Released: 2018 • Features: Nicki Minaj, Murda Beatz
“FEFE” by 6ix9ine, featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz, is, at its core, a gritty no-friends-needed anthem showcasing hedonistic pursuits and a refusal to adhere to societal norms. Bursting with typical street lyricism, the song veers into explicit sexuality, while also donning an unapologetic persona of individualism and self-sufficiency.
The opening verse by 6ix9ine etches a hypersexual scenario with a girl named Keke, a term of endearment in the hip-hop community. As he brags about his sexual exploits, he makes it clear that he isn’t looking for relationships, referencing the famous line “I don’t really want no friends.” This might reflect his on-again, off-again relationship with the public and press, drawing a line between being a lover and a fighter in an aggressive rap game.
The chorus underscored with a ‘Draco,’ a type of automatic firearm popular in hip-hop for its destructive power, signifies a display of power and resistance against enemies. The notion of living this cutthroat life echoes the harsh reality of street life, where loyalty is scarce and danger is a given.
Nicki Minaj steps in for the second verse, flaunting her sexuality along with clever plays on words like “he tryna 69 like Tekashi,” referencing both the sexual position and 6ix9ine’s stage name. The reference to “A$AP” and “Rocky” can be seen as a shout out to fellow rapper A$AP Rocky, from NYC like both Nicki and 6ix9ine. Her verse concludes with a sassy rhetorical question implying her superiority over her male counterparts.
The third verse sees 6ix9ine back in the driver’s seat with an indirect reference to the game of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” reflecting the arbitrary and unpredictable nature of street life. The phrase “My old hoe just bought this Benz, Nicki just hopped in this shit, Now I won’t see that bitch again” embodies his reckless abandon of old lovers, a thematic staple in his discography.
The song then concludes with the reiteration of the chorus, reestablishing the focus on 6ix9ine and Nicki’s independence and disdain for unnecessary friendships. The end shouts “Scum Gang!”, a reference to an earlier collective 6ix9ine was a part of, embodying his path of shifting alliances.
With “FEFE,” 6ix9ine, Nicki Minaj, and Murda Beatz craft a high-energy exhibition of unwavering self-assurance and hedonistic indulgence, all backed by a thumping beat. It’s no wonder the track drew streams in the millions.
