The public feud between Nicki Minaj and SZA erupted on July 15, 2025, primarily on X, sparked by a series of misunderstandings and escalating social media exchanges.
The conflict began when Nicki Minaj posted on X, targeting Terrence “Punch” Henderson, president of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), SZA’s label. Minaj accused Henderson of “bullying” her online since 2012, claiming she had “receipts” and referring to him with derogatory nicknames like “Minus 30 million” and “Tiny D–k Executive.”
She also used hashtags like #JusticeForDemoree, referencing Demoree Hadley, daughter of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, who filed a lawsuit alleging her mother had her wrongfully institutionalized. Minaj has been vocal about her issues with Roc Nation, tying this into her grievances.
Shortly after Minaj’s posts, at around 3:20 PM on July 15, SZA, who was managed by Henderson until December 2024, posted on X:
“Mercury retrograde .. don’t take the bait lol silly goose.” SZA was in Europe, having just finished a performance on the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar at Paris La Défense Arena.
She later clarified that her tweet was not about Minaj, as she was simply reflecting on the astrological phenomenon (though fact-checking revealed Mercury retrograde was not occurring at the time but was set to begin on July 18). However, Minaj interpreted SZA’s post as a subtle jab, triggering a rapid escalation.
Minaj responded directly to SZA’s tweet, unleashing a series of personal attacks. She told SZA to “draw your freckles back on,” called her a “liar,” and said she sounded “like a fkng dead dog.” Minaj continued with over a dozen posts, mocking SZA’s appearance (e.g., “looking & sounding like she got stung by a f–king bee”), her singing voice, and her career achievements.
She claimed SZA’s music would not be missed if it “vanished” and questioned her success, stating,
“I’ve been to countries that never heard of you.” Minaj also criticized SZA’s 2024 album SOS Deluxe: Lana, alleging it was released to inflate streaming numbers for the original SOS to break records, calling it a sign of “insecure lack of morals & integrity.”
SZA initially responded with restraint, writing,
“I don’t give a f–k bout none of that weird s–t you popping,” and clarified that her retrograde tweet was unrelated to Minaj, stating, “I wasn’t even talking about or to anyone I had just got off stage talkin bout retrograde.” She emphasized her focus on her successful tour, noting, “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!!!”
SZA highlighted her SOS Tour grossing $100 million, placing her among elite Black women artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna.
On July 16, as Minaj continued her attacks, SZA escalated her response by sharing a screenshot of alleged texts from Minaj’s team requesting a feature in 2020, which SZA declined because she was in “album mode.”
SZA pointed out Minaj’s familiarity with her work, noting she co-wrote Minaj’s 2014 song “Feeling Myself” with Beyoncé and that Minaj had requested collaborations twice. SZA wrote,
“You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response,” adding a subtle jab: “Lol ur having a moment .. im not sure why but be blessed.”
Minaj doubled down, reposting old SZA tweets that criticized Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, and Ciara, accusing her of being a “fake girl’s girl” who secretly hated other artists. She also shared a 2018 Met Gala video showing Rihanna seemingly ignoring SZA, implying SZA was desperate for attention. Minaj further mocked SZA’s alter ego references and claimed fans left SZA’s tour performances to see Kendrick Lamar, though no evidence supports this.
On July 16, TDE’s Punch spoke on The Breakfast Club, expressing confusion over Minaj’s hostility. He confirmed that Minaj reached out for a SZA feature in 2020, which didn’t materialize due to SZA’s focus on her album. Punch stated he and Minaj never spoke again after that, and he was unaware of any bullying, suggesting the feud stemmed from a misunderstanding. Some X users, particularly Minaj’s fans (the Barbz), criticized Punch, alleging he had a history of business disputes with Minaj, though no specific evidence of this was widely reported.
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The feud ties into Minaj’s ongoing narrative of feeling marginalized by the music industry, particularly by Roc Nation and Jay-Z. She recently criticized Jay-Z over the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show selection of Kendrick Lamar over Lil Wayne, framing it as industry favoritism “‘coincidentally’ came on twitter talking about ‘not taking bait’ and a ‘retrograde’ that’s not even happening…after not tweeting since june…until nicki spoke out about her manager who’s been harassing nicki since literally 2012…” Minaj’s posts also referenced a failed business proposition from Henderson, though she provided no specifics.
SZA, known for avoiding public drama, tried to de-escalate, ending her posts with, “Lmao lemme go back to being calm shy and meek. Yall have blessed night! See you tomorrow for night 2 Paris!!” However, Minaj’s relentless posts, amplified by the Barbz, kept the feud alive, with additional commentary from figures like Azealia Banks, who praised Minaj’s responses as “five stars.”
For now, there’s no sign of reconciliation. SZA has shifted focus to her tour, while Minaj continues her social media campaign, with fans divided. Some X posts suggest SZA is still engaging indirectly via Instagram comments, but she appears to be moving on, emphasizing her tour’s success. Minaj’s fans argue she’s defending herself against industry sabotage, while others see her attacks as unprovoked and excessive, especially given SZA’s non-confrontational stance.
