Nicki Minaj has made history once again as her 2011 smash hit “Super Bass” officially received Diamond certification from the RIAA. The track, which has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., earned this prestigious milestone a decade after its release. On November 9, 2021, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded Nicki a diamond plaque, marking another major accomplishment in her illustrious career.
Celebrating the Achievement
Nicki celebrated her Diamond-certified success by sharing a video on Instagram, proudly displaying her new plaque while “Super Bass” played in the background. In the post, she expressed gratitude to her labels — Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic Records — as well as Kane Beatz, the song’s producer, and Esther Dean, who co-wrote the song. Nicki also gave a special shoutout to Taylor Swift, whose endorsement of the track in its early days helped boost its popularity.
“#SuperBassDiamond Thank you for over a decade of support,” Nicki wrote. “#Barbz (special thanks to Ester Dean, Kane, Juice, Taylor Swift, Sofia Grace & Rosie, Ellen, Young Money/Cash Money & Republic).”
Joining Elite Company
With this achievement, Nicki Minaj becomes only the second female rapper to score a Diamond song. The first to do so was her former rival, Cardi B, whose 2017 hit “Bodak Yellow” went Diamond earlier in 2021. According to Chart Data, Nicki is now part of an exclusive group of rappers with solo Diamond-certified singles, which includes artists like Drake, Eminem, Kanye West, and Travis Scott.
The Journey of “Super Bass”
“Super Bass,” which appeared on the deluxe edition of Pink Friday, Nicki’s debut album, was released in April 2011 and became a defining moment in her career. The pop-infused track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Nicki’s highest-charting single at the time and propelling her to mainstream stardom.
A Legal Cloud
While Nicki basks in the success of her Diamond certification, she and her husband, Kenneth “Zoo” Petty, are currently involved in a legal dispute with Jennifer Hough, who has accused Petty of rape and claims the couple harassed her. Hough is suing the couple for $20 million, alleging they attempted to intimidate her into retracting her story. The case adds a complex layer to Nicki’s recent achievements, as the legal battle continues to unfold.
Nicki Minaj’s Diamond certification for “Super Bass” solidifies her status as one of the most influential and successful female rappers of all time.
