Tensions flared on social media Tuesday night as rap superstar Nicki Minaj and R&B sensation SZA found themselves at the center of a heated online feud that has since ignited widespread discussion among fans and industry observers alike.
What began as a pointed rant from Minaj toward TDE President Punch whom she accused of bullying quickly spiraled into an all-out digital clash after SZA appeared to weigh in with a cryptic tweet. Though SZA later clarified that her post wasn’t aimed at anyone in particular, Minaj interpreted the message as a veiled jab, triggering a wave of insults directed squarely at the SOS hitmaker.
Minaj didn’t hold back. In a series of now-viral tweets, the Anaconda rapper harshly criticized SZA’s appearance and vocal ability, saying she’s “ugly” and sounds like “a f**king dead frog.” The verbal attack shocked many, as SZA is known for keeping a relatively low profile and avoiding celebrity feuds.
SZA, however, responded with restraint. She maintained that her post was general and not targeted, telling fans she wasn’t bothered by Minaj’s outburst. But despite her clarification, Minaj continued to escalate the situation, shifting the focus toward her career accomplishments.
Doubling down, Minaj made bold claims about her global success compared to SZA’s, dismissing the singer’s impact on the music industry and asserting her dominance as a chart-topping artist with international recognition.
In one of the most explosive tweets of the night, Minaj wrote:
“Wait. Does SZA think she’s more successful than me? Lol y’all catch me up pls. SZA, if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now, the music business wouldn’t even miss you. I’ve been to countries that never heard of you. I know you’re not that stupid, are you?”
She followed with further jabs at SZA’s performance credentials:
“Stadiums? Did you look at the venues I played on my own headlined festival tour out of the country last year? B*tch, have you ever headlined to 80K ppl? Btch, what have you ever done besides yodel with auto-tune that needed retuning? Boo, I’m an icon. You’re not. The end.”
Minaj even brought up her longstanding issues with TDE, referencing what she described as harassment from SZA’s label executive and questioning the singer’s silence on the matter:
“Pay that man for almost breaking his back. Why didn’t u speak up when your exec was bullying & harassing me, ya dirty mangy cunt?”
The feud has since taken over X with fanbases clashing in defense of their faves. While Nicki Minaj has long been known for her confrontational style and unapologetic confidence, many fans expressed disappointment over the level of hostility in her posts. Others defended her as standing her ground amid industry tensions.
SZA, who is still riding high off the success of her SOS album, has not continued the exchange, maintaining her composure as the online firestorm rages on.
As of now, neither TDE nor Punch has officially responded to the claims. Still, the public spectacle has once again reignited conversations about women in the music industry, online fan culture, and how quickly disputes can spiral in the age of social media.