Ice Spice has a smash hit on her hands with “Princess Diana” — but the remix featuring Nicki Minaj has some fans crying foul over its potential chart position.
On Wednesday (April 19), several Twitter accounts began posting what they’re calling video proof of RiotUSA — the producer of the “Princess Diana” remix — offering money to fans to purchase the track on social media.
“which big munchkin acc or barb acc can i trust to distribute funds for y’all to buy princess diana??” the since-deleted alleged tweet read.
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It’s unclear whether RiotUSA made the tweet in the first place — or whether he was joking around when he wrote it — but one Twitter account claimed to have reported him to Billboard and to “reach out to the director of the Hot 100.”
Another account also claimed to reach out to RiotUSA directly, inquiring about the promised funds, and promising to buy all versions of the song when paid for their trouble.
Here you go! 😊 pic.twitter.com/x9JJzGrSeL
— Girly Teengirl (@cj_bria) April 19, 2023
The official credited writer & producer on “Princess Diana Remix” @riotusa_ was caught offering money to fans in a now-deleted tweet! 👀📢
At what point will you take action? @billboardcharts@billboardpic.twitter.com/4p35ShNx3Q
— MAD? HURT? ™ (@cardisbirkin) April 19, 2023
the director of the Hot 100 will be notified 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/NytAU9bLC1
— jay (@dojajay) April 19, 2023
😭 waiting to get paid so i can buy all versions on both websites ✋✋
— Julieaux (@JuIieaux) April 19, 2023
Billboard‘s new model of tracking for chart purposes places more priority on a purchased song than on a streamed song, which may explain why RiotUSA was allegedly encouraging fans to purchase the track.
However, fans won’t know until sometime next week whether the plan to purchase the single en masse affected the chart ratings, if at all.
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Released on Tuesday (April 18), the New York natives’ new project includes four alternate versions of Ice Spice’s popular track, including one titled “Extendo Clip.”
The four remixes maintain the original’s energetic beat while bringing their own flavor, texture, and influence to the work.
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The remix of the Like…? single comes after Ice Spice was shouted out by the Pinkprint rapper after she appeared on the cover of Dazed magazine.
“GAG!!! ‘The people’s PRINCESS.’ Catch it!!!” Nicki wrote at the time. She also quoted Ice Spice’s “Princess Diana” lyrics back to her in the comments, making the link-up very fitting.
The Bronx-bred rapper dropped the accompanying raunchy visual featuring Nicki Minaj on April 14.
The music video sees both rappers donning an entirely pink wardrobe as they get up close and personal with one another in a Barbie-inspired bedroom. At one point, Nicki grabs Ice Spice’s derrière, after the Bronx rapper slapped on hers earlier in the clip.
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“Princess Diana” is the latest single off Ice Spice’s debut EP to get the visual treatment. Spice had previously dropped off the visual for “In Ha Mood” in March.
