FEFE (feat. Nicki Minaj & Murda Beatz)

"FEFE" is fundamentally a braggadocious and hedonistic anthem centered on themes of sexual prowess, wealth, and a self-imposed isolation. The title itself, "FEFE," is street slang that can refer to a pretty girl or, in a more explicit prison context, a makeshift sex toy, hinting at the song's raw and unfiltered sexual content. Lyrically, both 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj boast about their sexual experiences and extravagant lifestyles. 6ix9ine's verses depict casual, emotionless encounters, emphasizing a detachment from his partners with the recurring line, "I don't really want no friends." This refrain serves as the song's core message, portraying a worldview of self-sufficiency and a rejection of vulnerability or deep connections, possibly reflecting his public persona and legal troubles at the time. Nicki Minaj's verse complements this by flaunting her own sexual dominance, expensive fashion, and celebrity status. She uses clever wordplay, such as the line "He tryna 69 like Tekashi," to assert her power and confidence. The song as a whole is an exhibition of unwavering self-assurance and indulgence, set against the backdrop of street life's harsh realities, where loyalty is scarce and a tough exterior is necessary for survival.

The song opens with an immediate assertion of dominance and affiliation, shouting out "TR3YWAY!" and crediting producer Murda Beatz. The narrative then dives into a depiction of a casual and purely physical encounter. The protagonist describes a sexual liaison with a woman named Keke, emphasizing the detached and almost bewildered nature of the interaction with lines like, "I don't even know like 'Why I did that?'". He makes it clear that despite the intimacy, there's no emotional connection or intention of a committed relationship, encapsulated in the repeated refrain, "I don't really want no friends." This phrase becomes the central thesis of his verses, suggesting a preference for isolation and a distrust of others, which is reinforced by threatening imagery involving a 'Draco' (a type of firearm) with a powerful kickback, symbolizing a readiness to defend himself aggressively against any perceived threats. He claims a life of real action, contrasting himself with others who only talk about violence.

Nicki Minaj enters with her signature confidence and wordplay, immediately flipping the main artist's name into a sexual reference: "He tryna 69 like Tekashi." Her verse is a masterclass in flaunting wealth, status, and sexual prowess. She boasts about her desirability, her expensive taste in fashion like Versace, and her high-profile connections, name-dropping Khloé Kardashian. She portrays herself as being in complete control of her encounters, using her sexuality as a tool of power. After a sexual act, she flips the script, asking her partner, "Yo, how'd it taste?" asserting her dominance. Her lines are laced with confidence and a New York attitude, as she declares, "I'm from New York, so I'm cocky." Similar to 6ix9ine's part, she reiterates the theme of not wanting friends, suggesting that her inner circle is small and loyal, and she doesn't engage in superficial small talk.

The song continues with 6ix9ine's second verse, which doubles down on the themes of casual sex and disposability in relationships. He uses the children's rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" to describe selecting a sexual partner, highlighting a dismissive and objectifying attitude. He paints a picture of easily replacing one woman with another, mentioning how his "old hoe" is replaced by Nicki hopping into his new car, implying he won't see the former woman again. This verse reinforces the song's overall tone of reckless self-indulgence and a lack of emotional attachment. The track concludes by reiterating the core message—a staunch rejection of friendship and a self-reliant, almost paranoid, worldview where one must always be on guard. The final ad-libs of "Scum Gang!" further cement the song's identity within 6ix9ine's then-collective, embodying a path of shifting alliances and a tough exterior.

The creation of "FEFE" involved a notable collaboration between 6ix9ine, Nicki Minaj, and producers Murda Beatz and Cubeatz. The song was released on July 22, 2018. Interestingly, the beat, created by Murda Beatz on his kitchen table in Los Angeles, was originally intended for Drake. After Drake didn't respond, a friend suggested Murda Beatz play it for 6ix9ine. Despite not being a fan of 6ix9ine's music at the time, Murda Beatz agreed, and they created the song that same night. Nicki Minaj's involvement came later; she explained that 6ix9ine sent her the track and they discussed it over the phone. Just five minutes after their call, she sent him a voice note with her contribution, which she recorded while half-asleep in bed. She was inspired by the beat because it reminded her of a song she had done with Gucci Mane years prior. The collaboration was seen by Minaj as a co-sign of 6ix9ine, solidifying her participation. The song was included as the second single on 6ix9ine's debut album, Dummy Boy (2018), and was also added as a bonus track to streaming versions of Minaj's fourth album, Queen (2018).

