LOS ANGELES — Nicki Minaj has stirred up fresh controversy, reviving a long-dormant feud with rap mogul Jay-Z and taking sharp jabs at fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion all through a series of cryptic tweets.
The 41-year-old rapper, never shy of airing grievances publicly, lit up social media on Monday with posts linked to her educational charity, Student of the Game. While the tweets initially celebrated success, the message quickly took a pointed turn.
“We’ve calculated about 100-200MM so far,” Minaj wrote on X, formerly Twitter, referencing the charity’s fundraising. But it was her follow-up line that caught fire online: “#JayZ call me to settle this karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest.”
She added, “You still in my TOP 5 tho. Let’s get it nigga. And anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.”
The message, laced with humour but tinged with accusation, was widely interpreted as a swipe at Jay-Z over the disputed Tidal earnings from a nearly decade-old deal.
A Deal Gone Sour?
Back in 2015, Jay-Z launched the streaming platform Tidal with help from several music heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ye, J. Cole and Minaj herself. The artists were reportedly promised 3% equity in exchange for their endorsement and exclusive content.
In 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake in Tidal to Jack Dorsey’s company, Square, for $302 million. Based on the reported agreement, artists like Minaj were expected to receive about $9 million each. But according to fan claims amplified by Minaj’s tweets she allegedly received only $1 million.
Neither Jay-Z nor Tidal has publicly responded to the fresh accusations.
Minaj appeared to double down, suggesting she might use what she’s “owed” to cover student loans for fans. “Some of y’all going to college on his dime. I love that for you,” she quipped in another tweet.
Barbz Stand Behind Their Queen
Minaj’s loyal fanbase, the Barbz, quickly rallied. Many praised her transparency and slammed Jay-Z for what they see as a betrayal.
“She always looked out for her fans,” one user posted. “If Jay played her dirty, it’s time he makes it right.”
Others, however, called for caution. “We don’t know the full story,” one reply read. “This might be a joke or part of a bigger plan.”
Shade Thrown at Megan Thee Stallion
But Minaj didn’t stop there. Just a day before the Jay-Z comments, she shared a string of cryptic posts on X, including phrases like “Karma’s Law” and “God’s Punishment.” These came shortly after reports surfaced that a legal case involving Megan Thee Stallion and her former photographer would proceed.
Though Minaj didn’t name names, fans quickly connected the dots. For years, Minaj and Megan have had a strained relationship. It reportedly began with a personal falling-out rumours circulated about a heated dispute involving an alleged request that Minaj have an abortion.
Their fallout later spilled into music, with both artists releasing tracks seemingly aimed at one another.
The timing of Minaj’s latest remarks has drawn criticism. Some accused her of “kicking Megan while she’s down.” Others defended the rapper, insisting she was simply “speaking her truth.”
Unresolved Scores
Neither Jay-Z nor Megan Thee Stallion has responded to Minaj’s posts. But in an era where celebrity feuds often unfold online in real-time, fans and media alike are watching closely for the next move.
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