The Growing Feud Between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion
In August 2019, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion collaborated on the hit song “Hot Girl Summer”. At the time, Megan often spoke about how much she admired Minaj, citing her as an inspiration since she was in 8th grade. The two rappers seemed supportive of each other. However, tensions started growing behind the scenes at some point after that. Fans began noticing signs of subtle digs in lyrics and social media unfollows. While the exact origins are unclear, many speculate the rivalry began when Megan collaborated with Minaj’s longtime nemesis Cardi B on the smash hit “WAP” in 2020.
Subtle Social Media Sparring
In late 2020 and early 2021, fans observed Nicki unfollowing Megan on Instagram. Around the same time, Megan was praising Cardi B on social media following their “WAP” success. This fueled rumors that Megan was distancing herself from Minaj. Then in September 2022, during her Queen Radio show, Minaj told a story about an unnamed female rapper who she felt she had supported, then later felt betrayed by. Though she did not reference anyone by name, many fans speculated she was referring to Megan. When a fan asked Megan about Minaj’s comments, she simply tweeted “LIE” in response.
Song Lyrics Take Aim
By early 2023, both Nicki and Megan were releasing songs with lyrics that seemed to take clear aim at each other. In March, Minaj dropped “Red Ruby Da Sleeze” which included a line about “700 on ’em horses” possibly referring to Megan’s endorsements being pulled after abuse allegations surfaced against Tory Lanez. It also referenced Lanez shooting Megan in the foot in 2020 with the lyric “That .40 cal a make ’em dance like a go-go”.
Then on January 26th, 2023, Megan released “Hiss” which opens with the line “I want to get this s*** off my chest and lay it to rest”.
It also includes a reference to “Megan’s Law”, the law requiring registered sex offenders to make their information public – a clear dig at Minaj’s husband Kenneth Petty and his status as a registered sex offender.
Minaj Fires Back with “Big Foot”
Just hours after “Hiss” was released, Minaj previewed her response diss track “Big Foot” on social media. She released the full track January 29th.
Full lyrics included jabs at:
- Megan’s shooting
- Cheating accusations against Megan’s ex Pardison Fontaine
- References to Megan’s late mother
The cover art for “Big Foot” showed a boot stepping into a larger pink footprint, alongside Megan’s distressed face. This seemed to mock Megan’s height and foot injury.
It includes scathing lyrics like “Bad b***h, she like six foot, I call her Big Foot” making fun of Megan’s height along with comments about her late mother, her shooting, and her breakup with Pardison Fontaine. Minaj also accuses Megan of lying about details related to the 2020 shooting incident with Tory Lanez. The song repeats the taunting line “Lyin’ on your dead mama” several times.
No End in Sight for the Beef
While Megan and Minaj were once supportive allies, they are now embroiled in a heated and increasingly public feud trading lyrical blows at one another. Minaj hinted that there may be a “part two” to her diss track coming soon. Megan, meanwhile, has been heavily promoting “Hiss” across social media without directly addressing the drama. As of now, the beef shows no signs of cooling off anytime soon.