Why Are Nicki Minaj and SZA Feuding? Here’s What Sparked The Singers' Online Fallout

Nicki Minaj and SZA's Twitter feud exploded on July 15, 2025, involving personal insults, business disputes, and references to ongoing lawsuits. Here's the complete breakdown of their online battle.
  • Amit Diwan
  • Editorial
  • Updated - 2025-07-16, 13:47 IST
Nicki Minaj and SZA Feud Explained

The music industry witnessed another high-profile social media clash as rap superstar Nicki Minaj and R&B sensation SZA engaged in a heated public argument. The dispute, which unfolded on X (formerly Twitter) on July 15, 2025, has left many wondering what triggered such an explosive exchange between two of music's biggest names.

Nicki Minaj and SZA Feud Explained

The controversy didn't start with SZA directly. Instead, Nicki Minaj initiated the conflict by addressing past grievances with Top Dawg Entertainment president Terrence ‘Punch’ Henderson. The ‘Anaconda’ rapper recalled previous interactions that she characterised as bullying behaviour.

"Yall remember that man from tde who kept bullying me on Twitter for no reason? We have the receipts," Minaj wrote, setting the stage for what would become an increasingly personal battle. She continued her attack by stating, "I never even responded to him. What was his name again, yall? Ima call him 'Minus 30 million' from now on. #JusticeForDemoree."

The 42-year-old artist also referred to Henderson using the phrase ‘Tiny D–k Executive,’ escalating the personal nature of her comments. These posts contained references to a legal case involving Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, and her daughter Demoree Hadley, who has accused her mother of institutionalising her without consent.

Minaj provided additional context about her conflict with Punch, explaining: "So glad I have proof of being bullied by AND being lied on by a man PUBLICLY on a platform I use for my JOB; after I rejected his business proposition on more than one occasion."

SZA’s Response and Minaj’s Direct Attack

Shortly after Minaj's initial tweets about Punch, SZA entered the conversation with what many interpreted as a subtle response. The ‘Kill Bill’ singer posted: "Mercury retrograde .. don't take the bait lol silly goose."

Although SZA later denied targeting anyone specifically with this comment, explaining "I wasn't even talking about or to anyone I had just got off staged talkin bout retrograde," Minaj perceived it as a direct slight and responded aggressively.

The Grammy-nominated rapper fired back at SZA with personal insults: "Go draw your freckles back on bookie #JusticeForDemoree #DepositionPerez. Liar liar pants on fire. Sounding like a fkng dead dog." She continued her attack with additional harsh words: "Bi–i looking & sounding like she got stung by a f–king bee. dot dot dot Draws on my fake freckles #JusticeForDemoree."

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SZA Defends Her Success and Career Achievements

The 35-year-old SZA initially attempted to dismiss the conflict, stating: "I don't give a f– bout none of that weird shit you popping." However, when warned about potential backlash from Minaj's fanbase, she highlighted her professional accomplishments and personal stability.

"I stepped my a– out onna packed stadium tour where ppl show me REAL love . IN REAL LIFE," SZA wrote, emphasising her connection with audiences. She also mentioned her healthy family relationships and career success as evidence of her grounded lifestyle.

When users pointed out her co-headlining status with Kendrick Lamar, SZA reminded everyone of her impressive touring numbers. Her 2023 SOS Tour generated $95.5 million in earnings, while the 2024 leg grossed $41.5 million, placing her prominently on Billboard's top R&B tour rankings.

The Exchange Escalates Before Paris Concert

As the argument intensified, SZA eventually chose to disengage from the conflict. "N @'d ME . The F– YES IM MAD NOW DO YOU NEED THAT !??" she wrote, expressing her frustration with being dragged into the dispute.

The ‘Snooze’ singer attempted to conclude her involvement by posting: "Lmao lemme go back to being calm shy and meek. Yall have blessed night! See you tomorrow for night 2 Paris!!" This message referenced her upcoming July 16 performance with Kendrick Lamar at the Paris La Défense Arena.

However, Minaj wasn't ready to end the exchange. She continued with another harsh comment: "Shutup ugly. #JusticeForDemoree. I'm in a meeting so idk if u was still talking s–t or not so if you didn't I'll delete later. H**."

Throughout the feud, Minaj consistently used hashtags related to the Desiree Perez legal case, suggesting deeper industry connections and ongoing disputes. Her references to rejecting business propositions from Punch indicate that professional disagreements may have fuelled the personal attacks.

The public nature of this conflict highlights the complex relationships within the music industry, where business partnerships, label affiliations, and personal grievances often intersect. Both artists have significant followings and successful careers, making their public disagreement particularly notable for fans and industry observers.

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