Exploring the viral beef between Nicki Minaj and SZA

The viral feud between Nicki Minaj and SZA deepens as fans dissect subtweets, chart claims, and career criticism.

Tensions have escalated between Nicki Minaj and SZA after a series of pointed social media exchanges that quickly captured fans' attention and fueled speculation of a deeper rift.

I don’t give a fuck bout none of that weird shit you popping .

— SZA (@sza) July 15, 2025

The conflict appeared to begin when Minaj publicly accused rapper Punch—associated with SZA’s label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE)—of “bullying” her on X (formerly Twitter) after she declined a business proposal. “So glad I have proof of being bullied by AND being lied on by a man publicly,” Minaj wrote on July 15, adding that it affected her ability to work on the platform.

Mercury retrograde .. don’t take the bait lol silly goose .

— SZA (@sza) July 15, 2025

Congrats @sza
You played yourself pic.twitter.com/vkGsIcx5pt

— DaShawn 219Barbie (@BadLikeNicki) July 15, 2025

Shortly after, SZA posted a cryptic message referencing Mercury retrograde, warning others not to “take the bait.” Though she didn’t mention Minaj directly, the “Super Bass” rapper took it personally, responding with a jab at SZA’s appearance: “Go draw your freckles back on bookie.”

Go draw your freckles back on bookie #JusticeForDemoree #DepositionPerez
Liar liar pants on fire.
Sounding like a fkng dead dog. https://t.co/wxRCnecRgs

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) July 15, 2025

Minaj continued with more insults, criticizing SZA’s looks and questioning the legitimacy of her recent career milestone—SOS becoming the longest-charting Top 10 album by a Black artist on the Billboard 200. Minaj suggested that the deluxe version of SZA’s 2022 album was released primarily to break chart records rather than for artistic reasons. “Girl bye,” she wrote, implying the move lacked integrity.

Though SZA avoided directly replying to Minaj, she responded strongly to a fan who warned her about potential backlash from Nicki’s fanbase, the Barbz. “I get bullied by millions online every day then step my ass out onna packed stadium tour,” she wrote, emphasizing her real-world success and dismissing the online drama.

As of now, neither artist has backed down or offered a truce, leaving fans to speculate whether this public feud will continue or quietly fade.