SZA responds to Nicki Minaj’s shade by sharing receipts and referencing ignored feature requests
Image: Reuters
The tension between hip-hop icons SZA and Nicki Minaj escalated this week into a full-blown social media standoff, as SZA publicly responded to what she described as deliberate shade and selective memory from Minaj.
Nicki Minaj posted a cryptic tweet Tuesday that didn’t name SZA directly but appeared to reference her, alongside a video of SZA attempting to greet Rihanna at the Met Gala. The tweet read: “lol. These be the fake girl’s girls who talk shit but will run u down for a photo…” ending with the hashtag #JusticeForDemoree.
By Wednesday night, SZA responded candidly on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Nicki. You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response.” She also cited Minaj’s previous use of her lyrics in the song Feeling Myself, pointing out: “Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo? Lol ur having a moment… be blessed.”
To support her claims, SZA posted a screenshot of what appeared to be Minaj reaching out via a mutual contact to collaborate on a track. The messages were friendly and professional—casting doubt on Minaj’s implication that she doesn’t know or respect SZA’s work.
Nicki . You absolutely know my music and what I contribute cause you’ve asked for features twice to no response . In addition to rapping my lyrics on feeling myself “Cooking up the bass looking like a kilo”? Lol ur having a moment ..im not sure why but be blessed. pic.twitter.com/tSnhAkCpqx
The phrase “fake girl’s girls” struck a chord with fans, many of whom see it as part of a broader pattern of Minaj’s conflicts with female artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Latto. Unlike previous feuds, SZA—known for her low-drama public persona—chose to speak up this time. Fans quickly rallied around her, praising the calm yet pointed response. With screenshot receipts and lyrical callbacks, SZA reminded everyone that even the quietest voices can clap back with impact.