The rap world was rocked when two of its biggest female stars, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, went from collaborators to rivals. Fans who once enjoyed their joint hit “Hot Girl Summer” in 2019 were left wondering: How did Megan and Nicki beef start? Let’s dive into the timeline and the key moments that sparked this high-profile feud.
From Collaboration to Conflict: The Early Days
Back in 2019, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj seemed like a powerful duo. Their collaboration on “Hot Girl Summer” was a celebration of female empowerment and fun, and Megan openly admired Nicki as an idol in the music industry. At this point, there was no public sign of tension between them.
The Catalyst: Megan’s Collaboration with Cardi B
The turning point came in August 2020 when Megan teamed up with Cardi B for the smash hit “WAP.” This collaboration was historic, becoming the first female rap collaboration to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. However, Cardi B and Nicki Minaj have a long-standing, very public feud. Megan working with Cardi was seen by many as a provocative move that rubbed Nicki the wrong way.
Megan, however, has stated she didn’t feel the need to get Nicki’s approval before collaborating with Cardi. She emphasized her freedom as an artist to work with whomever she chooses, regardless of personal relationships or existing rivalries.
The Subtle Shots and Social Media Fallout
Following the “WAP” collaboration, the tension between Megan and Nicki simmered beneath the surface. Fans noticed subtle shots exchanged in songs, interviews, and social media posts, but nothing was explicitly confirmed. The situation escalated in January 2021 when Nicki Minaj unfollowed Megan on Instagram-a clear sign that their relationship had soured. Megan later unfollowed Nicki as well, confirming the rift.
The “HISS” Single: The Beef Goes Public
In January 2024, Megan released a new single titled “HISS,” which contained lyrics that many interpreted as disses directed at Nicki Minaj. One particularly pointed line, “These hoes don’t be mad at Megan, these hoes mad at Megan’s Law,” was widely seen as a jab at Nicki’s husband, Kenneth Petty, who had legal troubles related to failing to register as a sex offender.
Nicki took this lyric personally, and the feud became official and public. She responded with her own fiery track “Big Foot,” which was a direct and aggressive reply to Megan’s “HISS.” Unlike Megan’s cryptic approach, Nicki’s response was explicit and confrontational, escalating the feud to new heights.
Megan’s Perspective: Confusion and Clarity
Despite the public back-and-forth, Megan Thee Stallion has expressed confusion about the root of the beef. In interviews, she has stated that she still doesn’t know what the problem is or what could be reconciled because the issues were never clearly communicated to her. She maintains that her artistic choices should not have been grounds for conflict and seems to desire peace, or at least clarity, in the situation.
The Bigger Picture: Rap Rivalries and Industry Dynamics
Nicki Minaj has a history of feuds with other artists, most notably Cardi B, which set a complicated backdrop for Megan’s involvement. Megan’s collaboration with Cardi B inadvertently placed her in the middle of an ongoing rivalry. This context helps explain why the Megan-Nicki beef gained so much attention and why it escalated quickly once public disses were exchanged.
Summary of Key Moments
– 2019: Megan and Nicki collaborate on “Hot Girl Summer,” with no signs of conflict.
– August 2020: Megan collaborates with Cardi B on “WAP,” sparking tension due to Cardi and Nicki’s feud.
– January 2021: Nicki unfollows Megan on Instagram, signaling a fallout.
– January 2024: Megan releases “HISS,” containing lyrics perceived as disses toward Nicki and her husband.
– Shortly after: Nicki responds with “Big Foot,” escalating the feud publicly.
– Megan’s stance: She remains confused about the beef’s origins and desires clarity.
The Megan and Nicki beef is a complex mix of personal, professional, and industry dynamics. While fans watch the drama unfold, both artists continue to make waves in music, showing that even rivalries can fuel creativity and conversation in hip-hop culture.
The feud reminds us that in the fast-paced world of rap, collaborations, alliances, and conflicts often intertwine, shaping the stories behind the music we love.