Nicki Minaj Makes History, Earns Second Diamond Single with ‘Bang Bang’
Nicki Minaj has made history by earning her second diamond certification for the 2014 hit “Bang Bang,” featuring Jessie J and Ariana Grande. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) confirmed the milestone on Thursday (May 23), marking a significant achievement in Minaj’s illustrious career.
“Bang Bang” was initially released in July 2014 and achieved gold status (500,000 units sold) by October of the same year. Now, nearly a decade later, it has reached diamond status, signifying 10 million units sold, with each unit representing either one digital download or 150 on-demand audio or video streams.
This accolade makes “Bang Bang” Minaj’s second diamond-certified single, following “Super Bass.” Released in 2011, “Super Bass” went gold in November of its release year and was certified diamond on March 29, 2024.
In the realm of female rappers, only Cardi B surpasses Minaj in diamond certifications. Cardi B secured her third diamond single with “I Like It,” featuring Bad Bunny, in December 2021.
Meanwhile, Minaj’s ex, Safaree Samuels, recently expressed amusement over his appearance in the “Super Bass” music video. Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (May 21), Samuels humorously reflected on his dance moves in the video, saying, “Yo wat the hell was I doing in that super bass video,” accompanied by laughing emojis.
The attention on “Super Bass” comes as an AI-generated version of the song circulated online, which Minaj promptly criticized. In a viral tweet on Saturday (May 18), she commented on a disco-themed AI remix of the hit, stating, “I hate yall so bad for this,” leaving fans unsure if she was serious or sarcastic.
Minaj has been vocal about her disapproval of AI-generated art. Recently, she joined forces with Q-Tip, Chuck D, and other artists to campaign against the misuse of artificial intelligence in the music industry. An open letter from the Artists’ Rights Alliance emphasized the need to protect artists from the unauthorized use of their voices and likenesses by AI technology.
The letter reads, in part: “We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal artists’ voices and likenesses,” underscoring the growing concern among artists about the impact of AI on their creative rights.
