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 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 predominant emotional tone of "FEFE" is a mix of defiant bravado and playful hedonism. The song creates an atmosphere of unapologetic self-indulgence and confidence. This is achieved through the combination of a laid-back, melodic trap beat and the boastful, sexually explicit lyrics from both 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj. 6ix9ine's delivery, a departure from his typical aggressive screaming, is more subdued and melodic, which lends a nonchalant, almost dismissive feel to his verses about casual sex and violence. Nicki Minaj's verse elevates the track's confident and sassy tone, with her powerful delivery and clever wordplay exuding a sense of control and superiority. While the overall mood is upbeat and catchy, there is an undercurrent of aggression and defiance, particularly in the recurring line "I don't really want no friends" and the references to firearms. This creates a complex emotional landscape that is simultaneously celebratory and confrontational, reflecting a persona that is both enjoying the spoils of fame and constantly on guard against perceived enemies.

"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 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.

What is the meaning of the song title 'FEFE'?

The term 'FEFE' is slang with multiple meanings. It can refer to a pretty girl or be used to describe something as fake. In a more explicit context, particularly in prison slang, it can refer to a makeshift sex doll, which aligns with the song's explicit lyrical content.

When was 'FEFE' by 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj released?

'FEFE' was officially released as a single on July 22, 2018. It served as the second single from 6ix9ine's debut album, 'Dummy Boy' (2018), and was also added to Nicki Minaj's album 'Queen' (2018).

Who produced the beat for 'FEFE'?

The song was produced by Canadian record producer Murda Beatz, who is also a featured artist on the track, along with the German production duo Cubeatz. Murda Beatz originally created the beat for Drake, who did not end up using it.

How did 'FEFE' perform on the music charts?

'FEFE' was a huge commercial success. It debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and later peaked at number three. The song was certified 8x platinum by the RIAA, making it one of 6ix9ine's best-selling singles.

What is the controversy surrounding Nicki Minaj's collaboration on 'FEFE'?

Nicki Minaj faced significant criticism for collaborating with 6ix9ine due to his 2015 guilty plea on a felony charge of using a child in a sexual performance. Critics and fellow artists, like Azealia Banks, argued that her collaboration normalized and supported a convicted sex offender.

What is the music video for 'FEFE' like?

The music video is known for its bright, colorful, and whimsical aesthetic, likened to a 'Willy Wonka's chocolate factory'. It features 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj in a world of giant lollipops and balloons, playing patty-cake and sharing ice cream, creating a controversial contrast with the song's explicit themes.

What does the lyric 'I don't really want no friends' mean in 'FEFE'?

This recurring line is the song's central theme, expressing a deep-seated distrust and a preference for isolation. It reflects a persona that is self-reliant and wary of betrayal, suggesting that in their world of fame and street life, genuine friendships are scarce and dangerous.