What happened to Nicki Minaj and SZA? Feud explained

‎Tensions between two of music’s most influential women, SZA and Nicki Minaj, erupted online this week, sparking widespread buzz across the entertainment world. The feud unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) after Minaj posted a series of fiery comments, launching accusations and personal insults aimed at the Grammy-winning singer.

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‎SZA and Nicki Minaj ignite a public feud as cryptic posts and pointed jabs turn personal, sparking debate across the music industry and social media.

‎Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation; Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Image

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‎The dispute began after Nicki Minaj directed a pointed message at Punch, a key figure at Top Dawg Entertainment—the label representing SZA. Minaj accused the executive of publicly harassing her on social media. “So glad I have proof of being bullied by AND being lied on by a man PUBLICLY,” Minaj wrote on July 15, referencing repeated rejections of what she described as unwanted business propositions. Punch has not responded publicly to the claims.

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‎Shortly after Minaj’s statements, SZA published a cryptic post that read, “Mercury retrograde… don’t take the bait lol silly goose.” Though SZA did not name Minaj, the rapper fired back with a biting reply: “Go draw your freckles back on bookie.” This remark quickly ignited speculation among fans and observers that Minaj was accusing SZA of subtweeting.

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‎The situation escalated rapidly as Minaj continued to post disparaging messages targeting SZA’s appearance. One particularly controversial post mocked the singer with the words, “B---h looking & sounding like she got stung by a f--king bee… Draws on my fake freckles.”

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‎Criticism did not stop at personal insults. Minaj also challenged the legitimacy of SZA’s recent musical achievements, particularly the chart-topping success of her 2022 album SOS. The project, which recently reached 9x Platinum status, made SZA the only Black artist to remain in the Billboard 200’s Top 10 for over 80 weeks—surpassing even Michael Jackson. Minaj dismissed the milestone, accusing SZA of manipulating the charts by releasing an extended deluxe version of the album. “Like what in the insecure lack of morals & integrity you doing? I thought she was like a real artist? Girl bye,” Minaj wrote.

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‎Though SZA refrained from directly addressing Minaj’s remarks, she offered a forceful response to fans warning her of backlash from Minaj’s devoted fanbase, the Barbz. In a confident post, SZA wrote, “I get bullied by millions online every day then step my ass out onna packed stadium tour where ppl show me REAL love. IN REAL LIFE. My parents are healthy and I’m the most successful I ever been. GET SOME F--KING PERSPECTIVE n BARK AT THE WALL!!!”