Tensions flared Tuesday (July 15) as Nicki Minaj and SZA ignited a heated exchange on X, turning vague tweets and industry history into a full-on digital showdown.
It started when SZA, fresh off her European Grand National Tour performance with Kendrick Lamar, tweeted a seemingly benign message about Mercury retrograde. But it came just moments after Minaj called out TDE president Terrence “Punch” Henderson, prompting fans to speculate SZA was subtweeting in response.
Minaj didn’t hesitate, lashing out with aggressive posts and hashtags referencing Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and her daughter Demoree, who recently filed a lawsuit alleging forced mental health institutionalization. Minaj accused SZA of being disingenuous and “draw[ing] on fake freckles,” sparking widespread fan reactions.
SZA clapped back, dismissing the drama and flexing real-world success: a sold-out stadium tour, supportive fans, and a 2023 SOS Tour gross of $95.5 million. When criticized for co-headlining, she reminded everyone that her solo tour ranked among the top R&B grossers two years running.
As SZA coolly signed off from Paris, Minaj kept swinging—proving that while both artists are on top professionally, their online personas are anything but mellow.
One thing’s certain: the internet will be watching every move from here.
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