In a turn of events that no one saw coming, rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, who was formerly in prison on multiple charges due to gang-related crimes, has entered an internet feud with Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. To give some context, Grande and Bieber released charity single “Stuck With U” on May 8th, a cute song aimed at putting a positive spin on quarantine. Needless to say, the song, which was accompanied by an equally adorable music video (which also served as the debut appearance of Grande’s new boyfriend), was an instant hit. Coincidentally, 6ix9ine also released “Gooba,” his newest single since his incarceration, on the same day, with the music video breaking a record previously held by Eminem for most-viewed hip-hop video in 24 hours. Two very different songs from very different artists, so it seems like there wouldn’t be a problem here. But, according to 6ix9ine, who is notorious for being controversial and aggressive online, Bieber and Grande stole the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 from him.
In a very angry Instagram live video on Monday that garnered over 9 million views, the rapper spoke out against the duo’s song holding the No.1 spot on the Billboard chart.
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He said, “You can buy No.1s on Billboard… It’s all manipulated.” Interesting conspiracy to say the least, but not totally insane so far. That is, until the rapper went as far to say that Grande’s team bought 60,000 units of her single with different credit cards, basically saying they have no rightful claim to the number one spot. But somehow he does?
Since then, Billboard, Bieber, and Grande have all clapped back, debunking his claims and explaining that all the sales were legitimate and purchased by their fans. Billboard went as far as to release a lengthy statement explaining the numbers and process that goes into determining the Hot 100. Grande indirectly asked the rapper to “humble himself” in an Instagram post, and stop trying to tear down successful women. Bieber defended her as well, mentioning how thankful he was to have worked with her to raise money for The First Responder’s Children’s Foundation, which was the charity that the net proceeds from the song were donated to.
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Of course, 6ix9ine HAD to have the last word on the situation by dedicating an Instagram post to Grande, claiming she doesn’t know what humble really means and that he is using his platform to speak for underprivileged Americans. Fighting about something as trivial as the number one spot on a chart in the midst of a global pandemic doesn’t really appear to be benefitting the marginalized, but whatever helps him sleep at night I guess.
