A viral social media post this week sparked widespread confusion and fan debate after claiming the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) had downgraded 6ix9ine’s breakout hit “FEFE” from 8× Platinum to 5× Platinum — a move that, if true, would be unprecedented in the modern certification era.
The claim originated on the X, which alleged that the RIAA quietly updated the certification for “FEFE” on December 15, 2025, reducing the song’s total from eight million units to five million and crediting only 6ix9ine. Screenshots purporting to show the change circulated widely, fueling speculation that Nicki Minaj’s featured credit had been removed and that the song’s earlier totals may have been inflated.
The post quickly gained traction, amassing nearly one million views and sparking online disputes among fan bases. Some users suggested the original certification was boosted by fraudulent streaming activity, while others defended the song’s commercial performance and questioned the legitimacy of the screenshots.
However, as of press time, there is no confirmation from the RIAA that any downgrade has occurred. Searches of the RIAA’s official Gold & Platinum database do not publicly reflect a reduced certification for “FEFE,” nor has the organization issued a statement addressing the viral claim. Representatives for 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj have also not commented, and no major industry outlets have independently reported a certification change.
“FEFE,” produced by Murda Beatz and released in July 2018 as part of 6ix9ine’s Dummy Boy album, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the rapper’s biggest hits, driven by heavy streaming and viral momentum. The RIAA last officially certified the song as 8× Platinum in September 2019, reflecting eight million units earned through a combination of sales and streaming equivalents.
Industry sources note that RIAA certifications are traditionally cumulative, with upgrades reflecting additional audited consumption over time. While audits can delay new certifications, outright reversals are exceedingly rare, with no widely documented cases of a certification being downgraded in the 21st century.
The claim that Minaj’s credit was removed from the certification also appears to stem from a misunderstanding. The RIAA typically lists only the primary artist on certifications unless otherwise specified, and Minaj has never been credited as a lead artist on “FEFE.” As a result, any future Diamond certification would not count toward her personal RIAA totals under current rules.
Currently, “FEFE” remains officially listed as 8× Platinum, based on the last verified RIAA update. With the track continuing to generate steady streaming numbers, it is widely considered eligible for a higher certification rather than a lower one.
Until the RIAA confirms any changes, the reported downgrade appears to be unsubstantiated, underscoring how quickly misinformation can spread amid fan-driven discourse on social media.
