Nicki Minaj & Eminem’s ‘Roman’s Revenge’ Hits 2× Platinum in the US After nearly 15 year

More than a decade after its explosive debut, Nicki Minaj and Eminem’s collaboration “Roman’s Revenge” is once again in the spotlight. The track, originally released in 2010 as part of Minaj’s debut album Pink Friday, has now surpassed two million sales in the United States. According to ChartData, this milestone places the song in double platinum territory, sparking speculation that an updated RIAA certification may be on the way.

For fans of both artists, this achievement is more than just numbers. It highlights the lasting cultural impact of a song that brought together two of rap’s most dynamic alter egos—Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady—in one of the most memorable collaborations of the past decade.

The Origins of “Roman’s Revenge”

When Nicki Minaj was preparing for the release of Pink Friday, she sought to establish herself as a dominant force in hip hop. One way to do that was by creating a track that showcased her bold alter ego, Roman Zolanski, a persona that embodied aggression, eccentricity, and lyrical sharpness.

“Roman’s Revenge” was produced by Swizz Beatz and strategically released as a promotional cut on October 30, 2010, just ahead of the album. The track immediately captured attention—not only because of Minaj’s fierce delivery but also because of the surprise feature from Eminem, whose own alter ego, Slim Shady, was legendary for pushing boundaries.

This meeting of characters created a fiery back-and-forth dynamic that felt like two theatrical performances wrapped inside a rap battle. The collaboration wasn’t just about two rappers trading verses—it was about two personas colliding in spectacular fashion.

How Eminem Joined the Track

Interestingly, Nicki Minaj almost didn’t get Eminem for this record. In an interview with MTV News, Minaj revealed that she had originally sent Eminem a different track for collaboration. His response was honest but not dismissive: he wanted something that felt “a little more me.”

Instead of being discouraged, Minaj crafted “Roman’s Revenge,” a track that played to Eminem’s darker, more aggressive side. It turned out to be the perfect fit. Eminem stepped in as Slim Shady, bringing his signature unfiltered intensity, while Minaj unleashed Roman Zolanski in all his outrageous glory.

The result was a high-energy, combative track that instantly resonated with fans of both artists. It showed Minaj’s fearlessness in standing alongside a rap giant and cemented her status as a serious contender in the hip hop world.

Critical and Fan Reception

Upon release, “Roman’s Revenge” was praised for its sheer audacity. Critics noted that Minaj had managed to hold her own against one of the fiercest lyricists in the game, while fans celebrated the wild chemistry between her Roman persona and Eminem’s Slim Shady.

The track quickly became a fan-favorite milestone in Minaj’s catalog. For Eminem supporters, it was another reminder of his ability to elevate collaborations with unpredictable, explosive energy. Together, they created a song that continues to be revisited over a decade later.

Even today, “Roman’s Revenge” is often cited in discussions about Nicki Minaj’s best verses and Eminem’s most unhinged features. The track occupies a special place in hip hop history as a moment where two alter egos clashed and created something unforgettable.

Sales Milestone: Eligible for 2× Platinum

The latest update from ChartData reveals that “Roman’s Revenge” has now sold over two million units in the United States. This achievement makes it eligible for a 2× Platinum certification by the RIAA.

So far, the track’s only official recognition has been a Gold certification from ARIA in Australia, but with numbers climbing in the US, industry watchers believe it’s only a matter of time before the RIAA updates its certification.

This milestone is particularly impressive considering that the song was originally released as a promotional cut rather than a main single. Its longevity and sales performance speak to the strong fan base of both Minaj and Eminem, as well as the enduring appeal of their collaboration.

Why “Roman’s Revenge” Still Matters Today

In the years since its release, Nicki Minaj has continued to dominate the rap industry, and Eminem has maintained his place as one of the most influential rappers of all time. Yet “Roman’s Revenge” stands out as a defining collaboration that showcases both artists at their rawest.

• For Nicki Minaj, the track was a statement of intent. It introduced her Roman Zolanski persona to a wider audience and proved she could hold her ground against one of rap’s fiercest lyricists.

• For Eminem, it was a chance to revisit Slim Shady in all his chaotic glory, trading verses with someone who could match his energy.

• For fans, it remains an iconic moment of hip hop theater—a song that feels as wild today as it did in 2010.

Its eligibility for double platinum status shows that, even after more than a decade, the track continues to resonate with listeners.

The Legacy of Alter Egos in Hip Hop

One reason “Roman’s Revenge” works so well is its use of alter egos. In hip hop, alter egos often allow artists to explore themes, emotions, and styles that might not fit within their primary persona.

• Roman Zolanski, Nicki Minaj’s flamboyant and unpredictable alter ego, gave her the freedom to push boundaries and experiment with more extreme performances.

• Slim Shady, Eminem’s notorious alter ego, had already become a household name by the time of this collaboration, known for his brutal honesty and outrageous bars.

When these two characters came together, the result was theatrical, aggressive, and unforgettable. It wasn’t just Nicki Minaj and Eminem rapping—it was Roman and Slim Shady battling it out. This theatricality added another layer of depth to the song and made it stand apart from typical collaborations.

Looking Ahead: Will the RIAA Update the Certification?

With “Roman’s Revenge” now surpassing two million sales in the US, fans and industry insiders are eager to see if the RIAA will grant an updated certification. While the organization sometimes takes time to confirm and update its awards, double platinum status seems inevitable given the numbers.

For Minaj, it would be yet another accolade in a career full of milestones. For Eminem, it would be an additional recognition of his enduring relevance across decades. And for both, it would cement “Roman’s Revenge” as not just a fan-favorite, but a certified commercial success.

Conclusion: A Milestone Worth Celebrating

“Roman’s Revenge” was never just another track. It was a daring collaboration between two powerhouse artists, each unleashing their alter egos in a theatrical lyrical showdown. More than ten years later, its rise to 2× Platinum eligibility in the US proves that the song’s energy and impact have not faded.

For Nicki Minaj, it solidified her place in hip hop history. For Eminem, it was a reminder of Slim Shady’s enduring power. Together, they created a track that fans continue to stream, buy, and celebrate, keeping it alive long after its original release.

As the industry awaits official recognition from the RIAA, one thing is clear: Nicki Minaj and Eminem’s “Roman’s Revenge” remains one of the most iconic collaborations in modern rap—and now, it has the numbers to back it up.