The rhyme and rhythm of "FEFE" are characteristic of the trap and mumble rap genres, prioritizing flow and cadence over complex lyrical structures. The song maintains a steady, moderate tempo throughout, driven by the signature trap hi-hat patterns and a heavy bassline. The primary rhyme scheme is relatively simple, often relying on couplets and short, repetitive rhyme groups to enhance its catchy nature. For example, in 6ix9ine's verse, lines like "Got that drip, drip / Got that super soaker, hit that" use simple end rhymes. The flow of both rappers is melodic and rhythmic, often described as a sing-song or chanting delivery. They employ a consistent cadence that rides the beat, making the track rhythmically infectious. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is tight, with the vocal delivery often mimicking the pattern of the hi-hats. Internal rhymes and assonance are present, such as in Nicki Minaj's line "He tryna 69 like Tekashi, call him papi / Say he fuckin' with my posse, copped me Khloé like Kardashi'," where the 'ah' and 'ee' sounds are repeated. This creates a fluid and cohesive sound, making the verses memorable despite their lyrical simplicity.

"FEFE" employs several distinct musical and literary techniques. Musically, the song marked a significant departure from 6ix9ine's usual aggressive, screaming rap style. He adopts a calmer, more melodic, and heavily Auto-Tuned flow, which was noted for its similarity to the cadence of rapper Valee. The production by Murda Beatz and Cubeatz features a subtle, bass-heavy trap instrumental that provides a spacious canvas for the vocalists. The musical arrangement is built around a repeating five-note keyboard motif (E-flat, F, B-flat, F, G-flat) over a simple two-chord progression (E-flat minor and B major). Lyrically, the song relies on repetition and ad-libs (e.g., "brrr," "Scum Gang!") to create a catchy and memorable track. Nicki Minaj utilizes clever wordplay and puns, such as the double entendre "He tryna 69 like Tekashi," and makes several cultural references, name-dropping A$AP Rocky, Khloé Kardashian, and Tinashe. Both artists use a direct, declarative narrative voice, characterized by braggadocio and a confrontational tone. The use of a children's counting rhyme, "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe," in 6ix9ine's verse adds a jarring, almost childish quality to the otherwise adult themes, a stylistic choice that some critics found absurd.

"FEFE" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, primarily due to its massive commercial success and the controversy surrounding its artists. The song peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming 6ix9ine's highest-charting single and Nicki Minaj's seventeenth top-ten hit, extending her record for the most among female rappers. It was certified 8x platinum by the RIAA, signifying immense popularity and sales. The music video, with its vibrant, candy-themed aesthetic, went viral, amassing over a billion views on YouTube as of March 2022. The song's success was amplified by its popularity on social media platforms through memes and dance challenges. However, the collaboration was also steeped in controversy. Nicki Minaj received significant backlash for working with 6ix9ine, who had pleaded guilty to a felony count involving sexual activity with a child in 2015. This sparked widespread debate about the ethics of supporting controversial artists and the normalization of their actions within the music industry. Despite the criticism, "FEFE" cemented its place as one of the biggest hits of 2018 and remains a significant, albeit contentious, track in the discographies of both 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj.

The lyrics of "FEFE" are more direct than symbolic, but certain elements carry metaphorical weight.

• The 'Draco': The mention of the 'Draco,' a type of automatic firearm, symbolizes power, aggression, and a readiness for conflict. In the context of the chorus, "Draco got that kick-back," it's a metaphor for the powerful and often violent consequences of crossing the artists, reinforcing the theme of a dangerous, self-reliant lifestyle.
• Willy Wonka Imagery: The music video's aesthetic is heavily influenced by "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." This candy-coated, surreal world filled with giant lollipops and balloons creates a stark, ironic contrast with the song's aggressive and sexually explicit lyrics. This juxtaposition highlights a theme of twisted innocence and a childlike facade covering a much darker reality, which was particularly controversial given 6ix9ine's legal history involving a minor.
• Ice Cream: The recurring image of 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj sharing an ice cream cone, which is also depicted on the single's artwork, can be seen as a symbol of their playful but provocative chemistry. It simultaneously evokes a sense of childlike fun and a more adult, suggestive intimacy, blurring the lines between innocence and decadence.

The most significant recurring phrase in "FEFE" is the hook, "I don't really want no friends." This line is repeated multiple times by both 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj, serving as the song's central thesis. Its repetition drills home the theme of self-imposed isolation, distrust, and a preference for a solitary, guarded existence over forming meaningful connections. This motif is crucial to the song's structure and message, defining the artists' personas as independent and unapproachable. Another recurring element is the ad-lib "Scum Gang!", which was 6ix9ine's collective at the time. Its inclusion reinforces his brand and street affiliation. The producers' tag, "Murda on the beat so it's not nice!", is a recurring motif in Murda Beatz's work and opens the track, immediately setting a dark, high-quality production standard. Additionally, the playful but provocative imagery of sharing ice cream acts as a visual motif, appearing on the cover art and in the music video, symbolizing the song's blend of childlike aesthetics and adult themes.