In a recent interview with GQ magazine, SZA, the 35-year-old Grammy-winning singer, addressed the online back-and-forth she had with Nicki Minaj earlier this year, stating she doesn't understand how the dispute began. SZA, whose real name is Solána Rowe, insists there is "no backstory" to their public exchange. She clarified that she has never met Minaj, 42, and was surprised by the confrontation that unfolded on X (formerly Twitter).
The clash between the two artists began in July when Minaj seemed to believe SZA had subtweeted her regarding a post about Minaj's former manager, Terrence "Punch" Henderson. Minaj responded with several critical tweets directed at SZA, even writing that the "Saturn" singer "look[ed] & sound[ed] like she got stung by a f***ing bee".
SZA told GQ that it wasn't her place to correct a narrative she had nothing to do with. She found the situation "a little strange," stating, "It was very like, 'Why?' But also, you know 'I guess'".
During the height of the social media exchange, SZA appeared to step away from the argument, posting on X, "I don't give a f bout none of that weird s you popping… Lmao lemme go back to being calm shy and meek". However, Minaj escalated the feud by criticizing SZA's decision to re-release her 2022 album SOS as a deluxe version titled Lana. Minaj wrote, "B**** put out a whole new album as a deluxe to an already existing album that was out for like a year or 2 so the original album could break records... Like what in the insecure lack of morals & integrity you doing? I thought she was like a real artist? Girl bye".
Minaj went on to claim that if "every song [SZA had] ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn't even miss [her]," also adding, "I've been to countries that never heard of [SZA]".
SZA then responded by sharing a screenshot of a text exchange from 2020, revealing that Minaj had previously contacted her about a potential collaboration on a song called "Don't Do". SZA responded to the claims saying, "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 ..".
In her GQ interview, SZA elaborated on the situation, "Like, there was no through line narrative. It was just like, 'Roc Nation'.... I don't know where it came from,". Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for Minaj for comment.
The online spat drew in other figures, including rapper Cardi B, who has also had her own social media clashes with Minaj. Cardi B wrote in October, "Always wanna fake 'dear black women'… girl STFUUU done beefed with every black woman in the industry like girl who tf beef with SZA???".
SZA is currently co-headlining the Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar. She recently starred in the movie One of Them Days, which has reportedly grossed over $50 million at the box office. Minaj is set to appear in the American horror film series Anaconda, though her specific role is currently unknown.
