The long-standing rivalry between rappers Cardi B and Nicki Minaj has reignited on social media, sparking a series of intense exchanges. The renewed conflict follows reports of Minaj criticizing the sales performance of Cardi B's latest album, 'Am I the Drama?', which was released on September 19. The dispute quickly escalated, involving accusations and personal attacks from both artists.
Key Takeaways
- Nicki Minaj reportedly criticized Cardi B's album sales on X.
- Cardi B responded, urging Minaj to compare herself to peers like Rihanna and Taylor Swift.
- Minaj allegedly mocked Cardi B's appearance and lyrics.
- The dispute involved personal insults and family members.
- Minaj called for a boycott of companies associated with Cardi B.
Album Sales and Industry Comparisons Spark Conflict
The latest clash began after Nicki Minaj reportedly made remarks about the sales figures of Cardi B's new album, 'Am I the Drama?'. These comments, shared in a series of now-deleted posts on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that Cardi B might have inflated her album's sales. This accusation quickly drew a response from Cardi B.
Cardi B used her own X account to address Minaj's comments directly. She posted,
"Nothing more annoying than a bored (expletive). You must've missed me, huh crazy?? Now kiss my feet."
In subsequent posts, Cardi B questioned Minaj's focus on her album. She stated, "You been in the game like 16 years.. you need to compare yourself to YOUR peers that started around YOUR time." She specifically mentioned artists such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Drake, suggesting these were the figures Minaj should be competing against. Cardi B emphasized that Minaj's current performance was "doing lower than all of them."
Fact Check
Nicki Minaj has been a prominent figure in the music industry for approximately 16 years, with her debut album 'Pink Friday' released in 2010. Cardi B's debut album 'Invasion of Privacy' was released in 2018.
Past Confrontations and Escalating Tensions
This is not the first time the two rappers have engaged in public disputes. Their rivalry dates back several years, with notable incidents occurring in the past. One of the most prominent was during New York Fashion Week in 2018.
During that event, Cardi B reportedly attempted to confront Minaj at a party. Security personnel intervened to prevent a physical altercation. Video footage circulated widely on social media at the time, showing Cardi B lunging towards someone before being escorted out of the venue. This incident marked a significant moment in their ongoing feud.
Background on the Feud
The public feud between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj has been a recurring topic in the rap world. It often involves lyrical jabs, social media comments, and direct confrontations. The rivalry highlights competitive aspects within the music industry, particularly among high-profile female artists.
Minaj's Allegations and Personal Attacks
According to screenshots published by Complex, Nicki Minaj posted several critical remarks about Cardi B on X. One post allegedly claimed that Cardi B had undergone surgery to look like Minaj. Minaj reportedly wrote,
"Fallin off the charts wit a big bellyyyy / RUNNING TRAINS. Barefoot, still smellyyyyy / Still. You. Could. Not. outsell. meeeeee."
Minaj also reportedly targeted a specific lyric from Cardi B's new track "Magnet." The lyric in question was "A-B-C-D-E-F-G / these [expletive] can't [expletive] with me." Minaj's alleged response on X was, "Abcdefgeeeeeeee. SUR GER REE TO LOOK LIKE MEEEEE." Cardi B countered by suggesting Minaj was intensely streaming her song, writing, "she was streaming Magnet hard as hell huh??"
The exchange intensified, with both artists reportedly involving their family members, including parents and children, in their verbal attacks. This marked a new level of personal animosity in their public dispute.
Cardi B Calls for Help, Minaj Urges Boycott
The online debate continued into October 1. Cardi B issued what she described as a final response, suggesting that Minaj needed professional help. She posted,
"YOU NEED TO GET HELP!! You need to heal that trauma.. you always coming at people everytime you see them happy because you got so much trauma and pain that you wanna put on others."
Cardi B also stated her refusal to jeopardize her career and endorsements by continuing the back-and-forth. She referred to Minaj as a "possessed drug addict" during this part of the exchange, indicating a significant breakdown in their relationship.
In response, Nicki Minaj reportedly called on her fans to boycott companies associated with Cardi B. She wrote,
"We will boycott every company attached to her. Just like we did with BET."Minaj referenced her withdrawal from a 2019 BET performance after the network posted a critical tweet about her following Cardi B's win for Best Rap Album for 'Invasion of Privacy.'
Minaj further stated, "Every company that enabled her disgusting remarks about children & other marginalized groups FOR YEARS you have 3 days to cut ties. That is it. That is all. Enjoy your day. We have the receipts." She concluded with a warning: "And if you are still underestimating my influence, try me."
Minaj's History of Public Feuds
This recent conflict with Cardi B is part of a pattern for Nicki Minaj, who has a history of public disputes with other artists. She has engaged in arguments with figures like Megan Thee Stallion and SZA.
Dispute with SZA
On July 15, Minaj publicly aired grievances with Grammy-winning singer SZA. Minaj reportedly criticized SZA's music, popularity, and appearance. She claimed she was being bullied by SZA's manager and Top Dawg Entertainment label president, Terrence "Punch" Henderson. Minaj also commented on SZA's decision to release a deluxe album, 'LANA,' as a continuation of her 2022 'SOS' record.
Minaj wrote that SZA "put out a whole new album as a deluxe to an already existing album that was out for like a year or 2 so the original album could break records. Like what in the insecure lack of morals & integrity you doing?"
SZA responded with alleged text message screenshots, stating, "Nicki . You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you've asked for features twice to no response." She added, "Lol ur having a moment ..im not sure why but be blessed."
Feud with Megan Thee Stallion
Last year, Minaj also had a highly publicized feud with Megan Thee Stallion, her collaborator on "Hot Girl Summer." Megan Thee Stallion released a diss track titled "Hiss." This track allegedly targeted Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty. One lyric reportedly referenced Megan’s Law, a sex offender registry law. Kenneth Petty was convicted of attempted first-degree rape in 1995. Minaj's brother, Jelani Maraj, is also a registered sex offender.
Minaj then released her own diss track, "Big Foot." This track allegedly referenced the death of Megan Thee Stallion’s mother, Holly Thomas. It also reportedly mentioned Megan's injuries from a shooting incident in July 2020, involving rapper Tory Lanez.