The beef between Cardi B and Nicki Minaj is a tale as old a time for the newbie soon-to-be veteran hip-hop diva – Minaj. Nicki Minaj has made in impact on hip hop culture for Millennials in a way that has not been seen since the days of Queen Latifahs U.N.I.T.Y., MC Lyte’s Keep On, Keepin’ On or even Lil Kim’s Ladies Night.
Nicki Minaj sling shot feminine rap to the mainstream with her flamboyance, her highly sex-positive lyrics and sensuality. And it’s not just rap! Nicki Minaj was the original “Build A’ B*tch”. Her surgical enhancements normalized black plastic surgery in a way that Kim Kardashian could only have hoped to have done.
Nicki Minaj is undoubtedly becoming a new veteran of hip hop. She’s 8 years since her first single “Your Love”, which was released in 2010. But 10 since since she was introduced to the game. The World of hip-hop moves fast and when you’re approaching the decade mark. And Minaj can feel it.
Now, I’m not a “Barb”, I’m not apart of the “Barbz Gang” and in general I don’t like the negative aspects that Nicki Minaj has had on Feminist culture. Socially, I am a feminist. I say this very specifically and will explore this topic further over time. But, I believe in the equal rights of women, men, cis-peoples and think that everyone should be treated fairly and equally under the eyes of the law.
As I said earlier, Minaj is the original, “Build-A-B*tch” and popularized plastic surgery in hip-hop in a way that many had not seen before. Rappers like Lil Kim had sexualized hip-hop for female rap artist long before Minaj but never reached the Global scale that Minaj sky-rocketed to. Lil Kim also has come to the forefront of plastic surgery and skin modification but this was long after her career had begun dwindling and after she reached Legendary status.
Here comes the “King of New York rocking sew-in weeve”, Cardi B.
Cardi B is your average hood chick from the Bronx. We’re talking pajamas with footies, mattress on the floor next to a Louis Vuitton bag, weeve a little sideways the next day, a** shots to back shots chick.
An idol.
Building a quick dynasty of her own, the hip-hop rookie married and carried the seed of Migos member Offset. Female hip-hop heads who have studied, often admired and laughed at the loud, often obnoxious and TRULY honest rapper; can attest that her come-up has truly been something to behold. I have listened to every album between Nicki and Cardi. The difference is drastic. Cardi’s progression is breathtaking. Gangsta B*tch 1 is trash compared to her Debut Album. And the new single “Money” plays into her personality and style.
In short: She’s a party starter!! When she said, “Ya b*tch wanna party with Cardi”. I was like, “Yaaasss, yass I do h*e!!!”
Minajs come up and what is looking like the beginning of her decline has also been breathtaking. But not in the same way. Minaj likes to start things that she often, can’t finish. It’s become a part of her reputation. Insiders say, that she is rude, short and does not like to be told that her music is… well… not what it used to be.
The World of hip-hop is brutal. It is truly political. You rise and plummet fast and it’s a drown or drip situation. Most can’t make it to the status Immoral Legends like Kanye, Jay, Lil Kim, Dre, Em etc (can’t list them all).
But Minaj has already entered the ranks of the lesser hip-hop divas. On the coattails and under the guidance of another soon-to-be Immortal Legend; Lil’ Wayne, I have no doubt that Nicki could do this.
However, her status is being threatened by her annoying tendencies to start fires where they are not necessary.
For The Hip-Hop Culture
Hip-Hop feuds in general can be good for the culture. Competitiveness breeds fire in some and fear in others. Feuds tend to somewhat reveal this. However, it is nothing compared to REAL battle rap. It does, however, bring a political element into the arena of hip-hop. You get to watch how each rapper reacts and tries to save face on a larger platform.
Within female artists feuding, I have often noticed that it becomes primal and instinctive to throw shots aimed mostly at the body, men and deals. As Cardi not so eloquently pointed out in her series of videos, Nicki constantly says that Cardi tries to “stop her bag” with both men and deals, Re: Diesel and Quavo.
Side Note: Many may not know but Nicki was a somewhat romantic interest of Quavo. She was featured on many songs long before Cardi, obviously, but never secured THAT BAG, as Cardi quickly wifed Offset secretly and dated him for years before in private. Quavo released a diss track recently spilling all the tea on Nicki’s desperation to find both a husband and secure bag as she is nearing 40 (she’s 35, and yes that is nearing 40). Further, Quavo also took shots at Nickis reaction to her receiving gifts from him that he amounted to “change” at his most recent listening party where he had other chicks reenact the scene. The “skeeted on your Fefe” rapper also was not at all phased and found it amusing when Nicki began to fake date hip-hop legend Nas. (Source: Love B. Scott Podcast)
However, neither rapper could make mentioned of too many bodily differences because Cardi B has been very vocal about her body modification. The exact same modifications that Minaj has had. Nicki often pointed out that Cardi B is lucky she “fixed her teeth”. Cardi herself is now known for saying, “Got a bag and fixed my teeth. Hope you h*es know it aint cheap!”
Female feuds very rarely get lyrical. (Save Rema Ma from the colossal diss she threw that was honestly amazing to listen to.)
However, it was not until Nicki mentioned “Babygirl write a verse” that I felt that Cardi had the best opportunity for a comeback. Which is; Nicki hasn’t had a fire hit since Safari slang is massive meat somewhere else. Yes, I said. This all impacts the culture in a way that, again, can be very healthy for the continuation of hip-hop but also sad for the veteran rapper who seems to beef with everyone like a tiny tyrant who hasn’t realized that their thrown has been taken.
Feminist Culture
It’s a love/hate relationship between emerging female artists and feminists. On one had you see the sex-positive, body positive female empowering vibe. But it’s all laced with fake confidence and to attract men. And when you can’t attract men and have a masculine-like treatment of them; we’re told to forget them or upgrade ourselves.
It’s confusing/mixed message that has plagued feminist culture because the World and music industry is still being controlled by money. And money is controlled by old, patriarchal non-poc men.
Both of these artists are guilty of that.
In the end; feuding female rappers do have a place in this World. They play a role in hip-hop culture that is always understated. And both artists, though they have agreed to be “positive”, have made an impact with their feud and artistry.
Coconut Oil & Almond Eyes 