Nicki Minaj, SZA Engage in Heated Social Media Feud

Rappers Nicki Minaj and SZA engaged in a highly publicized and heated social media feud that began after Nicki Minaj criticized Top Dawg Entertainment president Terrence "Punch" Henderson, who manages SZA. SZA initially responded with a cryptic post about Mercury retrograde, which Nicki interpreted as a personal attack and escalated the conflict with a series of insults targeting SZA's appearance, music, and success. Nicki claimed that the music industry would not miss SZA if her songs disappeared and emphasized her own international success, while SZA defended her achievements, highlighting her sold-out stadium tours and significant earnings. The exchange intensified with both artists trading barbs, with Nicki mocking SZA's style and SZA asserting her confidence in the face of Nicki's loyal fanbase, the Barbz. Despite the hostility, SZA noted that her comment about Mercury retrograde was not directed at anyone specific but was a general statement made after a performance. The feud attracted widespread attention for its intensity and the personal nature of the insults exchanged between the two prominent musicians.