid.’”
Indeed, 6ix9ine has managed to cultivate intense press coverage and social media attention largely based on his trolling antics. In the process, he’s earned eight Billboard Hot 100 hits. Most notable amongst them is his breakout track “GUMMO,” which peaked at No. 12 on the Hot 100 chart. Subsequent hits like “KOODA,” “KEKE,” “BILLY” and “GOTTI” have all reached the Hot 100 chart, too, although have largely seen diminishing returns.
“FEFE” upends this trend with some added star power from Nicki Minaj, who has faced criticism for collaborating with the controversial rapper. Back in 2015, 6ix9ine pled guilty to one count of use of a child in a sexual performance, and he remains on probation in the case. Both MCs have also come under fire for similarities between “FEFE” and Valee’s verse on “Two 16’s.”
It’s currently unclear if “FEFE” will end up on Nicki’s upcoming album Queen, which is set to drop on August 10. If so, it would easily be the highest-charting song from the album, outpacing “Chun-Li” by six slots and the album’s other singles by far more. 6ix9ine will also be opening for Nicki and Future on their upcoming tour.
Listen to the song above and read all the lyrics to 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj’s “FEFE” on Genius now.
