Nicki Minaj criticizes rappers for signing with white-owned record labels

Nicki Minaj has voiced her discontent with the trend of black artists signing with white-owned record labels

Nicki Minaj recently took to social media to express her frustrations with the current generation of artists, particularly African American rappers who sign with record labels owned by white executives. The Young Money rapper, who unfollowed JT and Ice Spice on Instagram earlier in the week, voiced her concerns about this trend. Minaj contrasted it with her own label, Heavy On It, highlighting her disappointment.

"Motherf*cker tell somebody they don't want to sign with Heavy On It," Minaj said, referencing the reluctance of some artists to join her label. "But then they'll go and sign with the white peoples. And guess who the white peoples finna call?" she asked, before naming herself. She further claimed that her upcoming album, Pink Friday 2, will only feature artists signed to Heavy On It. "If your name is not on Pink Friday 2, they're not a Heavy On It artist," she added, indicating her intent to spotlight only those she considers worthy.

This criticism comes amid speculation about Minaj's relationship with Ice Spice. Initially, it was believed that Ice Spice had signed with Heavy On It in 2023, but it was later confirmed that she signed with Virgin Records. Despite the joint success of their single "Princess Diana," tensions between the two have been apparent, with Minaj recently unfollowing Ice Spice on Instagram.

Interestingly, Minaj herself is signed to Young Money, a label under Universal Music Group, owned by Lucian Grainge—a point that has drawn some attention as it mirrors the actions she's critiquing.